Just got the call from the allergist’s office… E2′s RAST test for coffee has come back negative! She is (probably*) not allergic to coffee!!! I am over the moon!!!
And I’d love to natter more about it, but I gotta go. It’s been three weeks since those hives appeared on her belly and I’ve had not one sip of coffee since. So I am out of here and off to the coffee shop for a well-deserved — and long delayed — cup o’ Joe!
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*Now, this joyous news was of course delivered with that standard warning that RAST tests do not actually confirm the existance or non-existance of an allergy — they only indicate the likelihood of an allergy. So, it is possible for a person to have a negative RAST result but still, in fact, have the allergy. And vice versa: it’s possible to have a positive RAST result (even a very high result) and be able to eat the food with no allergic symptoms. RAST tests are like that — simultaneously helpful, confusing, and frustrating.
But the negative RAST is a strong indication — an almost surefire indication — that E2 is not allergic to coffee. Which is great news! And also ever-so-slightly concerning… because something caused those hives and now we don’t know what did. Continued vigilance and caution, advised the allergist’s office. Yes, I agreed.
As always.
Stumble it!
Thought of you today while I was at the food co-op. I know dairy is out, but what about sheep and/or goat dairy products? Just asking because they had sheep and goat yogurt there and I’d never heard of such a thing. This could be old hat for you, but if you’re interested, it’s right across the street from where I park my car for work — I could pick something up if you want to try. Email me and I could get it if you’re going to be at knitting.
Oh Laurie, that’s so kind of you! But, no, it was one of the first things I asked the allergist and he said that if a person is allergic to cow’s milk, they are recommended to avoid goat as well. I didn’t ask about sheep (!), but I’m guessing it’s all the same.
I’ve never had goat/sheep yoghurt, but I used to eat ewe’s cheese all the time in the UK. It’s deeee-lish. Very different subtly different from cow’s cheese. If you see it, try it!!!
Also, sorry for the delay in replying. I read your comment, composed the answer in my mind, then got toddler-distracted and forgot that I’d never transferred the reply from my mind to the keyboard! Only realised just now!
wahoo!!