FINALLY!

We are so thankful to finally have some answers as to the source of Michael's eczema. Yesterday my mom and I took him to see a specialist at MUSC in Charleston and were delightfully surprised to leave with some solutions. We found out he's basically allergic to being outside. When asked how to live with all the environmental allergies the nurse jokingly said he'll be set to go if we just put him in a bubble before heading outdoors. He's allergic to 2 out of the 3 grass mixes, 3 out of the 3 tree mixes, cats, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and rice. When they told me that he in fact IS allergic to all of these things I felt so relieved and excited to know that I wasn't just crazy in wanting Michael to be retested for allergies. Also, having some concrete solutions to help my baby felt like a weight lifted. After the initial high left, I am realizing that this too is not a quick solution. Although we'll obviously illiminate the foods, there is a lot of studying on my part that needs to be done to truly be tree nut, peanut, rice and fish free. This morning I've already noticed that his gummy vitamins have coconut in them! I also cook with coconut oil often. Another recommendation that had helped other eczema patients was hurting Michael: taking fish oil vitamins. Eating out will take on a whole new meaning and challenge. The hardest aspect is dealing with going outside and then entering the house again. They recommend stripping him down everytime he enters the house and putting him in "body armour," which is basically very snug polypropalene or cotton pjs. We also have to wipe him down with wipes everytime we come back inside to prohibit the transfer of various pollens throughout the house. The doctor gave us new lotions and soaps, anti-histamine and an antibiotic that he has to be on for 20 days. Finally some answers!
We truly do praise the Lord for leading us to this specialist. The whole staff and doctor were unbelievably great with Michael. They listened and were patient with my many questions, even with the huge line waiting to be seen. While I'm thrilled, it also makes me feel extremely frustrated with the many other doctors who would not retest him and said that it's hereditary and maybe by 5 he'll outgrow it. Rubbish! It's an outward sign of an inward problem! Ultimately, the Lord is soveriegn and had us go through this process for our personal growth and trust in Him. I know we are so blessed to find answers, unlike so many others with chronically sick children. With the bigger view in mind, 3 1/2 years isn't that long to wait. Hey, Abraham and Sarah had to wait 25 yrs. for their promised son, Isaac!