On Friday, July 19th, Jake and I trekked 45 minutes across town to our integrative MD’s office. What did she have to say about Jake’s increased food allergies?
First off, she didn’t appear to be very surprised. His food allergies have always been all over the place and she thinks it’s because his digestive system doesn’t function correctly. The things we have done in the past year have helped him cognitively, but haven’t been enough from a gut standpoint to heal the allergy problem. That being the case, we need to amp up what we are doing to heal his digestive system.
It was also reassuring to hear that it is very common for allergy test results to vary, even on a daily basis. For example, if Jake’s body was reacting severely to the histamine prick for fish, it could have made intolerances or slight allergies appear more elevated and the results might have been much different than if some of those things were tested individually. Therefore, the chances of him going into true anaphylactic shock if he comes into contact with those new allergens is probably unlikely.
So where do we go from here? What does Phase Two look like?
- Continue with GFCF diet & supplements (multi-vitamin, CoQ10, B vitamins, calcium)
- Continue with gut-healing supplements (probiotic and glutamine)
- Add Inulin, a prebiotic
- Add IgG 2000 DF – three times more immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total immunoglobulins than colostrum
- Stop taking D-Hist Jr.
- Incorporate some GAPS diet principles
- Try adding eggs back into diet.
- Continue with acupuncture two times a month to stimulate the healing of his digestive system. The good news is, my insurance covers this service. The bad news is, they don’t cover speech therapy.
The day I got home from our appointment, I ordered the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Thank you Melody for recommending this book to me a while back and thank you to Candace for reminding me about the diet. For those of you who haven’t heard of this book, it outlines the GAPS diet and explains the science behind why it works. It is a diet for people with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, food allergies, depression and schizophrenia.
Let me be honest here. In no way, shape, or form am I excited about Phase 2 like I was about Phase 1. Nothing about any of this is fun and it is mentally and physically exhausting. Each and every thing with this new diet and supplement program has to be tried individually and because Jake’s system is so sensitive, I always have to watch for reactions. That, in itself, without all the GAPS diet food preparation, is nerve wracking.
I don’t know. I have my doubts and wonder if all of this will make any difference with his food allergies. I also know the majority of medical professionals would tell me not to waste my time. I question – What if his belly is in great condition (he has no belly pain and great poop), but he still has all these food allergies? And if the gut-brain philosophy is true, since he is so much better cognitively, shouldn’t his belly be healthy also?
I ask myself these questions, but know three things: 1.) I believe in diet & supplemental intervention. I have witnessed progress first-hand. 2.) I trust my doctor. 3.) I have to at least try and if I fail, I will make the best out of a bad situation.
I also pray for guidance and wisdom. I pray for God to put paths in front of me that will be easy to follow. From the beginning of my journey with apraxia, I have done this and it is remarkable what starts happening when I humble myself and ask for help. Encouragement from a friend at just the right moment, blog posts that restore my faith and answer questions that I am battling at that particular moment, new people that come into my life at precisely the right time, or a new song on the radio that puts all of my thoughts to a melody. I’m loving my new theme song Help Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets for Phase 2 …
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Jake's Journey with Apraxia 
Aww friend, I’m sad and excited for you. I’m sad because I understand and feel your frustration and exhaustion. I’m excited because you have a doctor you can trust and be totally open and honest with. Every phase is a struggle but with each struggle our faith grows. Hold on to that and follow your heart. You are obviously being led in the right direction, to the right people and for the right reasons. Jake is so very blessed to have you!!
P.S. as soon as I’m fully healed from the delivery havoc lets meet up! Even if its just a quick chat! Big hugs! Kristy. 🙂
Aww, thank you Kristy! I feel so bad that I haven’t sent you a baby gift or been to visit. You are in my thoughts every day and I love seeing that adorable baby boy on FB. I have big dreams of showing up with all these fab GFCF meals for B that only I would know how to make and goodies for you and baby, but the days just keep passing by and it doesn’t happen. I still care though! My brain/energy has been wrapped up in all this Jake drama for the past few weeks. We are due for a pizza date again! I guess at this point, I’ll just take ya out for a postpartum escape one Saturday. 🙂 Take care of yourself and we will talk soon. 🙂
I would love to hear how things go with GAPS diet. When you posted what GFCF food you give to Jake, it was very helpful to me. Also, how do you give all the supplements? Do you mix with food or does Jake takes them? We got some supplements after initial visit to Dr. Bhatia, and I’m struggling to give all of them to my son. Any suggestions would be great!
It’s amazing to see the video of Jake from now and a year ago. Thank you for posting them. It gives me hope.
Naomi – First few weeks after Dr. Bhatia are hard. It’s hard to get a system going. I’m trying to gradually get the revised GAPS diet going. Regarding supplements, I put probiotic and glutamine in Motts applesauce at breakfast. I use a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to stir it up really good so there is no grit left from the powder. (Bigger spoon is hard to maneuver in that small container). In the beginning, I would peel the lid carefully off and then reseal and open it in front of him. (He was really onto me at that point & was being impossible to deal with). I’m battling with the applesauce right now b/c I tried to take it away & give supps a different way b/c it has over 20 grams of sugar in it, but he’s not having it. I’m back to the applesauce! I give the B and CoQ10 in about 1-2 tbsp of apple juice. He was giving me a hard time with it, but my husband got him to mix it up himself one Saturday and then he lined up gummies (fruit snacks) on the counter. He would take one sip of vitamins and take one gummy. Now he likes it and just chugs it down without gummies. Sometimes they’ll do things for dad or someone else that they won’t do for us. Hang in there!