MSPI... oh my!

Milk-Soy Protein Intolerance.

MSPI, it is my new favorite acronym.

OK, maybe not favorite... most used and thought about, definitely.

I bet you've never even heard of it!

I previously posted about Lincoln's issues with my diet and it has since become much more focused and much more of a reality. Actually, as of today it has become more of a reality than ever. Today I realized that I am possibly it for him. I'll explain:

The ultra expensive formula we believed he could eat... I just discovered that he could still react to. Last night he had a bottle of it and had gas pains in the night. Although Matt reminds me that I can't jump to a conclusion just yet with one possible negative association, it is still a possible link (and confirmed by other MSPI Mamas) and was a big blow to my psyche today. There is a good chance it might not work for him - and it is even possible for a reaction to not show up for 3-4 weeks (which means I'd have to keep up my supply of milk for at least a month in the meanwhile...). The next step past this stuff is only found at the pharmacy and is so expensive that I have read about people mortgaging their home to pay for it.

NOT EVEN LYING!

So, it looks like I'll be getting more creative with my diet as I search out milk and soy free options. Just so you know, I would take cutting out dairy (my fav food group) ANY DAY over cutting out soy. Soy=vegetable oil (among many other products). It is literally in. every. thing. Even gum. And some soda. Bread, margarine, deli meats, almost all processed foods, a large amount of canned goods, chips, crackers, cookies, some hummus, salad dressings. You get the idea! At McDonalds the only thing I can eat is their apples (no dip).

I have learned a lot over the past few months and will no doubt continue to learn more. I have learned I am stronger than I ever knew. I have gained greater empathy and understanding of those with food allergies/intolerances. I am trying new foods I never would have glanced at previously... and probably eating healthier than I ever have.

I am SO grateful for the internet and for the FDA who improved food labeling. Also grateful that this is something that Lincoln will eventually grow out of and not have his entire life.

...Now I think I'll go eat a pint of that Haagen Daaz Chocolate Sorbet that amazingly is MSPI friendly... and chase it with a quart of Chocolate Rice Dream. :)

(healthier, right?)

Cheers!!