Wheat fee, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Corn Free, Pork Free, Shellfish Free........

 Stevi and I went to a specialist today to try to pinpoint her allergies.  The tests came back positive for 100's of allergies, some small, some very serious.  Yes she did test positive for the allergies to wheat and gluten...easy once you know.  Not for us.  Not only is she allergic to wheat and gluten which seems to be in everything, she is also allergic to any tree nut, soy and corn (which is in most gluten free items), pork and shellfish.  So allergic in fact, the Dr. gave her another prescription for an additional epipen, and an inhaler, both of which she must have on her at all times, and she is now on prednisone to help with her hives and itching.  As of now, she needs to stop taking all antihistamines for at least 72 hours and Monday we go back and she will be getting the allergy scratch test since the blood tests are not as accurate as far as which allergies are deadly and which once are just going to be irritating to her.  Monday will take about two hours and we should know exactly which ones are life threatening to her and which ones she may just have an intolerance to, as of now  she is to stay away from ALL gluten, wheat, soy, corn, shellfish, nuts, and even salmon, which includes all bi-products and possible cross contaminations.  She will be put on a '504' at school which is for all students with any life threatening diseases, allergies or health issues.  There have been a lot of tears, me and her and Daddy, try shopping with a 15 year old and looking at the boxes and essentially putting everything back on the shelf.  Next time you shop, or go to your cupboard  try to find 3 things within 5 minutes... bet you can't.  She can have beef, chicken, rice, potatoes and all fresh fruits and vegetables, except corn...sounds easy, but it isn't.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks must all be eaten this way.


After her Dr. appointment she was starving of course so I took her to PF Chang's, they have a Gluten free menu.  But all gluten free cooking contains soy or corn of some sort in the sauces.  We told the waitress and she was AMAZING!!!! She went and got a print out of the menu eliminating all of her allergies and brought the manager to us.  The only thing she could have was the Budda's Feast with steamed white rice.  But the manager took one look at her disappointed face and said, "We can steam some chicken for you so it doesn't touch the grill and steam the rice and vegetables so we don't risk it coming in contact with any other ingredients..."  So that is what we had, the waitress and the manager came over more than a few times to ask how it was, if she felt OK and the waitress actually sat at our table and talked to Stevi about how hard it must be and some of the diets she has had to be on herself.  Then out of the blue she asked Stevi..."CAN YOU HAVE HONEY?!"  "Yes" Stevi replied.  She said.." I'll be right back I have a special treat for you!"  She left and came back proudly holding 2 smoothies for us that she had made in the back, by herself with honey and fresh berries.  Not only did she make them herself, she didn't charge us and again the manager came over and asked if it was good.  The best service I think I may have ever had with genuine concern and kindness.  The waitress' name is Asshlee Lanskey, she is a beautiful young black woman from Alabama and she has  just moved here.  If you go in to PF Changs' please ask for her and  you will be treated well with a smile and nice sweet conversation.  When you have special needs like that, a lot of servers would fake it or even be put out... I am still speechless at the care we were given and the kindness to a 15 year old girl who is having a difficult time realizing that this is going to change the way she eats for the rest of her life.  Thank you Asshlee... from now on, if we are able to go to dinner, we will be dining in your section.