Re: Allergy testing/heavy metal testing Please help!

[Guest guest]

BTW, my son did not have the MMR so I can't really claim that it

wrecked the intestine. -Meggie

> Yikes,

> I am preparing for an appointment with my son's pediatirician in

the

> morning and thought I had all my ducks in a row but as I try to

> formulate what I want to talk about I am finding my self at a

loss.

> Specifically, the things I have left on my list that I am having

> trouble for is-what allergy testing to ask for and a succint way or

> explaining why. Does anyone have any ideas? Also what heavy

metals

> to test for and why? I am having a hard time figuring out how to

> explain this in a way that may bring success. This doctor is not a

> total meanie but she has the protocol of the AAP that specifically

> say do not test for these things (have you read this?) and I don't

> know how she will react. She did send us to the allergist but the

> allergist was totally clueless about what to do beyond a skin test

> (including foods) to check for histamine reaction which came out

> negative of course. The allergist did concede that a sensitivity

or

> intolerance is different than an allergy although she didn't seem

to

> have a clue that there was some way to test for this let alone

being

> able to. I don't think she totally bought my whole theory but was

> seeming to humor me somewhat. So, please help me with how to

explain

> and ask for the proper thing from pediatrician tommorrow regarding

> heavy metals and food testing. This doctor has sent us to EEG, MRI,

> eye test, allergy test, and numerous blood work up. I think she

will

> at least listen to what I have to say. I really don't want to blow

> my very puny stash of money on a DAN doctor (want to save it for

> therapy) so I want to try to get what I can from the pediatrician.

> Thanks, Meggie

[Guest guest]

Specifically, the things I have left on my list that I am having

> trouble for is-what allergy testing to ask for and a succint way or

> explaining why.

Wow, I am a little confused after your post but I have not been

following this board for some time.... I might be able to help on the

allergy front though, I'll at least give it a shot.

What, if any, problems do you notice that make you want to test for

possible allergies? Allergies can present themselves in so many ways,

but the key factor in determining testing is are they imeadiate

(quick onset of hives, congestion, wheezing, vomiting, etc) or are

they delayed (behavior, rash, eczema, gastrointestinal, etc)

Skin testing only (ONLY) tests the immeadiate. And if they did a

hystamine test (was it a prong test of 8?) and the hystamine turned

up negative then the test was done incorrectly. The hystamine on the

prong test is there solely to tell them if the test is okay, and the

testee will react to the hystamine. The others 7 are generally a

combination of dairy, wheat, egg, mold, pollen, dustmites and

peanuts. Other combinations if you have been suspecting anything- but

those are the most common allergens, and by no means is it an

extensive test.

RAST testing also tests the immeadiate allergies, but it is a blood

test that does a complete workup of foods and environmental.

The ELISA/act test is the one that I am pushing for with my son. He

has a combination of both types but probably 90% of his food

reactions are delayed. This test is exteremly extensive (from my

understanding) and tests absolutely everything. However doctors are

extremely reluctant to use this test. Cost I believe is the biggest

factor, but I've also heard that many don't feel that this test

accurately can detect delayed reactions. (Some don't believe in

delayed reactions at all)

Allergy vs. Intollerance, this is a big issue too, as if you were to

take an example of my son. Many people think that since he is milk

allergic but doesn't break out in hives the second milk touches him

that he is just lactose intollerant. Not true. If that were the case,

he could drink lactose-free milk, however that would hospitalize him.

He is actually allergic to whey and casein- two of the milk proteins.

Whey causes vomiting, casein causes bleeding in his intestinal tract.

If he has something whey free he appears fine, until 2-4 days later

when he has an explosive bloody bowel movement. If he were to have

something with just whey he would vomit uncontrollably. Lactose is

another problem for him, as is lactic acid that is derived from

lactose, these cause serious behavior problems (head-banging, etc).

It sounds as though your doctor is at least listening to you, even if

she doesn't agree with what it is that you are telling her. Use that

to your advantage, and remember that she works for you. If you

request something, I believe they have to comply. They might tell you

a million reasons why this is not appropriate, but I don't think they

can refuse you. (within reason)

Really to be ready for further testing you need to keep a journal of

exactly what he eats, when, and what reactions he has, if any, for a

good two weeks to a month. Then you can specifically tell the

allergist that you want testing done for asparagus, cinnamon and

pears. (Or what ever you find) but you will have specifics to look

for. Or of course you can demand the RAST test. I believe insurance

covers this one, but not the ELISA. I don't know that to be fact

though.

I hope this at least helped you sort through the allergy part of it.

Good luck with your appointment in the morning.

Melisa

[Guest guest]

Meggie, (love that name)

I can, hopefully, help some with the heavy metal testing part. It sounds

like you have a good Ped. that ,at least, is a little open to checking other

things out. That's good, so use it to your advantage. What you are asking

for (prescriptions for tests and help with interpretation...although two of

the heavy metal tests are not hard for you to read yourself) is not going to

be too invasive for your son (blood draw maybe, sounds like you may already

have some tests/results for blood work), so hopefully she will have an open

mind to this, too. You have the right to ask her to do this...it is all

perfectly legal....so, to heck with whether she agrees with the

mercury/heavy metal(s) role in autism (you have the right to know if your

kid, autism or not, has been exposed to toxic levels of metals from

" anywhere " ). You just need her to " agree " to help you with testing.

Hopefully, giving her some literature/info to learn more about it would

help - (see links below and testing we did). So, let her " think " she can

humor you, too. You can show her how determined you are to help your kid.

Good luck,

Elsie (in TX)

P.S. I researched chelation for a year before we began. We are still

" young " at this compared to some who have chelated far longer. But, we have

seen some amazing gains and he gets a little better each round. We see Dr.

Amy Holmes in Baton Rouge, LA. The best money I ever spent...no kidding. I

know that it costs a bit for the initial visit, travel usually, and up front

lab costs...but if you are in an area that has a good Dr. whether DAN or not

(most likely they would be a DAN Dr., but there are definitely exceptions)

that have experience with chelation with children and some families are

having positive experiences, then check him/her out. That Dr. can help with

more detailed testing and interpretation, supplement support, and the

protocol, if it looks like you would like to take that path. Heck...you

just might get really lucky, and your current Ped. might actually read the

information you give her and she sees that this is a very real thing

happening to our kids.

INFORMATION FOR THE DOC:

This first site has tons of info. It is the Autism Research Institute.

Look at the Topics of " Special Interest " , particularly " Mercury and Autism -

the one that says " Autism: a Novel Form of Mercury Poisoning " , and print the

short version (or longer, if you think she would go for that version).

Then, look under the " Defeat Autism Now " section, 2nd item down has the

" Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!): Mercury Detoxification Consensus Group Position

Paper " . Give her copies of these two things. This site should give you

some good information for lots of support.

http://www.autism.com/ari/

TESTS WE FOUND HELPFUL TO DETERMINE TOXICITY:

1) Doctor's Data - Hair Elements Test (If you do this, you need to take a

look at the www.Autism-Mercury@yahoogroups,com files and check out the

counting rules).

2) Doctor's Data - Urine Toxic Elements Test - Dr's Data phone number is

#1-, just in case she needs it. (Hope you're not in New York,

because Dr.'s in the state of NY cannot order the DDI Hair Testing.....for

some dumb reason, which I can get more info on that for you if needed).

*****The above two tests are all we had when we went to see Dr. Holmes.

DAN Dr. ADDITIONAL TESTING:

CBC

Free T3,

Free T4

TSH

Hepatic Panel

Amino Acids

Organic Acid

Stool CP1

**** These above tests are what our Dr. ordered after intense medical

history background and further exam. So, it is not what every Dr. would

order, just what was recommended for my son (only). Just wanted you to know

what we did for reference only.

GOOOD LUCK!!!

********************************************

Allergy testing/heavy metal testing Please help!

> Yikes,

> I am preparing for an appointment with my son's pediatirician in the

> morning and thought I had all my ducks in a row but as I try to

> formulate what I want to talk about I am finding my self at a loss.

> Specifically, the things I have left on my list that I am having

> trouble for is-what allergy testing to ask for and a succint way or

> explaining why. Does anyone have any ideas? Also what heavy metals

> to test for and why? I am having a hard time figuring out how to

> explain this in a way that may bring success. This doctor is not a

> total meanie but she has the protocol of the AAP that specifically

> say do not test for these things (have you read this?) and I don't

> know how she will react. She did send us to the allergist but the

> allergist was totally clueless about what to do beyond a skin test

> (including foods) to check for histamine reaction which came out

> negative of course. The allergist did concede that a sensitivity or

> intolerance is different than an allergy although she didn't seem to

> have a clue that there was some way to test for this let alone being

> able to. I don't think she totally bought my whole theory but was

> seeming to humor me somewhat. So, please help me with how to explain

> and ask for the proper thing from pediatrician tommorrow regarding

> heavy metals and food testing. This doctor has sent us to EEG, MRI,

> eye test, allergy test, and numerous blood work up. I think she will

> at least listen to what I have to say. I really don't want to blow

> my very puny stash of money on a DAN doctor (want to save it for

> therapy) so I want to try to get what I can from the pediatrician.

> Thanks, Meggie

[Guest guest]

Meggie

I basically brought the pamphlet from Great Plains to my son's

Pedi and sowed it to him. I also give him as much literature as I can get my

hands on. He had his nurse call my insurance Co. and ask if they would cover

intolerance tests, urine peptide test and a stool test. She told them the

reasoning was that Pedi thinks Nik has intolerance that don't show up on RAST

or ELISA testing ( stomach pains eating certain foods ) and he might have gut

problems and lastly his stools are consistant with a candida DX. They called

back the next day to say they would cover all testing.

I am going tomorrow to see Pedi for my daughter's check-up and

have received info from Doctors Data in regards to having metal testing done

on Nik's hair sample. I will try and see if my insurance will cover this but

if not the fee is not really alot and most of all this test in non-invasive.

I am also going to be retesting for through Great Plains ( been

1yr since starting GFCF ).

Hugs, Terry

[Guest guest]

Meggie

I basically brought the pamphlet from Great Plains to my son's

Pedi and sowed it to him. I also give him as much literature as I can get my

hands on. He had his nurse call my insurance Co. and ask if they would cover

intolerance tests, urine peptide test and a stool test. She told them the

reasoning was that Pedi thinks Nik has intolerance that don't show up on RAST

or ELISA testing ( stomach pains eating certain foods ) and he might have gut

problems and lastly his stools are consistant with a candida DX. They called

back the next day to say they would cover all testing.

I am going tomorrow to see Pedi for my daughter's check-up and

have received info from Doctors Data in regards to having metal testing done

on Nik's hair sample. I will try and see if my insurance will cover this but

if not the fee is not really alot and most of all this test in non-invasive.

I am also going to be retesting for through Great Plains ( been

1yr since starting GFCF ).

Hugs, Terry