Updates on Allergies! Good news!

We found a new doctor who specializes in Allergies here in Singapore and we had both boys tested for food allergies etc. Some great news and Papa and I are so pleased! They have outgrown many of their food allergies. The doctor says that they might have eventually out-grown them anyway but because we stuck to the diet our doctor in Belgium recommended, they have healed a great many years sooner!! Both boys are still lactose-intolerant and we see the signs very easily...painful stomach cramps, diarrhea and even a stuffy nose. We will try some medication they can take so they can occasionally enjoy an icecream or cheese on their pizza!

We have all gotten used to our diet and it is rich and varied so we will continue to make many of the dishes that we have all grown to love. It is just nice to know that on holidays, the boys can have more freedom. The doctor did advise that since allergies are present in both our families' histories, our children could develop new allergies. But I think if we keep varying their diet, we may be lucky in avoiding new allergies.

Both boys are 100% allergic to dust-mites and Frunty's symptoms are worse than Pit's. This means clogged noses and often bad sleeps and feelings of fatigue during the day. We are going to try some alternative treatments before we hit the steroids. The doctor has diagnosed them with allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and sleep apnea. Papa and I will perform our own all-nighter test to see if they stop breathing. We are skeptical but of course, need to investigate as this is a very serious condition if true.

We can't wait to get away from the city! Two weeks in the Outback and two weeks at the Great Barrier Reef will hopefully help their conditions. Camping in isolated areas, away from city pollution and cars...let's cross our fingers for some relief. Singapore is a hot-bed for allergic rhinitis/asthma because of the heat/humidity. The doctor said though that wherever we move, the boys will pick up the allergies in that area after awhile. So we will just try to control them by...

1) using an ultrasonic dust-mite machine we just purchased (plugged on in their room, made in Italy) 24 hours a day in the bedroom and researching an air-filter
2) spraying their nasal cavities with sea water
3) inhaling a child-friendly, eucalyptus treatment with other oils from Oz
4) reducing time in the pool which irritates their olfactory region and eyes
5) getting lots of Vitamin C and D, drinking our homemade ginger juice, exercising and resting!
6) protecting all beds/pillows with anti-dust mite covers

If anyone has another suggestion, please let us know. We hope that we can avoid steroids and operations with the same determination that helped us rid the boys of their torturous eczema. And we have all the faith in the world!