As most of you know, if you read my blog, I am dealing with a 2 year old that got diagnosed at 11 months with some severe food allergies. Luckily for us, some of the major food allergies such as milk subsided, but we are still dealing with a nut and peanut allergy.
The reason why I decided to write this post is because I am honestly afraid. I read this story today about this poor 13 year old girl who passed away from a simple taste of a dessert that had Peanut Butter in it. This is not the first case I have heard about this happening. In my home state, just this past summer, a 17 year old died after taking a bite of a cookie. If you are interested in reading any of these two horrible stories, I have linked them here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/girl-dies-peanut-allergy-summer-camp-19818184 and http://www.abc6.com/story/21627412/teen-with-nut-allergy-dies-from-eating-cookie
The fact of the matter is I am scared and rightfully so! When we found out Zane had a peanut allergy, it was scary in and of itself, but when we were told his allergen was actually quite high in the routine allergy blood test, it really scared me. The doctor really could not tell us if he would ever have a sever life-threatening situation if he accidentally had a bite of something containing peanut butter. She only told us to be very prepared and have all friends/family trained on how to use an epi-pen if the situation g-d forbidden ever occurred.
While I am extremely careful with whatever comes in our house and I do not allow him to have baked goods outside the home, the fact of the matter is he is going to get older and he will need to be in charge of what he can and can not eat. He does wear an allergy bracelet most days and he knows he can’t have tree nuts or peanuts (he will tell you that it makes him very sick if he has it), but like the two above cases show, mistakes can sometimes happen.
It is very scary to be the mom of a child with severe food allergies! I worry but all I could do is to continue to be super careful, be knowledgeable on how to handle an emergency, and make sure everyone is prepared if the need ever arises. I have to keep in mind that Zane is one healthy boy and I am extremely grateful for that!
Do you have a child with food allergies?
I do not have a child with food allergies, but I have a sister who is allergic to “the world” (dust, mites, pollen, etc) and suffers severe asthma attacks out of the blue. She has been tubed 3 times and they say she cannot be tubed again (scar tissue I think). I checked out the links you provided and I can only imagine the fear you must have. Right now you can oversee everything, but it is amazing what has peanuts or other nut in it as an ingredient. Education for him, your family and friends is going to be your best friend I think. My prayers are with you.
I do not have a child or grandchild with food allergies, but like the above commenter, I have experience with severe asthma. These conditions are very, very frightening and I understand your fear. Knowledge, as you know, is key and you are armed with that. I wish I could make this disappear for you and all the kids with food allergies… hoping for something, something to bring help, relief (vaccine?) and ending the agony for parents and kids…
My goodness. That is so scary and so sad. I don’t think people are truly aware how severe and dangerous food allergies can be. It’s not just getting some hives and taking a Benedryl.We’ve been fortunate not have to deal with food allergies in our home, but it’s important for everyone to be aware that it’s pretty common now.
Oh my! I would be so scared too…I don’t have kids that have that (as of yet) but I can imagine wanting to protect them at all costs but sometimes things are out of your control.
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I’m sure that’s very scary for you, mama!
Peanut allergies are so scary. As a teacher (and a friend), I highly recommend (if you aren’t already) that when you start sending him to preschool, daycare, and even Kindergarten that you provide his teacher with a ‘stash’ of treats that he can have. Things that she can fill his holiday goody bags with, birthday treat bags with, and replace the cupcakes the other kids bring in with something that you know is safe! It’s great that he knows he can’t have certain things, but it’s also disappointing when they are told they can’t have something that everyone else is getting and is easier to take if they have something else. It seems like most of the candy/food you buy in the store comes in contact with machines that process peanuts/tree nuts.
As an adult with severe food allergies and children with allergies I can tell you that education, education, and more education is the most important thing. In my life I have had 3 ER visits and 1 ICU stay. A couple of things that I have learned along the way. First, when you say food allergies people normally just assume that you will get a rash no big deal. Make sure that anyone including playmates (when they are a little older) understand he will get very sick from even smelling peanuts or nuts. Yes, the small particles in the air can cause severe reactions (I’m proof). There is a video put out by Epi-Pen and I would insist on any staff anywhere watch the video. When you start providing snacks at school or daycare – start off providing for all the kids so your child doesn’t feel left out in eating what everyone else is eating. Also, have the teacher send home a letter that states a child has allergies so please send the entire box so the teacher can verify with the labels they are safe.
My son had a son in first grade and all the kids learned how to check the label for his allergy. Good luck and I do hope he grows out of it. But just know that even if he doesn’t companies are more aware and everyday new products are developed.