I can't say I wasn't expecting this. The doctor agrees with me that the most likely culprit of Belle's (I'll spare you the gross details) bowel issues lately is a milk sensitivity or allergy. Considering both her father and grandfather are lactose intolerant and her brother can't tolerate anything with milk protein (casein) in it (as well as a host of other things... the devil's grain - gluten, tree nuts, red dye) I wasn't surprised she has some issues.
So, today since Alex was off at camp we ran our errands as usual and stopped to get a slice of pizza. This very well could have been her last slice of pizza, I'm glad she ate the whole thing. Since Alex can't have pizza (aside from special pizza that I make him) we don't ever order it and the only time she ever gets it is birthday parties or if we are out just the 2 of us. Cross that little special outing off the list from now on. Boo Hoo. Pout.
After consulting with the pedi this afternoon we have decided to trial no milk for her and she'll go for testing. Great timing what with preschool starting next week.... I guess since I'm already in the habit of more severe restrictions for Alex it should be no biggie to just add her to the list. I'm trying to stay positive but I'm not forseeing puffy hearts and rainbow clouds this time around.
She is not handling it well. Scratch that - she is not handling it PERIOD. She wants her milk and NOW. Soy is no-go too since 1 in 3 with milk issues also have soy issues. She asked for her milk and I gave her rice milk - she threw the cup at me in true full-on 3 year old tantrum mode. I know she will drink the uber pricey Vance's Dari-Free of which I have none in my pantry and the health food store is closed. Guess where I am going first thing in the morning? I can't believe this but it was easier to transition a 6 year old boy with autism off of pretty much everything but cardboard than a single elimination of milk (and milk products). So she is screaming right now and won't go to bed because she hasn't had any milk. Alex hates her crying and has told her to go take a Time-Out. She responded to the Time-Out order by declaring she was going to feed him to the wolves. Soon, hopefully soon - she'll collapse from exhaustion.
I feel so sad for her and wish I could just hug it and make it all right. Unfortunately it is just not that easy.
5 comments:
I need to get some rice drink one of these days. The grocery store I went to on Sat does not carry it and I cannot take my boys into Trader Joes. The store is too tight and too many people inside. Nicholas walks around complaining about the smells, same with Whole Foods.
I might be trying out Almond Milk next on Matthew so we can do only rice and almond and see if taking out the soy helps with behaviors and sensory issues and maybe toilet training can be in our future.
Good luck. Matt developed PICA from milk.
Oh no to no milk! :-( I can totally relate as Vanessa still loves her milk. Milk, oatmeal, waffles and cheerios was at one point during the first treatment her nourishment. She still drinks lots of it, I'd say 1 gallon lasts 2 1/2 days and I am not using that much on my coffee. ;-) I wish I had words of advice but I don't but I do know that you have the unconditional love and patience that will guide you through this. Vanessa does like apple juice, occasionally water. HUGS!!!!
Aghh! That *is* unfair, I'll have to say. Now you can can enjoy reading all those fun web sites like "milk the lie" "dairy is the devil," etc.
But seriously, I am so sorry that Bella has lost such an important comfort item in her young life. I hope you find something she can substitute. I'm sure you've tried the Almond milk--Sue likes the chocolate only but she does like that. I wish I had other suggestions but you know so much more about all this than I do.
My husband and I laughed out loud at the "devil grain" comment. You are so funny!
Goodness you have a lot to handle. I don't know how you are keeping track of it all. Is it possible that the milk *won't* turn out to be the culprit? (Unlikely, I know...)
Three year olds are, in my experience, the hardest kids to deal with due to those full-blown temper tantrums. (It didn't seem any different with my neurotypical child than with Alex, either...) Hang in there... at least eventually she will grow up and understand the why of what is going on.
Poor Bella! It's hard for us big people to give-up what we love, it must be even harder when your 3. Here's to hoping a new favorite is soon to be discovered :0)
Post a Comment