Alexis' Formula

If Alexis is allergic to milk and soy, what does she drink?

It's a question I've gotten a lot since sharing her allergy tests. It's also something we've dealt with now since last October when her RAST tests came back positive for for the milk and soy allergies.

We give her something called an elemental formula... Neocate. From what I understand, it's basically stripped of its proteins because that's what she can't have. But it still gives her the vitamins, fat and calories she needs to grow and develop on track.

Well, those formulas are very expensive. Buying them in the grocery store can be nearly $40/can and we go through a can every two to three days. It adds up quickly and isn't covered by insurance, even though it's prescribed by our doctor.

Well, one of the families in our food allergy support group is now taking action to change that by working with our lawmakers to try to require insurance companies to cover the special formulas.

I was able to share her story with our HealthBeat reporter, Kelli. And tonight, we shared her story with the rest of KELOLAND. Watch it for yourself.

KELOLAND.COM - Fight For Formula Coverage

Bill and I actually buy nearly all of Alexis' formula in bulk on e-bay. We've bought it that way for as low as $15/can. But even that adds up and it's a gamble each time financially, not knowing what kind of deal you'll find.

You can only imagine how great of a day it is when we happen to be at the doctor's office and they have a sample can of formula! It doesn't happen very often, but the great part is that it does. Ah, the simple joys in life!