Poor Kaylyn

(This picture is a year or more old but I love it.)

I have wanted Kaylyn to be tested for allergies for some time but our previous doctor did not really think there was a need. We recently changed doctors because our previous doctor had moved to an office further away.

Kaylyn had her first physical with the new doctor back in August and without me even suggesting anything the doctor asked me if I ever considered having Kaylyn tested for allergies. I chuckled and explained that I have wanted her tested but the previous doctor didn't see a need.

An appointment was set up before we left that day. We missed our first scheduled appointment because one of the requirements is you need to be off all allergy medication for 2 weeks prior to testing. Unfortunately the Friday before her Monday appointment Kaylyn was out in the garden and broke out in a rash all over her hands and arms and called me for what she should do. Without even giving it a second thought, because it is normal for her, I told her to go ahead and take Benadryl. It dawned on me that Sunday night as I was getting her paperwork ready that I just ruined her allergy test for the next day. Bummer! I called and re-scheduled.

Today she had her allergy test done. It was not good. The poor girl is allergic to everything environmental. The short list: dogs (we own 2), cats, rabbits (we had 1-just gave it to school), horses, small rodents (hamster, gerbil, etc), cantaloupe (already knew that from a reaction she had but they confirmed it), ragweed, tree pollens, molds (which means no real Christmas tree this year), grass (she should never be out when the grass is being mowed), cockroaches, dust mites (which means she gets to say good buy to her stuffed animals).... the list goes on and is much more specific but it is a lot. The nurse asked if I had a camera on my cell phone because it was a bad reaction. They rate them 1+ to 4+ with a 4+ being the worst and hers were all 4+ except one (of the ones that reacted). I wish I had thought to take a camera so her siblings could see what she had to go through. Then they had to prick her arm 5 times to confirm a couple more of the "questionable reactions".

They also did asthma tests on her because she has had pneumonia before. Sure enough she also has asthma. She has complained to me before during track when she is running but she tends to be "a little dramatic" (those that know her are chuckling now because that is such an under statement) so I didn't think much of it. Turns out she shouldn't be doing any kind of exercising without using an inhaler. They gave her one before we left the office. She needs to use it before gym class everyday.

I feel like we have so much to process right now. It has been an overwhelming day as far as so much "new to me" information.

Please pray for Kaylyn. She doesn't like change and was having the hardest time with the idea of having to get rid of stuffed animals. She has a bear that she has had for years that she sleeps with every night. Then also the idea of not having a real Christmas tree. Mark always takes the kids to pick out and cut down our own every year and Kaylyn loves "traditions".

Thanks for letting me get that all off my chest.

-Smiles!