In a message dated 2/22/99 2:07:47 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< 1) Have any of you witnessed similar mood-altering reactions?>>

Yes, yes, yes.  This was an early indication of my daughter's allergy.  And
don't be too quick to blame the behavior on the ear infection.  Its also
possible that the allergy caused the congestion which allowed the infection to
occur.

 <<2) When retesting to see if the allery still exists what food should
 you try first? (My pediatrician said yogurt, allergist said milk or
 cheese.) And how long do you wait before you see a reaction?>>

Our allegist told us specifically not to use cheese because of the coloring
and something else in it (Sorry, I don't remember what.)  His suggestion was
whipping cream or milk.  Our allegist said wait two days to see a reaction,
our pediatrician said to wait 4 days.  (Not with milk, but with my daughter's
more minor allergens, it did take the full four days before seeing a reaction
I recognized.)

<< 3) If he is still allergic to milk, what should he be drinking?  I have
 tried regular soy milk but he hates it...he is still on soy formula, but
 I'm afraid he should be off of it by now (not to mention the cost!)>>

My daughter's faviorite substitute is potato  or rice milk (enriched with
calcium) and my son's favorite is oat milk.  But if your son is still drinking
formula and liking it, and the cost doesn't become too prohibitive, the extra
nutritional value of the formula may be a good thing, especially if his diet
is otherwise limited.

Good luck.  BTW, it really does get easier.  Hang in there.

Kathi