On G6PD

When Bettina underwent the Newborn Screening, we found out that she has this condition called G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency).

At first, it was difficult to get used to that idea because none of my elder kids had this. I couldn't fathom the idea that we can not feed her peanuts, legumes, anything with soy, anything with menthol, et. al. She can't even inhale anything menthol. So, bye-bye Ben-gay and Vicks.
Pano na siya mag-toothbrush? It was also difficult for me because I can't ingest any of those forbidden items since I was breast-feeding her.

We stopped worrying for a while. Her diet was strictly milk then.

Now that we have introduced solids to her diet, I am trying to know more about this condition called G6PD.

I knew that it was a condition that could lead to Anemia. What I didn't know was that excess bilubirin (the yellowish pigment that causes jaundice) can cause mental retardation and even death.

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Here are they symptoms I have to watch out for:

• abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin or underside of eyelids
  
• grayish-blue coloring to fingernails or tongue
  
• jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth
  
• fever
• dizziness
• confusion
• headache
• weakness
• intolerance of physical activity
• difficulty breathing
• tea-colored urine
• rapid or strong heart beats (tachycardia)
• heart murmur
• abdominal or back pain or both

If the baby's poop is yellow, that is also another symptom I'd have to consult the pediatrician.

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Someone mentioned that we should do away with soy sauce altogether. I am not sure if I am ready for that. I still have to find an alternative.