I realise that, to a lot of people, our family's food restrictions must sound like First World problems. I agree. But, putting briefly to one side more important global food issues, I would like to say a bit about how we came to realise Robbie was intolerant of some FODMAPs because, actually, the resulting unhappiness is much more easily preventable.
Robbie is a healthy, tall, outgoing 8 year-old. No one seeing him would think that he had ever failed to thrive, However, Robbie had various gut issues both as a baby and a toddler which never quite went away. In essence, all the way through reception and into infant's school he had problems with bowel movements that were difficult to control. This led to frequent 'accidents'; generally minor, often unpleasant and potentially socially awkward.
One difficulty in identifying a food intolerance in a child is that the symptoms may not be consistent. Drew and I would sometimes notice that everything seemed to have quietened down for a few days but struggled to pick up any pattern. This inevitably raised the question of whether the issue was behavioural rather than involuntary. We tried every reasonable carrot and a few sticks but the problem never really went away. Over time Robbie also developed intermittent problems with his hearing and ended up having bi-lateral grommets fitted aged 6.
It became increasingly apparent that this problem was not something Robbie had any choice about. He would become incredibly bloated after some meals. Unfortunately, however, our initial contact with the medical profession was far from promising. I was told by a doctor at an allergy clinic at our local children's hospital to stop Robbie drinking chilled water and to wait for him to "grow out of it". He also said we could give Robbie - then aged 5 - a dose of 'immodium' if we need to control his symptoms for a special occasion such as a wedding! When I asked this doctor how long I should leave it before I came back, I was told to leave it 2 years, otherwise people would say 'Oh, it's that woman again'. Needless to say, I did not take up the offer of a follow-up appointment.
However, our GP practice was much better. Around 2 years ago we were referred to an excellent paediatric dietician. By then I had started eliminating foods from Robbie's diet by myself but with only limited success. So, for example, eliminating lactose would work well some of the time but the symptoms would lessen rather than disappear.
Eventually, in July last year and just after a particularly stressful camping trip when Robbie's symptoms were really not good, the dietician suggested we try FODMAPs as a last resort.
Although the literature said that is might take several week to see any difference, we could tell within a few days that things were getting better. By the end of 2 weeks Robbie's accidents had all but ended.
Robbie stayed off all FODMAPs longer than the initial phase, mainly because he was changing schools and we wanted him to settle in without unnecessary worry. Even now we generally only reintroduce food during the school holidays.
So far, so good. We have established that lactose really doesn't work with Robbie, although low lactose food such as cheese is fine in smallish quantities. Lactose intolerance isn't much fun and is something he shares with his eldest sister Meg.
(See http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/lactose-intolerance/Pages/Symptoms.aspx for more information abot lactose intolerance).
Apples have proved to be fine as has wheat. We put off reintroducing wheat for ages as that had been one of the partially successful food eliminations pre - FODMAPs. However wheat came back in with no problems during February half term. Onion and garlic are still off the menu, as are beans of any types and some sweeteners. All vegetables are back in, although we still limit some such as sugar snap peas. I think honey may be one to go for during next week's half term holidays.
So, in summary: if you or your child have a a similar problems with little 'accidents' , have a look at FODMAPs.
No comments:
Post a Comment