milk allergy and what's next????

[barbarhow]

My fam practitioner agrees with me that DS is milk allergic. He had wheezing after drinking it and it would contribute to his history of ear infections. He suggested that we could introduce soy milk instead. I have just finished reading some old threads from here and am now freaking about the whole soy-peanut allergy connection. Not to mention the fact that I have been eating shellfish, nuts and all sorts of things through the last 13 1/2 months of bfing without ever being aware that there might be a problem. Also Jack has been getting Isomil (1 bottle a day) since fairly early on. So now what?
Satter suggest continuing the soy formula as it has more calcium and fat. Also-he has never seemed to have a problem with cheese. If we have to cut out cheese-I don't know what I'll do as pizza is the one food he will eat consistently. Is yogurt okay? Not that he will touch it-but maybe I could incorporate into things.
Looking for guidance from anyone with experience in this. I don't really want to go down the soy milk road if it isn't the right path. YKWIM? Thanks.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[JElaineB]

I don't have a lot of experience with this, but if he was truly *allergic* to milk (as in to a milk protein or proteins) I doubt he would not be able to eat cheese either. Milk proteins (which are what cause actual milk allergies rather than intolerances) are hidden in MANY foods. Have you taken him to an allergist? If he is fine with cheese and not with milk I think it would be worth a shot to see exactly what he might be allergic to and at what level. That way you could cut out foods that would be a problem and not stress over foods that would not.

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[barbarhow]

I asked the doctor about this and he thought that it may be the difference in the amount he is ingesting. 4 ounces of milk as opposed to 1/4 ounce of cheese that would be on his slice of pizza. He won't eat yogurt so I have no idea if he reacts to that as well.
I have googled the subject and checked Dr Sears but all of the info I have found so far deal with younger babies.
I am probably going to take him to an allergist for my own piece of mind.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[JElaineB]

Barbara,

Here's a link on milk allergies, if you haven't come across it yet. It has lots of other links on the page. You might find some of it useful!

http://www.nomilk.com/

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[kwc]

Barbara-
No personal experience with milk allergy (though I am peanut- allergic!) but I'm with Jennifer. Possible milk allergy definitely warrants a referral to an allergist. If he truly is milk allergic (that is is causing his wheezing!) vs. milk intolerant, then it's possible that no amount of cheese, etc. would be safe for him even if there are no symptoms right now. Unfortunately, allergy tests in this age can be misleading but a discussion with the allergist should help you clear some things up. In the meantime, I would cut out the milk but keep his diet otherwise the same (inc. soy formula) to see if his symptoms improve.
Sorry you are going through this!

Karen
PS: Try not to worry too much about the peanut allergy... my mom swears it came from the fact that she went through a jar or more of peanut butter a week when she was pregnant. I've been following the soy-peanut connection with some interest, but it doesn't seem too conclusive yet. And I eat tofu all the time.

[barbarhow]

Thanks Karen. His wheezing has not been frequent-only immediately after the bottles with whole milk. He has had chronic ear infections, too. We are back to the Isomil and I have started introducing soy milk, too. I will find an allergist in the meantime. Thanks.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[ktdid74]

Hi Barbara- I've heard wonderful things about Barbara Chilmonczyk in Portland. I don't know if she does only peds but she's in a group that does peds and adults. Just thought I'd pass that along :)

[barbarhow]

Katie-is she an allergist? I was hoping to find a good one in Portland as there is only one up here and has a questionable "bedside" manner per my midwife. I wouldn't care so much if it were for me-but I prefer someone who is not only good but has some ability to interact with a child. YKWIM?
Thanks, I'll look her up.

[jubilee]

The other day at Whole Foods I saw a yogurt-type product called O'soy by the makers of Yo-Baby. It might be worth a try.

[ktdid74]

yep- she's an allergist and it looks like there might be 4 or 5 docs in the group. I remember having several people recommend her to me when Brendan was having problems a few years ago.

[momma_boo]

Barbara,

Definitely go see an allergist. That way you can know for sure. DD developed a rash the first day we gave her whole cow's milk. Took her to the ped who immediately referred us to an allergist - turned out she wasn't allergic after all, just a "fluke."

I did speak to a different ped at work before we figured it out and she was saying that some use goat's milk as an alternative to cow's milk. I never investigated it, but that's something you can ask your ped or allergist about.

Good luck!