Thank you so much for the supportive and also very informational comments on this MSPI thing. Rather than respond directly to everyone because I'm having some mail troubles right now where mail from me is being marked as spam :( I will make some comments here.......
First, this thing with Soy Lecithin and Soybean Oil being mostly OK because it doesn't contain the proteins. I hope this is true for us based on the fact that Tab doesn't seem to be a 'severe' allergy person, there's no blood in her diapers, etc, however there were many days where I ate little Soy other than OREOS (in large quantities) and she continued to react.... so for now I will avoid it and maybe try introducing it in a week or two.
Second, we have an appointment with the (fabulously supportive and knowledgable about all this) Pediatrician on Friday which I will discuss this more and want to ask how long this is likely to last with her, whether she will likely grow out of it? (PLEASE LET HER GROW OUT OF IT). I think I read that they usually do around 12-18 months?
Third, thank you so much for the acceptable food recommendations. I've been to Whole Paycheck today and bought a bunch of Amys Soy/Dairy free foods which are fantastic. The exceptionally good thing about this brand is that you can search their products via their website and ask them to show you soy/dairy free products only.
I also bought some Enjoy Life cookies / brownies which are YUMMY. They will fix a craving or three.
While browsing the frozen section Dylan suggested some rice-icecream and I said something along the lines of 'urgh no thanks' and a passing woman volunteered that I should try the coconut milk based ice cream. I have some in the freezer now ;-)
Yesterday I bought some Cascadian Farms frozen potato chips.
Haagan Dazs sorbet seems to be quite allergen friendly?
Ingredients: Water, Strawberries, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Pectin, Chokeberry Juice Concentrate, Elderberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors
Lunch has become dairy/soy free bread with olive oil and balsamic, ham, and fruit.
Anyway - that's all my sweet/junk food tooth talking. When I feel restricted I generally crave all that I can't have so it's good to fill the cupboard with a few nice things.
Mostly we eat freshly prepared food at home..... pasta's, fresh sauces, chicken, vegetables (no more store bought gravies), etc. That's not too much of a problem although breakfast is proving difficult. Eating out is going to be problematic. We eat out *alot* and I basically wont' be able to eat much of anything other than very plain meats/vegetables/salads without dressings. PAH.
Posted by katie at February 20, 2008 09:12 PMGlad you found some good foods- eating out will remain problematic. I found a few restaurants with a few safe things that just became our standby. There was a salad I would get at O'Charleys without the cheese that I ate a ton.
My daughter likes Rice Dream but doesn't know better- me, having eating ice cream before, can't stand it.
You likely did not cause the allergy/intolerance so don't blame yourself. There is still alot that is not known about why this happens in some kids, and it can be very hard to diagnose because it is just a trial and error clinical diagnosis. She will very likely grow out of it. Many babies outgrow it by a year, many more by 2, and nearly all by 5.
here is a recent paper that is good http://adc.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/92/10/902
ps- i stumbled upon your blog when i was trying to google to see if there was soy protein in the "natural flavors" of mayo.
Best wishes- glad you have a good pediatrician! : )
Posted by: rebecca at February 20, 2008 09:32 PM