When we found out Izzy needed allergy testing I was thankful that two of her cousins had been through the same thing. Both of them came through it in one piece! :) Frankly, I couldn't imagine having my then- three year old lay still for the skin tests or, worse, cooperate with the blood draw portion of the testing! I was lucky we survived the yearly vaccinations without too much drama or tears. But, we had to proceed.
First was the skin test. I left my youngest kiddo Addie with my mom at home (thanks, mom!). I was pregnant with Jonah, so he was low-maintenance :) Izzy and I headed off to the doc's together. We of course couldn't bring any food or snacks into the allergist's office due to food allergies, so we had a snack in the car on the way.
In the week ahead I had prepared Izzy for the test. I touched my finger nail to her skin to give her an idea of what the test would be like. I told her she would get a few spots on her back and then would have to lay very still. This is exactly what happened.
I knew she would have to lay very still for about 10-15 minutes, so I brought the iPod. This was a life saver. It gave her something to do that distracted her while laying flat. I also sat next to her and rubbed her legs, hoping to distract her from any discomfort on her back. Turns out her back was quite uncomfortable. It started to burn and itch because, well, she's highly allergic to peanuts and nuts! But she couldn't move or the test liquid would run down her back. I told her we just needed to be still so we didn't have to come back and do this again in a week. She was really uncomfortable but my leg rubbing and the games on the iPod helped her get through. Also, I was, of course, praying for her to be still (thank you, God!).
A few days later we went to the blood lab with the whole family. Fun outing! :) Not really. I prayed like crazy in the days leading up as I just couldn't fathom the poor kid having her blood drawn. I can only say that a miracle occurred. When we were called into the lab they had a great kid-friendly room. They had little toys to give the kids getting the draw. Izzy and Addie (who also was tested with a blood draw; she was 1.5 years old), sat there with their toys. When it was Izzy's turn, she sat on Jeff's lap (there wasn't much room on my prego lap). And then the unbelievable happened. When it was her turn for the draw she just talked to the lab tech and WATCHED. No tears. No fights. She was very interesting in the whole thing! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Addie's wasn't quite as smooth but it wasn't bad. She sat still in Jeff's lap but had little quiet tears running down her sweet cheeks. But, all in all, it was fairly quick and they forgot about it almost before we were out the door of the hospital.
I always make it a practice to let them know we are "all done with that for awhile" after having something like that done. Otherwise, they think the next day we are heading back to the hospital!
Anyway, Izzy's skin test unfortunately confirmed our suspicion about the peanut allergy and suggested she "might be" allergic to cashews as well. The allergist told us all peanuts and tree nuts much be strictly avoided. Addie's test suggested a possible almond allergy and suggested we avoid them for her until the next testing. I doubt she's allergic as she's had almond milk and flour without problems prior to the testing. But we are following the suggestions. I also have to avoid all nuts and peanuts while pregnant and nursing. Sibs have an 80% chance of having food allergies if one child has them.
Anyway, I hope this story, written while a bit sleep-deprived and with a slightly foggy memory, helps some momma or daddy out there in preparing their kiddo for testing! It really passes quickly and isn't nearly as bad as I imagined. My best recommendations are 1) prayer and 2) hand held games :)
