Ah Nuts...
So after a very long morning, and a not so fun skin test, at the pediatric allergist's office, we now know a bit more about Abe's skin issues. We had him tested for the most common allergens: wheat, soy, milk, peanuts, eggs and fish. And the answer is??????
Turns out Abe is allergic to peanuts.
Ugh. As we were sitting there, listening to nurse tell us that we needed to keep him away from peanuts and tree nuts (we didn't have him tested for this, but it is good practice because he may be allergic to them also), my heart sank. Anyone who isn't living under a rock knows just how deadly a peanut allergy can be. If I had any doubt, the nurse confirmed my fears while she was instructing us on how to administer an epi-pen and call 911 immediately after.
All I could think of was Abe sitting in a lunch room with a bunch of first graders, next to some kid whose dumb parent decided it wouldn't hurt to send a peanut butter sandwich to school, putting Abe at complete risk.
Scary.
I have yet to start reading about this whole world living with allergies. Last night I couldn't really handle it because I think I was in a bit of shock. A long talk with a friend whose daughter has multiple food allergies, helped calm me a bit. At least I'm not alone here. Peanut allergies are one of the more common allergies and I know schools have become extremely careful about keeping nuts out of classrooms, etc. and nurses are experienced at administering emergency shots. Plus, we're learning about this at a very early age so we've lessened the chances that we would have had an adverse reaction when he's two and I'm starting to give him sandwiches, etc.
So in keeping with my more grateful attitude this year, I'm going to try to keep in mind that we're very lucky to live in a day and age where there is heightened awareness about nut allergies, where there's a likelihood that one or more of his friends/classmates could also have a nut allergy, and that these little epi-pens exist and can be carried with him everywhere.
At least we know, right? Because I don't ever want to think of what COULD have happened if we hadn't pursued the allergist and had this testing.
At least we know.
Welcome! We're just your average family, trying to maintain our sanity and keep our sense of humor while raising two beautiful children and surviving suburban life. Contact me at hithereMaggie@gmail.com
10 comments:
Hang in there, friend. I hope we can help each other through this along the way. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on about it, I'm here.
I'll do my best to stay positive here, too, and just say that as much as this news sucks, having answers and more information are always best when it comes to your kid's health.
Kate was much more eloquent than I could have hoped to be so I'll just add this: you are an amazing mom and if anyone can figure out a way to manage through this, it's you.
Hang in there.
Ah man! That sucks Maggie. Though as you said, at least you know.
Poor Abe!! I guess he will not LOVE pb&j sandwiches like his big sis. Stay positive Maggie and be sooo grateful that you found this out before he actually ate a peanut. Would you like it if Aunt Meagan, the nurse, came to live with you guys? (just kidding) Abe will be great and you are an amazing mother and I know you will take great care of him:-)
So sorry to hear that :( At least like you said everyone is more aware now. I know that at our afterschool programs we do not serve snacks containing peanuts and most of our staff are trained on the epi pen. Good luck!
Oy. Abe, give your momma a break! Why you gotta be hatin' on some nuts? Okay, I'm a fool, but does this mean nut-allergic forever? Hang in there and kudos for following your gut and getting the testing done.
Not fun.
I agree w/ the others, I think MOST (unfortunately not all) people are aware of the nut allergies so many kids deal with today and are sensitive to that. I know from working with kids at my various churches over the years that nuts are forbidden in those places as a snack or to use in any kind of a project. And when I helped organize the Easter Egg Hunt a couple years ago, we instructed parents to bring nut-free candy.
Oh, and I have the same question as Ann...is this an allergy kid's grow out of sometimes?
Unfortunately, the odds aren't great for outgrowing a peanut allergy (about 20% outgrow it, 80% don't), but it is possible!!
I am shocked, positively shocked, at the number of kids I know with food allergies. Heavens! I can't imagine how overwhelmed you are right now, but I also can't imagine how lucky Anna and Abe are to have you as a mom.
Wishing you a healthy, happy January!
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