Today marked a milestone in young Michael's life: he finally got to go to the Phila Zoo! He's almost 10 and because of his severe allergies and asthma, the zoo was off-limits to him all this time.

The weather cooperated, we had him majorly protected with mega-doses of steroids for several days, and the cat house was closed for renovation, so he did really well... he only asked for his inhaler once!

The other day, his allergist called to give me the results of his recent blood work and she said: "he's allergic to EVERYTHING we tested him for!" She sounded a little stunned as if she wanted to have the testing repeated.... I said, "so what you're telling me is if God created it, Michael's allergic to it." Her answer was, "basically... yes!" So he has an appointment on Thursday to see what kind of miracles this allergist can offer that others haven't.

In the meantime, I am so happy today! What "normal" kids take for granted, Michael can't. We (Lance and I) are so ecstatic that Michael got there and did so well all day.

Of course, we had his portable nebulizer with us in a backpack and we had Benedryl, steroids and Epi with us. And our cellphones just in case.

Terrie, Glad to hear Michael finally got to have 'The Zoo Experience'!
But so very sorry to hear about his allergies. So very sad when one so young has to deal with such tragic health issues. I'm sure he is a TROOPER! It just makes my heart smile that he got to go to the Zoo.
i'll be remembering him & you as well, in prayers for a good Dr.s report this week!
Good Luck!
Ruth

Good luck & best wishes to Michael, Terrie. I'm an allergy sufferer, & while it's no fun, I never had 'em as bad as Michael, so I can just imagine what he's gone thru. My son who just turned 14 has asthma, but has always participated in baseball, soccer, & karate, & anything else he ever wanted to, & he does get a lot better each year.

Thanks, Ruthie and Joe. Unfortunately for Michael (and us) he won't be "outgrowing" any of this. Maybe the new once-monthly shots will help. His daily regimen consists of nasal steroids and a nasal "protectant" called cromolyn. He also uses the "new" Advair inhaler which is a steroid in powder form, Zyrtec which is a preventive allergy pill, Singulair which is a pill form of a leukotriene blocker that helps control asthma symptoms, and a nebulizer.

I think there might be a song in there somewhere.

My older kids had "mild" allergies in comparison to Michael. They were my "pop quizes" while Michael's my "final exam." On my way to medical school. I gave my kids allergy shots at home every week for 7 years without a problem. For Michael, I became IV-certified so I can manage his IVs at home.

I'm really hoping that this new monthly shot will be effective, it's our last hope.

He does participate in Cub Scouts, camping, hiking, and baseball. We try to maintain as normal a lifestyle as we can for him so he doesn't feel "singled out" but in school and on the bus, he cannot sit near anyone who has cats (or dogs)... so that's the hard part here in tiny Shillington... everyone had pets (except us).

Those of you who were at The Church last October have already met him, he's the little blond blue-eyed kid who was hanging out at the tailgate party. He'll be coming up with me again this October.

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by Terrie on Sep 20, 2004 ---</FONT></center>

Yeah, those sound like familiar drug names.

It's clear that you take good care of Michael, which is key. When I was a kid, whenever my allergies would act up, my worst enemies were my family. When I'd finally get some relief & could breathe, somebody would decide to turn off the AC & open every door & window in the house. Or when I'd be having a bad day, my mom would decide that it was a good day to clean my room with various aerosol spray cans.

Good luck with your sons allergies. I have bad allergies myself & can relate. The drs said I am allergic to so many things they'd never be able to figure out what all I am allergic to. & I am suffering from a bad allergy reaction. When we were at Mike sisters in Ohio our newphew whose room we slept in had fans on at nite & that caused it. Urrp! So wishing your son vibes in his allergies. He sounds like a brave young thing...

Joe, I can totally understand your parents' reactions, tho. When it's nice out, with a dry breeze, I'm inclined to open the windows and run the ceiling fans to "clear out" the house. Of course, it's wrong, but it's a "natural" inclination. At least it makes the house smell "clean."

Over the years, Lance and I have made some very life-threatening, wrong decisions where Michael is concerned. I truly believe it's been God's intervention that has averted disaster on so many occassions.

I guess it's just one of those differences between men & women that I'll never understand. My wife worries about the house smelling clean. I worry about the state of the Pirates' pitching staff.

Hi Terrie- My name is Tammy, and I think I faintly remember Michael from last year. I'm glad hes doing better and hopefully Dave , myself and my daughter Samantha ( who is 10) will get to see you again at the church this year. Samantha will be so happy there will be someone there her age <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15> Take care....

I remember Michael from last year, Like Joe said you obviously look after him, I would never has gussed there was a thing wrong with him. I hope everthing goes well with this new drug.

Good for Michael! Glad he got to enjoy the zoo. I look forward to seeing him again in October (along with everyone else).

terrie,
the american indian museum in washington, dc is having it's grand opening this week. I don't know all the specifics but this website should help. http://www.nmai.si.edu/

he doesn't know me, but tell michael i said, hi! <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>