ervarings verhalen

A Closer Look: Coping with Food Allergies


Josh was diagnosed with CdLS when he was four years old. Once he was diagnosed, we contacted the CdLS Foundation, and one of the first newsletters we received highlighted silent reflux. So many of the symptoms described were similar to what Josh was experiencing, so we met with a pediatric gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Josh was diagnosed with reflux, treated with medication, and had regular follow‐ups. However, he continued to have changes and irritation in his esophagus and stomach, so he underwent a Nissen Fundoplication when he was six.

Josh and his family
 Josh with family members 

Despite this procedure, Josh continued to suffer many symptoms of gastritis and did not progress nutritionally as hoped. He was found to be lactose intolerant. He followed a lactose‐free diet, but he was still nutritionally at great risk.

By the time he was 10 years old, Josh was seriously undernourished and had very poor energy. At this point, his doctors recommended that a feeding tube be placed.
Since he had so many eosinophiles (white blood corpuscles) in his esophagus, food allergies were suspected. We began a course of an amino acid‐based formula (Vivonex T.E.N.) through the feeding tube.

The plan was to reintroduce foods gradually to discover what he was allergic to. The feeding tube was supposed to be temporary until the allergens could be identified.
We discovered Josh is allergic to casein (milk protein) as well as lactose (milk sugar). Additionally, he is highly allergic to certain shellfish, in particular mussels, oysters and scallops.

Today, Josh is 26 years old and still using the Vivonex T.E.N. for supplemental nutrition. Each time we have tried to wean him off these feedings, his weight and health has declined dramatically. Josh carries a list of the foods he needs to avoid so that when he goes grocery shopping or is at a friend’s house, he can inspect the labels of the food before he eats it. He manages this quite well independently and continues to progress and be healthy.

Translate in Nederlands
Mary Levis
Mary Levis

We bedanken Mary voor het delen van dit verhaal.

Source:
pagina geschiedenis
Laatst gewijzigd door Gerritjan Koekkoek op 2024/08/25 10:39
Gemaakt door Gerritjan Koekkoek op 2015/01/04 23:00

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            


  

Over de website-inhoud

Alle informatie die u hier vindt is ter informatie, geen medisch advies! De plaats voor het vinden van specifieke medische adviezen, diagnoses en de behandeling is uw arts. Gebruik van deze site is strikt op eigen risico. Als u vind dat iets onjuist is, verduidelijking behoeft, verbeterd kan worden, doe dan mee, meld uzelf aan op onze website en stel een verbetering voor. Mocht U dit liever per email doen dan kan dat ook!

Stuur een email: vereniging@cdlsworld.org