Levi has been struggling with asthma for as long as we have known him. It used to be worse, and there were times we have thought that he’s outgrown it, but with the last bout of pneumonia (or so we thought…apparently asthma can look a lot like pneumonia on an x-ray) our pediatrician wanted a closer look at Levi’s asthma. It’s not as under control as we would like it to be. So, we got an appt with Dr. Jacobs, an allergist/asthma doc.
We tried to prepare Levi for the testing that was to come, it was going to be a 2-2 1/2 hour appt and not so fun with the allergy testing. The night before, I pulled Levi up to the computer and read him our friends Robb and Rebecca’s blog since their son, Noah, just went through the same testing. It was an honest look at just exactly was going to happen at the appt. The hardest part for Levi was seeing Noah crying during the scratch test, it made him tear up and get nervous. We reassured him that both Dee and I would be there with him and that he would be alright. It’s just what needed to be done to get him feeling better.
So we checked in, got the paperwork done and almost immediately, the nurse took him down the hall to do a breath test. He got to pick out a mouthpiece and blow out computer candles. He was so frustrated not to be able to get them all out, even after repeated tries. But the staff was positive and encouraging.
Then the waiting came. It was painful. I packed a bag with books, snacks, my old Gameboy and Gamegear (which was new to Levi and a big hit) and his special bear. He stayed entertained and Dee and the new baby got in a catnap while we waited. Finally we got to meet Dr. Jacobs. He has such an easy going sense about him and I knew he would help us find a better plan for Levi. Levi’s first question was “How many scratches are you going to do to me” in which Dr. Jacobs replied, “I honestly don’t know, that’s not something I even know how to do!” That made us all laugh. He listened to Levi’s breathing, got some background info from us and assured us that things could be better and will be better.
Next was the dreaded part of the exam, the allergy testing. We didn’t do the food allergies, since Levi has never had issues with any foods, but there were 40 of the most common allergens to test for. The nurse showed him the kit, then got started. It took Dee holding his hands still while the scratches were being done. Levi was as brave as can be expected, he even started laughing at one point to keep from crying. About half way through he had had enough and asked her to stop, but he was a champ and finished it off. Oh, it hurt and it was so hard to see him go through that.
As you can see from the picture of his back, just 10 minutes after the scratch test, Levi is allergic to a ton of things. The worst is dust mites but also the dog, the cat, trees, grass, mold….it’s quite a list. So things are going to change at our place, starting with new meds (5 new prescriptions), dust mite covers for Levi’s pillow and mattress, less time with the cat and a complete deep cleaning of his room.
After the scratch test, Levi did a breathing treatment then repeated the blowing out the candles test and this time he got them all out! He was so proud and they were impressed that he had a 44% increase with the meds.
We go back to Dr, Jacobs in 3 months to see how things are progressing but until then we have an idea of things we can do to help. At least we are on the right track now!
Three Scurvy Dogs a Wee Lass (and their Mamas) 