Praying for Nothing

Today we went to the allergist. Who is the best allergist of all time.
Not just because I credit him with saving Little One's life and well-being, but because he is just an awesome, awesome doctor. The man knows everything. And he will be happy to take the time to print up all the medical research, statistics, graphs and charts and illustrated micro-biology text that has informed him. Plus he happens to be a super nice guy, and Little One likes him. BEST OF ALL TIME. Well. Today I have even more reason to like him, because we (for once!) got some good news.
For one, he says he is "cautiously optimistic" about Her future allergic-ness. Which is a big jump in the hopeful direction from where we were last spring! For two, he is optimistic enough about Her soy allergy, that he thinks there is a chance She has outgrown it. ! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!
IN FACT, Peanuts- excuse me while I dance a little jig as I type- tomorrow is a very big day for Little One. She is going to spend the morning with the Best Allergist of All Time, having a Soy challenge!
No, no. Not an obstacle course with a wading pit of edamame at the end, or a wrestling match in a baby pool full of tofu. Though that might be more fun.
She will be given some soy milk, a tiny drop at first, then increasing amounts over time. And we wait. And we watch. And if She goes into anaphalactic shock, there is a doctor and nurse ready with a crash cart and epipens. And if She has a small reaction, some hives maybe, we get a little dejected, pat each other on the back and say, "better luck next time".
BUT! BUT!! But, if nothing happens, and She can get through just 3 ounces of the stuff safe and sound, She will be considered "cured" of the soy allergy. ! !!!!!
Of all Her allergies, soy is the one that is hardest to avoid. Go grab a package of food. Anything. I bet you there is soy something in there. It seems that just about anything that comes in a package or wrapper has soy. Soy additives, soybean oil, soy-based emulsifiers, something. Plus, we eat a lot of fake meat and tofu around here- all soy. It would be great not to worry about letting Her touch it, great not to have to fix Her meal separately as often. And, most of all, great because it is the one allergy I worry most about other people accidentally giving Her. Most people don't realize how pervasive it is.
The Challenge (AKA "Hey, let's give Her some and see what happens!" ) doesn't seem like the most impressive medical technology. But it's the only surefire way to know what tests can only give hints about. So even though I know there is a real risk to this test, with Her ige levels She has about a 73% chance of passing it. Not too bad, right? And the potential benefits are, I think, worth the potential risk, considering we will be under the watchful eye of the Best Allergist of All Time and his wonderful staff.
I did not mean for this post to get so long. If you're still reading it, I will continue with my hyperbole and dub you the Best Blog Reader of All Time!
So, Best Reader of All Time, if you're awake at 7am eastern time tomorrow, please send some positive thoughts out our way. Keep your fingers crossed for Little One that we have made a good decision, and that it will pay off. Please say some prayers for us, that tomorrow when She faces Her challenge, we will wait, and watch. And that there will be Nothing.