Why I’m Raising My Son In A Bubble
In the past I’ve briefly shared my son’s journey with epilepsy. Back in 2009 when he was just two years old, he began having seizures. Since then we haven’t been able to find a medical explanation for them. He’s had MRI’s, CT Scans, and several EEG’s that have come back normal with no answers. This summer he had a ambulatory EEG, where he had to wear a device home for three days to pick up any seizures he experience and to pinpoint the locale of the seizure. This test only confirmed what we already knew, that he suffered from Complex Partial Seizures. Still there was no real answer as to why.
My husband and I decided to be more proactive as parents, because we don’t believe in constantly treating ailments with medication. We would like to find a cure. My oldest son has been very helpful, because he’s been keeping a journal recording all of the times his brother is having a seizure and for how long it happens. We began connecting the dots and all of his seizures occur shortly after he’s eaten something. A light bulb went off for me. When my son was an infant, he had terrible eczema. I had him tested for food allergies back then, and he had several. As he grew, I assumed he grew out of many of the allergies because he no longer had eczema.
I decided to have him re-tested for food allergies and just received the results today. He is allergic to several trees, grass, cats, as well as tree nuts, and soy. I will not be raising him in a bubble! However, my whole family will be adjusting our diets to be free of these food allergens. I do suspect they are triggering his seizures. This summer when we decided to give up sugar and I bought all fresh whole foods, he went seizure free for three weeks. We went on a road trip and ate at a fast food chain, and he had a seizure about 30 minutes after.
I never really wanted to be one of those parents that were on the paleo, gluten free, nut free, soy free, free of everything bandwagon. But now, for my sons safety and health, it’s necessary. Expect to see some creative and colorful #MommyWeekEats recipes as we figure this thing out!
Does your child suffer from any food allergies? How has your family managed?
Ashley
23 comments
Natasha B
September 21, 2015 at 9:24 pmI’m telling you. What we out in our bodies are so important. I’m praying that you can pinpoint exactly whay is causing your son’s seizures. You are such a great mom. I enjoy all of your posts. xx
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:51 amThanks, Natasha! Yes it is very important!
Elle
September 21, 2015 at 9:44 pmI’m wising him the best, and I love how his brother is his keeper, taking down those notes. He’s so smart to do that, and I sincerely can’t wait to see what you come up with. Food is our medicine, and it’s becoming apparent that processed foods aren’t serving any purpose at all. Can’t wait to see the new recipes.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:51 amThanks, Elle! He even gave the notebook to the Dr an was like “Did you read all of it?!” Lol
LaCresha
September 21, 2015 at 10:20 pmI’m sorry that he has been suffering from those nasty seizures. It’s great that you have been able to pinpoint some of the triggers. We had to start a diet of primarily whole and organic foods to prevent allergic reactions for my lo. I know the life of labels and creating recipes to fit our tastebuds and his sensitivities. Can’t wait to see some of your creations, and here’s to a seizure free life!
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:53 amThanks, LaCresha! I’ve been a label reader, but now I have to look for a different set of ingredients. Sigh!
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
September 21, 2015 at 10:24 pmAnd through it all he keeps smiling 🙂 I’m so happy that you are closer to pinpointing the cause of his seizures Ashley and his big brother is awesome for keep track of his episodes. Your journey will definitely help many parents who may be battling the same thing. Looking forward to your upcoming posts.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:53 amThanks, Vee! He’s such a strong boy!
Tiffany
September 28, 2016 at 8:21 amRequest me on Facebook Tiffany Moore-McIntosh We have foundation for Epilepsy my husband suffers from Epilepsy over 20 yrs
Aaronica (the crunchy mommy)
September 21, 2015 at 11:14 pmman that is so scary to have to have your baby going through these seizures!!! I’m so sorry!
We aren’t on a specialized diet now but I do plan on becoming vegetarian shortly. I’m just over the meat thing. The good thing about your lifestyle change is that there are so many recipes and suggestions already out there! I look forward to seeing your recipes!!!
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:55 amThanks, Aaronica! It’s definitely great that there is already a lot of variety available as far as recipes. I just have to put my own twist on them 🙂
Ma
September 21, 2015 at 11:38 pmAshley what a great article. I love my Doobster so much and wish nothing but the best for him.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:55 amHe and we love you too, Ma!
Katherine G
September 22, 2015 at 12:04 amI think you and your family are amazing! I think you all are doing what’s best for your son and it is going to pay off. You have to do what you have to do. I can’t wait to see the recipes that you share.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:58 amThank you so much, Katherine!
Kim
September 22, 2015 at 12:07 amso glad you are closer to figuring out the cause of his seizures! he’s such a strong and smart little boy and kudos to your oldest for keeping a diary.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 9:59 amThanks, Kim!
Siobhan (BeFree Project)
September 22, 2015 at 8:10 amAshley, thank you so much for sharing. What a blessing it is for your son to have the support of his family. I pray that the change in your son’s diet will end his seizures. Looking forward to seeing what meals you create.
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 10:00 amThank you for reading, Siobhan!
Lashawn
September 22, 2015 at 9:21 amI am so glad you found out what he is allergic to! I always thought I wouldn’t be that mom either but eating a gluten free/ paleo like diet around here is what we do to keep my son safe! I always feel like it’s such a small sacrifice and do worth it!
Ashley
September 22, 2015 at 10:01 amThanks, Lashawn! It will take some adjusting and getting used to but I think we can do it.
Aishia
September 22, 2015 at 10:28 amim so happy you were able ton find what was triggering your sons seizures. They say food is medicine and I believe it!
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