Darling B/F with Nut Allergy: crash course needed

[lilmissdisney216]

It's been a while since I've posted on the DIS and I have a few questions for anyone who might know.

My darling boyfriend and I have been dating for about 3 months now and he has an allergy to tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc) that involves his throat closing on him if he injests(sp?) tree nuts. I've never dated someone with a severe allergy and I'm not sure how to handle it if he does have an episode. If anyone can give me any sort of advice or information on this it would be very helpful. I don't think he wears a medic alert bracelet and im not sure if he's on an EpiPen or not. Thanks everyone.

Meredith

 

[Selket]

I think you should ask him if he carries an epi-pen. Hopefully he does because if he has a severe reaction to accidentally eating nuts there isn't much you can do besides call 911. Has he had a severe reaction to eating nuts before? The worst scenario is that his airway closes and he cannot breathe.

As for cooking or eating out, he likely avoids foods that have a "may contain" warning on them - like "May contain tree nuts/peanuts" or "manufactured in a facility that uses nuts" , etc. If you are cooking for him, you would want to be mindful of those warnings and of the possibility of any of the ingredients being cross-contaminated. We personally also avoid all bakery items (like from the grocery or a bakery). We also don't frequent some restaurants/fast food - like Dairy Queen for instance. They note on their website that it is possible that any of their in-store made products could be cross-contaminated with nuts. Restaurants (like a sandwich place) that offers items with peanut butter or nuts is another thing - are the prep areas separate? etc.

He's an adult so he should know this stuff. Probably the best way to figure out how to handle it is to talk to him about it.

 

[ChelleinNC]

An excellent resourse is the Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) their website is foodallergy.org

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Thanks you guys soo much for your advice so far.

Selket: he had a nasty reaction back 2 or 3 years ago where he accidentally ate a walnut crunch donut. Told me that his throat closed up on him and he had to go to the ER. he's told me that he has no problem with Peanuts, its just tree nuts that get him. Also, he said he so far has had no issue with foods that bear the labels "manufactured on machinery that processes/handles nuts". The only thing he really told me is that in the event of him having a reaction and I'm out with him is to get him to the Emergency Room or call 911. But given the time it takes for them to get there sometimes. I'll talk to him about it again.

ChelleinNC: thanks for the website suggestion I will be sure to check that out as well. Any resource or information is helpful.

Meredith

 

[Selket]

It is kind of amazing that he doesn't carry an epi-pen but there isn't much you can do about that! Was the donut reaction the first time that he ever had a reaction? I guess it is too early in the relationship to start nagging.

 

[lilmissdisney216]

I was a bit amazed at that as well. I don't know if he has one or not or if he's ever had one. I'm not exactly sure if the donut episode was the first. I don't think it was, but I can ask.

I visited the allergy site and got a lot of great information that helped alot. I just hope I know what I've gotten myself into. I'm sure we'll be alright.

Meredith

 

[mechurchlady]

The problem with allergies is that for some people like myself they can eat small amounts of the allergen daily with little or no obvious effects. Over time toxins build in the body until the person is really sick. This is why I nitpick over ingredients because that tiny bit of contamination will in the long run hurt me.

It is best to read labels, learn what may be another name for tree nuts like maltodetrin can come from wheat or corn. Natural additives in your bread can be nuts, berries or who knows what. The terms vegan and Kosher will not help you. Work on avoiding cross-contamination. Like you pick up a walnut and eat it then you pick up a grape and hand it to your boy friend. Anything that may have touched something with tree nuts must not touch him or his stuff. That includes body parts, utensils, pots, pans, gloves, clothing, dishes, and counters.

There are varying degrees of allergies as some can die just from touching or inhaling the allergen. Some have severe allergy attacks from contact but others like me have small reactions that can impede on life but do not send one to the hospital. His walnut crunch donut reaction may have been from having a mega dose of walnuts. He might be okay to touch nuts for example, check to see if he has had other reactions.

 

[lilmissdisney216]

mechurchlady: wow I didn't know there was soo much that I had to take into consideration with this whole allergy thing. Even last night when we went out to a friend's house for game night, we had to check the label on the cookies we got (M&M ones) to make sure there were no traces of nuts in those. I will check and see if he's had any other reactions to nuts prior to the walnut crunch donut.

Also, he tells me that he's NOT allergic to the vapor/smell of nuts because his mother eats nuts all the time (like a squirrel as he put it) and he's had no problems so far. Just as long as he doesn't eat them. I also asked him if he has an EpiPen and he told me no. I was asking cause I wanted to make sure I knew what to do in an emergency. He says and I quote "until you get your lisence, call 911 and pray like hell". :shocked: Oh my...I really want to make sure that if a reaction occurs and I'm with him that he doesn't die.

Goodness. *le sigh*

Meredith

 

[mechurchlady]

He wont die unless he pigs out on nuts. First is the racing pulse and being hyper and then other reactions. Most people with allergies can immediately know if they are having a BIG reaction that requires medical intervention. I tried a spoon of creamed corn and I could feel the reaction. Cravings also are a biggie for me like the diet maple syrup has barley and I can guzzle it down. I know when my throat is tightening and the jitters.

Don't worry as he is a big boy. He will know when he is having a reaction. If he is acting weird like pointing to his throat then call 911 otherwise don't worry as he probably won't have a big reaction that causes him to go to the hospital. big hugs and chin up and don't worry about bad things that might happen but on the good things in life that might happen.

 

[lilmissdisney216]

update on current things:

DBF went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and got a new Pen so we are prepared for once (*happy dance*). I'm doing better with not freaking out and everything is peachy keen.

thanks everyone <3

Bear Hugs,

Meredith

 

[Schmeck]

You can also get some single-dose benadryl to have in your purse, in case he forgets his epipen. It won't be as effective as the epipen, but it can help.

 

[james'mommy]

I personally am allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. I am very vigilant with ingrediant labels. I always carry benadryl. Some times it takes 3 to get things under control. I also carry an epi pen. It has saved my life twice. Each time required a trip to the er. Once I had to go by ambulance. He may not think it's a big deal but it is. His allergist can tell him how severe his allergy is by doing a blood test. My allergist was able to tell me I am super allergic to nuts but only mildly allergic to potatoes. They can test for 95 different foods by doing a RAST panel. He may be allergic to other foods and not realize it. It shocked me to find out how many different foods I am allergic to.

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Schmeck: I carry Benadryl on me all time. I have to cause I've found that I'm allergic to Taurine and Guarana (the stuff in energy drinks). My throat closes up and its extremely hard for me to breathe. After Benadryl, I feel just fine. But other than that I have it all the time. But thanks for that tidbit of info, had no idea that he could use that if we didn't have the pen.

James' Mommy: Yeah I know what your saying. I'm thinking about having an allergy test done when I'm at my doctor's appt next week. Couldn't hurt to see what could potentially kill me.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Benedryl is not a replacement for an epipen and he should take both of them when he is having a reaction. Also, I'm sure you know, but you should not be eating nuts as you could cross-contaminte him with a kiss. I have 2 children w/ severe allergies and I am terrified of the day they start dating and becoming intimate. Always have the epipen and benedryl on you at all times. You never know where allergens are lurking. Good for you for taking the time and interest to educate yourself!

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Thanks I really try to make sure that he is very well taken care of cause I would hate to see anything happen to him. I have two brief questions tho: is there anything out there that would allow him to carry the EpiPen physically on his body and where can I find said item? We have NOT been carrying the EpiPen with us at all times cause this has been an issue and we really ought to be carrying it. So if anyone knows of anything lemme know. Thanks Bunches!!!

Meredith

 

[mechurchlady]

the wife, mother or girlfriends purse is safest, lol. I like that idea if he is going to be with you all the time and his allergy is something preventable.

Here is a list I found on line.

http://www.allergypack.com/anaphylaxis/pen.html
Attaches to the belt.

http://www.passporterboards.com/for...s/166918-waterproof-lanyard-case-epi-pen.html
That has a long list of suggestions.

http://www.allstarsales.ca/index1.html
Someone at passporter boards recommeded the tube which is waterproof and it is only $12.80.

http://www.takeincase.com/
That is a wrap for the leg that holds the pen.