Daniel's 18 month checkup - still skinny, but getting taller

DansMom wrote: Daniel had his 18 month checkup yesterday. I'm sure he is the only boy on this website who is 21.4 pounds at this age (up 2.1 pounds from 19.3 at 12 months); he also grew two more inches since the last checkup (now 32.67 inches), and his feet are longer. The pediatrician says he would only worry if the height wasn't changing, but that Daniel seems healthy and active and growing, and he takes my word for it that the little fella is eating well these days---loves hot dogs, avocados, noodles, bread, potatos, and various fruits and vegetables. DH was only 122 pounds in his twenties, and my dad was only 104 pounds (tiny guy, had to tip the scale when he joined the navy), so Daniel's not likely to be burly and substantial. I'm only 113 pounds when I'm overweight. Nuff said on that score, although I still worry because I can't help myself.

Allergy to milk: I've mentioned before that one thing I don't like about my pediatrician is that he has been resistant to referring me to an allergist, despite my description of scary (puffiness, intense sneezing/nose rubbing, tearing eyes, coughing/gagging) reactions to one taste of milk product. This visit I said I was uncomfortable challenging the allergy unless we were in a medical setting; he was fine about that and offered to either refer me to an allergist (he had two names for me), or to challenge the allergy in his office on Tuesday to see where things are at. I must have seemed wishy washy in past discussions, because when I was clear about my concerns and what I wanted at this visit, the ped was totally cooperative with me. Hmm. So we go back on Tuesday, and I'll let y'all know how he responds.
I'm extremely anxious---I hate putting him through a reaction if he's still sensitive.

A&A'smommy replied: awww WTG Daniel! He sounds like he is doing just fine as far as weight gain! Good luck tuesday with all the allergy stuff I hope it goes well for you and I'm sure it will! ((((HUGS)))) for you because I know your worried!

coasterqueen replied: WTG Daniel!!!!

BTW, we took Kylie to an allergist for a possible milk allergy, but I wanted to warn you that they CANNOT determine milk allergies effectively. They can test for lactose intolerance or the equivalent to what that is for young babies, but they can't truly test for underlying dairy allergies.

The only way to truly test for them are through TOTAL dairy elimination diets (that means all hidden dairy). If you'd like more info on this I can send you some, let me know

amynicole21 replied: Sounds like he's doing just fine WTG, Daniel! I'm glad the ped took you seriously on the allergy. I'd be nervous about testing it too, but would feel much better with the doc standing by. Keep us posted on the results of that appt.

ediep replied: WTG Daniel!!! Good luck with the allergy test!

MommyToAshley replied: Way to grow Daniel! Sounds like he is doing great, and he is just too darn cute!

I am glad the Ped took you seriously on the milk allergy this time. I would be more comfortable with a doc standing by too. How long after he has milk does he have a reaction?

Good luck... let us know how the testing goes!

DansMom replied: Daniel is currently on a zero-milk diet---I read every ingredient, looking for whey, casein and all the hidden dairy, and at restaurants I don't order foods from a grill because they might use butter, and most margarines have some milk protein too (deep fried foods are usually safe---though not particularly healthy of course). The ped had said that an allergist would not tell us anything we don't already know, and he thought a referral would not be useful at Daniel's age. On his advice (and some personal research) I've been following the zero dairy diet for extended periods (including none for me since I BF), and presenting a challenge to it (yogurt usually) periodically to see if the allergy is still there. So far, it has persisted. I'm glad to hear confirmation from Karen that the allergist may not have been able to tell me more than I've already determined---that means my pediatrician was right in being hesitant to refer (his exact words: "they'll tell you he is allergic to milk, which you already know").

Daniel has reacted within a few minutes to anything containing milk protein (ice cream, yogurt and cheese). The last reaction was downright scary. We should be able to tell pretty quickly if that's still the case on Tuesday, and I guess if he's still reacting I would want to see an allergist just to see if they can give me additional advice on managing it. It would put my mind at ease to see a specialist if the reaction is as severe as it has been in the past.

coasterqueen replied: Tracy,

Sounds like you are doing everything to manage this, great job! I'm curious to hear what the allergist tells you too Kylie tested negative for dairy allergy, although that doesn't mean anything coming from them, lol, but she did test positive for a soy allergy. Weird. Do you know what our allergist's suggestion was???? Take all soy out of her diet, for me to quit breastfeeding because she was obviously allergic to my milk (YEAH WHATEVER LADY), and give her benedryl! What, benedryl? That will knock her out and is unnecessary!

I still see that allergist for me, but will never go to her for Kylie, EVER! We will find a pediatric allergist or whatever they are called, lol. One who specifically specializes in child allergies, dairy/soy to be more specific.

We are still not 100% that Kylie doesn't have an *intolerance* to dairy. She is severely gassy and at times she'll point to her *self* and say "hurts, hurts" before she passes gas and she sometimes screams before passing a stool. It has seemed to have become a big issue now that she is drinking whole milk at the daycare instead of ebm. So we plan to bring this up to her PED at her 2 year visit unless it gets worse before then. I know it's not constipation per se because she drinks a TON of water and eats foods that would ease that issue. *SIGH*

I have to say you are my hero for going totally dairy free! I couldn't do it, I tried and failed miserably. I'm a severe food phobias and most of what I *can* eat are dairy related. I even went to a nutrionist who told me I'd basically starve if I tried, lol.

and keep us posted!

jcc64 replied: The only real way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen, which you are already doing. Perhaps the ped feels the same way? The testing may be traumatic for Daniel, and why subject him to it if in the end all you're gonna do is exactly what you're already doing?
In general, drs know very little about nutrition, a visit to a nutritionist may prove to be more valuable.
And I'm sure you already know this, but allergies come and go randomly. Ds #2 had a milk sensitivity as a toddler, and we eliminated it for about a year. But when we reintroduced it later, he was able to tolerate it and now exhibits no evidence of it anymore.

DansMom replied: I never considered going to a nutritionist---and there are plenty of nutritionists in our city. Thanks for the suggestion!

I wonder if I should go longer before reintroducing (this scheduled "challenge" is really a reintroduction attempt---I'm just scared to do it at home). I haven't tried anything for 6 months, but I wonder if I should go longer than that, and wait until he's two?

jcc64 replied: yeah, maybe wait a little longer. Give his immune system a little more time to mature? I think Noah was close to 2.5 or 3 when we slowly started offering dairy again.
And btw, Corey is also only 21lbs.

kimberley replied: the Allergy board on Parents Place (I Village) is a great resource for elimination and ways to reintroduce. they are very supportive. sounds like you are doing everything right. good luck with the testing.