Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A ray of sunshine...

We got some great news today. We took Charlie in to a REAL (not homeopathic) allergist today and had him tested for all the food allergies we've been worried about. And the results...drum roll please...NO ALLERGIES! We are thrilled. It was just the boost we needed in the middle of all the other trials he is going through. I'm so relieved we don't have to worry about keeping him on a special diet.

We started him on a new medication today called Keppra. Here is what the pamphlet says about the side effects...

"Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, constipation, and loss of coordination (e.g., difficulty walking and controlling muscles) may occur. These side effects are more common during the first 4 weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hair loss, neck pain, mental/mood changes, vision changes (e.g., double vision).
This medication rarely may cause mood or behavior changes, such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, pressured/rapid speech, or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual (possibly sudden) mood changes.
Rare but very serious side effects: unusual weakness, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. "

It also says the anxiety, agitation, aggression and hostility are more likely to happen in children. Charlie cried a lot and did a lot of hitting and attacking to me and Winston today. It's hard to know if it was because of the meds or something else. We'll see how things go. That's this weeks update on our little guy. Thanks again for all the love and support.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart! Your boys are so handsome!

Josie said...

Yay for Charlie!

Sara said...

So, at least he's not allergic to any foods. Hope the medication works...with NO side effects.

Angie Penrose said...

Yeah no allergies! Hope that medication works out for him. We're thinking about ya! :)

Tracey and Gayle said...

That is so frustrating that the other doctor said he was allergic to all those foods. Lucky for Charlie he is not. Hope the new medication works.

gramma said...

What a burden taken away. Thers so much to contend with besides coping
with food problems. We'll be anxious
to se4e how this medication goes.
Lots of love and prayers being se3nt
your way. Love Mom

Shane and Michelle said...

I'm curious to know how the homeopathic doctor tested his allergies? Sometimes alternative medicine doesn't work AT ALL. It makes you so grateful for modern medicine and the technology we have today. Sure hope the new medication works for Charlie!

Nat said...

Good luck with the new meds! Hope all goes well for little charlie. That is great news about the allergies!! Hooray.