MishpishI want to hear your stories
January 14th 2008 04:25
Way back when I had my first child I started hearing stories about children with peanut allergies. I thought how horrible it would be if that happened to me. I lived off peanut butter, as did my daughter. So when her day care had to become 'nut free' I found myself struggling with her lunch box. But I understood. I couldn't imagine the stress of those parents who had to worry everytime their child left the house that they might get exposed to an allergen and therefore... risk death.
When I was preggers with my second child, I went right off peanut butter. Couldn't go near the stuff. When she was 18 months she had a couple reactions to food, but none of the reactions were obviously 'peanut related'. I insisted we get a specialist to test my daughter for allergies. My GP was against it but relented. When tested, Annie tested positive to peanutes, as well as eggs and a few other things (dust mites, yada yada yada). She wasn't anaphylactic, but it could turn that way.
Then last year she stuck a walnut on her tounge while in the back seat of my car. She was throwing a tantrum so i didn't pay any attention to her carrying on for 10 mins. By the time I turned around and looked at her she had broken out in hives and her face had started to swell. She was beginning to wheeze. I took her to our GP who gave her adrenaline.
That was how we found out she was 'anaphylactic'. Since then my husband and I have tried to come to terms with the affects of this condition on our family. There is professional support out there, and I know of a few parents who are in the same situation.
Everyone in this situation handles things their own way. Some are laid back, some are super strict. I've heard of a mother who requested government assistance for the care of her child.
I thought a blog where we can share stories and experiences could further help. There are different view points and discussions about how children with severe allergies should be treated.
Should schools be nut free? Some argue that they shouldn't, that children have to learn early on to be responsible. I disagree. But I'm a mother and I want to do everything to protect my child. If people with and without this problem can offer advice and insight, maybe everyone gets a better point of view.
Peanut peanuts everywhere!
Then last year she stuck a walnut on her tounge while in the back seat of my car. She was throwing a tantrum so i didn't pay any attention to her carrying on for 10 mins. By the time I turned around and looked at her she had broken out in hives and her face had started to swell. She was beginning to wheeze. I took her to our GP who gave her adrenaline.
That was how we found out she was 'anaphylactic'. Since then my husband and I have tried to come to terms with the affects of this condition on our family. There is professional support out there, and I know of a few parents who are in the same situation.
Everyone in this situation handles things their own way. Some are laid back, some are super strict. I've heard of a mother who requested government assistance for the care of her child.
I thought a blog where we can share stories and experiences could further help. There are different view points and discussions about how children with severe allergies should be treated.
Should schools be nut free? Some argue that they shouldn't, that children have to learn early on to be responsible. I disagree. But I'm a mother and I want to do everything to protect my child. If people with and without this problem can offer advice and insight, maybe everyone gets a better point of view.
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