http://blogs.parentcenter.babycenter.com/momformation/author/apaventi/

I was just diagnosed with euosinophillic disorder last August - due to corn as well. In Jan 07, after 2 years of being gluten free - I started getting sick again, but with different symptoms than gluten. After 7 loooong months of tons of tests & doctors - my gastro dr. found the euosinophillic disorder, and the allergist finally pinned down that it was corn. I hadn’t been able to figure it out on my own because I wasn’t having an immediate reaction.

Just to let ya’ll know - the test that revealed my allergies was a skin patch test. Concentrated pastes of about 36 different foods were put on little silver disks about the size of a nickel - and then taped to my back. after 48 hrs, i went back for the dr. to evaluate my skin reactions. another 24 hours later (72 hours exposure to the food pastes) i returned for the final evaluation. the dr. said that on a scale of 1-4, 4 being a major reaction - my “corn” site was at a 6. she actually had all the nurses come in to look and see just how severe the reaction is.

I was confused how this could happen - why it took 72 hours - but the dr. explained that sometimes it just takes that long for the body to “rally the troops to battle”. My body saw the corn as an invader - and was waging war on it. Makes sense then that I would seem to “randomly” get sick - turns out that the reaction was just happening 48-72 hours after I’d eaten corn.

It’s been almost a year of being completely corn free - even every single little derivative would set me off (i.e. citric acid used to preserve foods, xantham gum used in most gluten-free foods) and i have finally been able to tolerate very, very minute amounts. I’m now chewing gum again (sorbitol is from corn) and even had a few Reese’s miniature peanut butter cups (they have dextrose).

Just an FYI - the patch test also showed that I’m allergic to all oats (not just glutened-ones) and of course confirmed the wheat, rye & barley. Interestingly, in the middle of the year - I developed a sensitivity to rice as well. Had to completely delete that for 6 months. Have now re-introduced it back on a rotation schedule. Appears that my body can only tolerate certain levels of foods - and once I reach my max - it just rejects them altogether.

Hope my story helps someone!
Amy

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that cries every now and then. I think its just our mom instincts kicking into high gear.

p.s. The Laptop system came on Friday - Bella loves it! I’ll be blogging about it this week. Thanks again!

Every once in a while I will let myself rage at the unfairness of it all, and I wonder if I’m crying for myself as much as I am for her. Then I get a grip and remind myself that she’s a normal, active, healthy kid who just has to eat differently. It could have been blindness, a malformity, or leukemia. It could have been a thousand other illnesses or deformities that could have had an entirely different effect on her lifestyle. Instead it was something a dietary change can resolve, doesn’t require any expensive medicine or procedures, and came at a time when even my local grocery and health food stores are carrying food options for her.
It’s tough on her sometimes: when we have to make special arrangements for birthday parties, or eating out, or have to have her pack her lunch at school every day. But she can see, run, jump, play, and sing like other girls her age and by God, that’s more important.
I cry too, sometimes. But I give myself five minutes to get over it and get on with my day.