RAST, at last.

We received Austin's RAST (blood test) results today from his November 10th visit. It's not a huge improvement. For reference, anything 2 or more is considered a "allergic". The smaller the number, the better.

• Sept 2006, Austin's score was 79.
• January 2008, Austin's score was 27.6
• June 2008, Austin's score was 12
• November 10, 2008, Austin's score was 11.3

It's not what we really wanted to hear, but it's ok. There's talk about a food challenge in February or March 2009. I believe they want to take him from his current dose (2000mg) to 8000mg (equivalent to 52 peanut m&m's) . After I talk to Nurse Karen, I'll post the specifics as I understand them for Austin's future in this study.

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Here's the follow-up. The docs in AR think Austin's numbers are VERY good. There was a possibility that his score increased from this past June to November- and if the RAST went to 15 or more, it would've been an unbelievable pain. It could have meant going back every 2 weeks to 'updose' Austin. Also, the RAST is only one of the tests they run on his blood. Those 'other' numbers look promising, too.

Right now it looks like Austin will have to return in March for a food challenge & more blood work. This will mean that it'll be at least a one night stay. Again, this new protocol has not yet been approved and I refuse to try to fully understand what it could mean for the future. It just gives me a headache. So much changes every time we go there that I just gave up on understanding and started saying, "just tell me what you want us to do next".

So, all in all the news is good. He's still technically allergic, but he's got a huge tolerance level now. What we wanted when we started this thing was to give the kid a chance... IF he made a mistake and ate the wrong thing that it just not be fatal. We've gotten that, and we're not done fighting yet!