Today we had our consultation with (another) new allergist for Josie…
It was a 4 hour drive (technically 3 hours) to Austin from Houston…
But after two diaper blowouts in the carseat, several pee stops for Josie and getting gas and coffee, we finally made it. Everyone was a little over it before it even began. It was a long ride.
My nerves are shot. My girl screamed through getting her weight, height and VS (absolutely refused). The doctor was very kind and patient and spent over an hour with us as I cried on and off about a plan and how much guilt I have from her allergies and near death reactions. We are set to start OIT August 14th. I’m totally freaking out. I am so happy with this doctor, but I am absolutely terrified and anxious for the pending thought of actually doing this. I don’t know how I’m going to rest easy up until this day. I need a good distraction. So friends that are local, please help me with this. Y’all that know me, KNOW I’m anxious all the time. But I REALLY need y’all more then ever right now. I’m afraid I’m going to talk myself out of doing this because of my own fears and panic.
THE PLAN: We are doing BOTH egg and dairy at once. The younger in age, the better outcomes. It’s just getting this girl to cooperate and stick to the plan that will be the challenge. How on Earth am I going to get a toddler who hates food to eat this dose for me daily?
BAD NEWS: He did say how much he’s concerned about her numbers. And said numerous times that “her numbers are high. Really high” 
š¢. But he has a good feeling about this and I’m going to try my best to trust him with my baby.
The first appointment is at 8am. It’s a 6 hour appointment. The waking up early, the drive and the time spent is just a teeny tiny sacrifice we’re willing to make to help our girl.
Let’s remember: THIS IS NOT A CURE. Especially with her numbers, this only helps her NOT to develop an anaphylactic reaction and/or to (in hopes) desensitize her from these foods. But the catch? She’d have to eat them every single day for the rest of her life to maintain that desensitization. Eventually she’d be able to eat these foods but not in high doses like mama can eat an entire cake in one sitting. 
š (I’m trying to be funny here although I feel like crying). I just want my girl to have the peace of mind that time is on her side if she ever bites into that food.
The plan to tackle peanuts and tree nuts is down the road. Those levels are just too high. And dairy and egg are in everything! I think it’s smart to start there.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This process of desensitization, can take anywhere from 6-12+ months JUST to be able to bite and not react. And all the work is on me. I have to make sure she stays on her doses and sticks to her regimen. And y’all know how I am with regimens. If I’m good at anything, it’s that.
We will travel to Austin every two weeks (to up-dose). At that appointment, they will give her an increase from the two weeks prior but ONLY if I’ve given her the allergen in that small dose at home every day (full 14 days) leading up to that next up-dose (increase in allergen).
I can’t believe we are doing this y’all! I can’t believe it!
I know so many people will ask. And so many have reached out with good vibes and prayers. I appreciate you all. Thank you to those who’ve reached out and those continuing to pray for our Josie girl. I have a good feeling she’s going to be in good hands. And we are both willing to do anything to get this to work.
We’d like to track our journey. And when I say “our”, it’s because it’s not just Josie’s. Although the end result is for her to have a more normal life but also for her to have a more normal mom. I can admit that I had anxiety before kids. But after kids it got worse. But then having an allergy child made it 100x worse. So if she can get well, then so can I. We can both breathe together. I have faith this doctor is going to one day give us all what we’ve been waiting for. This is all in God’s hands.
A Pair of Socks 
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