Tomorrow I'll be bringing you a delicious soup recipe but today I have a question for my dear readers. Yesterday Baby Girl was officially diagnosed with an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. I've suspected she had an allergy since she was around 18 months and I first gave her some peanut butter on a slice of toast. She took one bite and refused to eat anymore and then I noticed a red rash around her mouth. After a call to her pediatrician I tried again in a few weeks with the same results. Since then I've avoided giving her nuts of any kind but we didn't read labels or carry any medication. I finally decided we needed answers after SP inadvertently gave her a bite of his almond croissant when we were out in CA a few weeks ago and she had a similar, albeit milder, reaction to the almonds.
I'll admit, I'm sad for her. I know food allergies are much more common these days. Heck, her daycare is nut-free due to other children with the same allergy. I can't help but feel responsible (is it something I did/didn't do while pregnant with her? should we have fed her differently in her early days?) and I'm also sad that she will never experience the joy of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or eating peanut butter straight from a jar. Most importantly, while her reactions to date have been very mild, every exposure can be life-threatening, which scares the beejesus out of me. Her allergist has called in a prescription for an epi-pen and we're to carry the pens and Benadryl with us at all times.
Here's where you come in - if any of my readers have any tips or tricks, websites, children's books, books for parents/caregivers or any other advice I would greatly appreciate it. Feel free to leave me a comment here or email me. Thank you!
My daughter (2) was also recently diagnosed to tree nut allergies after a horrific trip to the ER.... people referred me to peanutallergy.com as an online resource... I have tried to explain many times for her never to accept food from anyone if mommy or daddy are not there. She likes to say, "I have peanut allergy!" to anyone who will listen. I look forward to reading tips with parents who have been dealing with this issue - I'm just here to say I'm in the same boat! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://multiplefoodallergyhelp.com/
ReplyDeleteA link that I just stumbled upon for my niece's child.
So tough :( You know with 2 (!) kids who have a peanut allergy, I feel you pain. Thought I would post this here instead of our conversation, in case others need help.
ReplyDeleteThis wristband was wonderful when my daughter was younger, like yours. Alerts people, it's adjustable, and cute - http://www.amazon.com/AllerMates-P-Nutty-Peanut-Allergy-Orange/dp/B002RXUP9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352330916&sr=8-1&keywords=allergy+wristband
And you might want to check out this book to read to her - http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Peanut-Allergy-Wendy-McClure/product-reviews/0807566233/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Call on me any time!
I don't have any advice on the nut allergies, but my son has a severe soy allergy. Soy is in EVERYTHING but you learn to adapt. You learn to read labels and adjust to their needs. I'm so sorry you're joining the allergy mama club! :(
ReplyDeleteNo advice but a friend of mine's son has been dealing with it for awhile (he's ~5). I can ask her for advice if you need more or need more tips/tricks. Just let me know via e-mail biogrrll@animail.net if interested. ~Laura
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to say welcome to the allergy club. My son is allergic to nuts, eggs, and soy, all severe. You learn to read every label and questions every food not prepared by your own hands, even then it's not alway's safe. Both reactions my son has had were caused by me ;-( peanutallergy.com is a great place for information.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so nice! I'm a new follower and hope you can follow back.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Elizabeth
http://butterflykisses1957.blogspot.com/