Allergy Testing

[~Kimba~]

:wave:

I want to get my DS tested for allergies as he's had a persistent rough red face rash for months now, GP says it's just 'dry skin from winter', but I'm doubtful. There are a few other reasons I suspect possible allergies too, like the way he often rubs his eyes and nose when he eats (as though they're itchy), he sometimes looks red around the mouth when he eats, he's restless and only catnaps during the day, amongst other things. I'm probably just being a neurotic over-anxious mother :o but I'd really like to be sure.

Anyway, just wondering how to get the ball rolling - do I need a GP referral or can I just book testing with an allergist - how much does it cost, is it covered by Medicare - anyone have recommendations for a good allergist in inner-west Sydney?

[Areca]

You will need a referral from your GP but stand your ground and demand one. They shouldn't deny you of it if you have reasons to suspect allergies.
Not a Sydney sider so can't recommend anywhere. DD was done publicly, at the local hospital. Just where it's done here so it didn't cost us anything but she does have allergies and we had to see a peadiatrician and that costs a bit.

[Aquamarine]

RPA Allergy unit.

You need a referral from your gp

[KaM]

You do need a referral from your GP or any doctor really. I went to the Sydney Allergy Immunology Centre which is in Westmead. Its a 2 min walk from the station.

The lady that performed the test was very friendly with Matilda and a dream. Had things to amuse her so she wouldnt notice and understands little ones like to move.

The Doctor is a paediatric specialist and although was soft spoken was great.

It can take a few mths to get into places so get the ball rolling!!

[Toffee apple]

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) on Today Tonight (ch7 at 6:30) there is going to be a story about a mum who makes allergy free foods,well i think that is what the story is about , talking about simular symptoms your little one has & what foods can help & what preservatives to stear well away from , might be worth a look.

[KaM]

The price for the one I went depended on the testing. For just the allergy ***** test it totalled about $300 but with the medicare rebate it would be about $50. You do have to pay upfront though then head to medicare.

If you have a pension card, its fully covered my medicare. I was lucky to have this.

[wattle]

It can take a long time to get an appointment (between 6 months and a year in Melbourne), but it's definately worth it.

Have you thought about cutting out foods from his diet that he's possibly allergic too? Even in the meantime until you get an appointment.

Common ones are eggs, nuts, tomatoes, citrus, lactose and preservatives and additives can cause reactions too.

[youngones]

Kimba - try keeping a food diary too. It will help when you do get an apt with an allergist (that means you need to keep a food diary for both you and DS if you are still BF). Also, if you're keeping a diary, make a note of the foods you give him when he gets the redness around his mouth and eyes. We know DD is allergic to peanuts from SPT, but as we've introduced solids, I've noticed other things that make her react. Particularly things naturally high in histamine, like banana.

Good luck.

[~Kimba~]

Thanks all - didn't even realise RPA had an Allergy Unit, that's where he was born so will try to get him in there.

He has a really bad cough that won't go away and now I'm worried about dust mite allergy :rolleyes:

I don't give him nuts, eggs, strawberries, and avoid foods with preservatives/ additives when possible. From memory his face rash started when he was just getting organic rice cereal and organic pureed fruit, but I'll keep a diary and see if anything specific seems to trigger him off - specially tomatoes and citrus.

Thanks for the advice!