It took a year. A full year to get here and pull this off.
Last year at this time, we were having our second appointment with our “new” allergist. And at the risk of taking this train completely off the tracks, I have to mention that we adored our first allergist. He was the best of the best of the best of the best. But when some of those big sweeping health care changes came through a couple of years ago, our dear allergist made the decision to retire. And so we simply went with the “new” allergist with whom Mayhem’s files had been left.
The first appointment was simply a “get to know you” type thing. All was good, and Mayhem wasn’t due for an appointment, but her epi-pens needed to be refilled and the new office said they’d only submit a prescription after an office visit. So we went and shook hands and chatted briefly about Mayhem’s file. The new allergist went along with all of the advice and instruction our previous allergist had offered, so everything seemed fine. He did also suggest that once Mayhem turned five, we should also test for environmental allergies (as she had only previously been tested for food allergies).
And so, her fifth birthday rolled around and I scheduled an appointment for the testing. We arrived and they prepped Mayhem for the test, a scratch test in which they put a bit of the allergen protein on the skin to watch for a reaction.
And react she did. A whole new slew of allergies were discovered. But the worst part came after the scratch test, when the nurse came back in with three (gigantic) needles and simply announced that they needed to do some additional testing. There was really no warning. Just sitting down, grabbing Mayhem’s arm, and pressing those needles into her arm. One agonizing stick at a time.
My eyes welled up with tears as I held my wailing girl on my lap. It was awful. I’ve truly never seen my girl more terrified, nor heard her scream so loud.
We left that office visit in tears. And with an order for another blood test. The only slightly good news we had received at that appointment was that Mayhem’s scratch test for both sesame and soy were negative. Which meant she may have outgrown those two allergies (we had been told there was a good chance she could outgrow those particular allergies) and that would be awesome. BUT … there was also a chance that the scratch test simply gave a false reading, and a blood test was the next step. If the blood test supported the scratch test findings, then an in-office food challenge would be up next before getting the clearance to add sesame and soy back into her diet.
And while Keith and I were a bit anxious to find out the results, we didn’t press the blood test with Mayhem. Because every single time we mentioned it, she began panicking at the thought of anyone coming near her with a needle. Awesome.
Last week, we knew she’d have to finally face her fear. Because we had her six year well check scheduled with her pediatrician and we knew a couple of vaccines were on the docket. Not only did she survive, but she also said “that didn’t even really hurt at all.” And then the skies opened up and angels sang.
I had discussed the fairly traumatizing allergy visit from the previous year, with our pediatrician and she quickly offered recommendations for other allergists who might be a better fit for us. AND … she said she’d gladly put in an order for the (sesame and soy) blood work and let us know the findings ASAP, though her recommendation was still to have a (new) allergist advise us on treatments/next course of action. Our pediatrician also happens to be a food allergy parent, so she totally gets it, which is awesome for us.
But despite the fact that Mayhem dealt well with her vaccinations, she was still in a panic about the blood test. She didn’t remember the first time she had it done (just before she turned two … and watched the whole time without so much as a peep out of her!) and the idea of a needle being left in her arm for any length of time was scaring her to death. Keith and I knew she’d be fine and that we were simply going to have to make her go. And so the very day after her six year well check, we took her to the local Children’s Hospital outpatient center and found a seat in the waiting area.
Mayhem was beyond nervous. As we waited for her name to be called, Keith kept her distracted and entertained. And then Kathy emerged from a room and sweetly called for our girl. Kathy was a phlebotomist and would be drawing Mayhem’s blood. She was quiet and friendly and completely calm. She recognized immediately that we had an apprehensive girl on our hands and promised to explain everything as she went. She also promised Mayhem it wouldn’t hurt at all. And then Kathy made good on her promise.
We left with a happy girl. A happy girl who is no longer terrified of needles!
And that’s the good excellent news.
Two days later, we received a call from our pediatrician’s office, with the results from the test. The blood work still shows sesame and soy as being worrisome allergies for Mayhem.
And that’s the bad news.
I can honestly say that we were all a little disappointed, but in the end, it doesn’t change anything for us. It just means we keep on keeping on, the way we have been for the past few years. And a new appointment with a new allergist is on the books.
Mostly though, I’m thrilled that we were able to help Mayhem overcome her fear of needles. It’s amazing how one bad experience can really have a such a lasting/paralyzing effect and I’m so glad we’ve cleared that hurdle. High five, Kathy!
As a phlebotomist that has drawn from preemies (30 weeks) to 105 year old, the needle fear is something everyone can have so please tell Mayhem she has done what some big, tattooed, muscle men haven’t. Finding a phlebotomist that is great with your child is a wonderful, reassuring thing for a parent of a child that needs regular blood draws which is why I went into the medical field. Way to go all 3 of you. It took a family effort to do it and you all should celebrate it as a win for your family.
We’ve been through allergy testing too! It’s so hard!
Thankfully, last fall my son passed his skin, blood and oral challenge. He is now allergy-free for foods!!!
We still have some environmental allergies to deal with but I’m thankful the food allergies are gone.
Finding a good doctor is a treasure beyond diamonds-covered platinum 🙂
My first experience at the dentist’s office was terrifying (and I won’t wish it to anyone, even my worst enemies) and it took years to be able to go to the dentist without worrying my head off. (And still it takes my husband to call and set up the appointment because for me that’s almost impossible…) However, this past year, I finally found (also, thanks to my hubby) a dentist lady who is gentle and knows what she’s doing. So while I still am nervous when I come, she even made me laugh in that chair – and not once!
Thank God for doctors who know their thing and who love helping people.
I’m a medical student, and I got so angry for you and Mayhem just reading this! No one should ever have anything done in a doctor’s office without their consent. And for kids who have to have their parents consent for them, they deserve to have everything explained to them in a way they can understand. It’s so important to me, as a future doc, that my patients know that I work for them! They’re my boss. I can guide them in making medical decisions, but I cannot force them. It’s so easy for docs to forget, but medicine is a service industry! Ugh! Rant over and so glad it worked out!