July 22, 2011
Overcoming FPIES
A local toddler is managing life with a devastating food allergy thanks to her mom’s perseverance and the dedication of Dr. Ann McDermott, a family medicine physician at Swedish Covenant Hospital.
Starting solid foods is a milestone for most babies and their parents. But for Ginny Toussaint and her Ravenswood family, her first serving of rice cereal last spring marked the beginning of a frustrating and sometimes frightening journey.
Ginny has a rare food intolerance disorder called FPIES (Food Protein Induced Entercolitis Syndrome). This condition makes it impossible for Ginny to digest many types of food protein, including those found in rice, oats, corn and many types of fruits, vegetables and meats. Eating these proteins can cause profuse vomiting and shock symptoms, which have landed Ginny in the ER twice.
FPIES is difficult to diagnose because of the extreme lack of knowledge in the medical community, and the only effective treatment is to avoid “trouble” foods — leaving Ginny with only a handful of “safe” foods, and her parents at their wits end.
The story of Ginny’s diagnosis, life with her condition, and the bond that she and her family formed with Dr. Ann McDermott, their family medicine physician, was recently featured on WGN TV.
Click here to view the WGN video and report, then chime in to the discussion below.
