Launch is considered the official start of the tolerance induction program (TIP) and consists of 4-5 days of appointments.

Day 1 – Patch placement. The patch contains physical food allergens that were placed on my back and had to remain there for 24 hours. I could not get wet or sweaty. The patch test allows the doctors to assess how my GI tract reacts to various allergens.

Day 2 – Patch removal/treatment plan. It took four months from my initial appointment for the doctors at the SCFAI to come up with my treatment plan or Food Dosing Strategy. The Dosing Strategy determines the approximate length of your treatment plan and the treatment foods you will undergo while in the TIP. My treatment plan is estimated to take approximately 26 months and will require us to travel to the Long Beach clinic every 3 months for appointments.

Day 3 & 4 – Food challenges/introductions. On day 3 I challenged almond, soy, hazelnut, and chestnut. On day 4 the clinic introduced quail yolk, flax seed and brazil nut.

For the next 12 weeks, I would need to dose quail egg yolk, flax seed, and brazil nut. In addition, the foods I challenged would now be considered maintenance and would need to be eaten every morning along with my recommended foods. I traveled alone with my dad on this trip because my mom was sick at home with the shingles. When I was not doing schoolwork and going to doctor’s appointments, my dad and I managed to have a little fun.

Iconix Fitness – got a free week pass!

Went to the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club – Road bikes here and ate lunch

Enjoyed paddle boarding in the Alamitos Bay

Saw the Lakers play the Clippers at the Crypto.com Stadium

Ate at Rance’s Chicago Pizza – deep-dish pizza