peanut allergies

[Priorityonecb]

Along those same lines...and getting serious for *just a moment...do any of your worry about your children as teenagers in terms of the kissing?? My dd is only 9 (10 tomorrow!) but I already am concerned about that. Not that I am exactly thrilled with the idea of her making out...but I hate the thought that she has to be scared of it for fear of a reaction.

 

[minniebeth]

We did 8 days at Disney with my DD9's peanut/nut allergies and had a great time. She found lots of things she could have and enjoy. I can't say how great it was to have Disney be so accomodating.

I too occasionally sneak peanut M&Ms, my fave, while my DD is at school and scrub up afterwards..

 

[Dina]

DH and I are like that too. About every six months we have a PB&J sandwich. The kids are asleep - he runs to Walgreen to get Peanut Butter and Jelly and a new loaf of bread. I'm at home putting Saran wrap on the kitchen counters, I get a plastic knife and make about 2 sandwiches each. Then we THROW EVERYTHING OUT. We use paper plates to eat and then scrub our hands and teeth.

The bad part is that we can't go in an sneak DD a kiss while she's sleeping. But boy are those sandwiches good. We haven't figured out if they're so good because we love them or because they are the forbidden fruit

You should try sunbutter! We tried soynut butter and just didn't do the trick. I ordered sunbutter (made from sunflower seeds), and it's a little bit of heaven. The factory is totally treenut/peanut free. We got the crunchy and creamy--- both are so good. I actually have to place an order for more, we went through it so fast. www.sunbutter.com My wish is that Sunbutter would team up with Vermont Nut Free Chocolate and make a chocolate sunbutter candy (I miss chocolate and peanutbutter).

 

[Dina]

Along those same lines...and getting serious for *just a moment...do any of your worry about your children as teenagers in terms of the kissing?? My dd is only 9 (10 tomorrow!) but I already am concerned about that. Not that I am exactly thrilled with the idea of her making out...but I hate the thought that she has to be scared of it for fear of a reaction.

Honestly, and I'm not making light of this, it's a valid concern, but I try not to think about it. It's something that's honestly out of my control, and worrying about it would drive me crazier than I already am. I'll just do my best to educate him as to the signs that he's having a reaction, and make sure he has his epi pens and cell phone (to call 911) at all times (which from what I know about teenagers, will be no easy task--- at least as far as the epis go, I'm sure the cell won't be a problem)--- that's really all I can do. My allergist truly believes within 5 years there will be a vaccine, and I'm praying she's right--- so don't let her kiss anyone until she's 15, and maybe by then we'll have a little miracle!!!

 

[ptmmg]

I am 42 and I have had a severe peanut & tree nut allergy as long as I can remember, growing up I never heard of or knew anybody with this allergy.There was no peanut free table at our school. Nobody took my allergy seriously, thank goodness I had a great mom who spoke out for me and I was knowledgable enought to know to ask about everything I ate.
I am sorry that this kind of allergy has become some sort of epidemic but at least it is recognized now.
I can give you a couple of stories of dh eating peanut butter or some kind of nut then kissing me hours later not pretty. Or him talking on the phone while I was not at home eating a peanut butter crackers and the next day I pick up the phone and got a reaction.
all that said we have been to Dsney several times and we have never had a problem!
I may even venture Ohanas this trip still uncertain about that though.

 

[boysmom5150]

My oldest son has severe peanut/treenut allergies(among many others). He is allergic by CONTACT. As our 1st trip to WDW was approaching I think I thought about canceling at least once a day. I advised the Cm our long list of food allergies for both kids when I made all our ADR and contacted Brenda Bennett. WOW what a relief to know that they handle this so efficiently and seriously. We had no problems even when we ate a buffets as the chef would walk the buffet with us and go over everything. If there was something that he couldnt have for ingredient/cross contamination reasons they would make a new safe batch for him in the back and bring it to us. They were really great. This was one of the 1st vacations we have been on with the kids that we actually felt comfortable eating(for obvious reasons we are usually nervous recks).

 

[disneynewbeemom]

Has anyone ever eaten at Boma's with peanut/tree nut allergies? I've heard that this restaurant should also be avoided. Our sons both have nut allergies, but I know that they would love to visit this resort. Has anyone had a safe trip to Boma's?

 

[DCDisney]

Has anyone ever eaten at Boma's with peanut/tree nut allergies?

I do avoid Boma, Ohana, and Kona because of the nut issues. In terms of kids Boma will make a separate meal for them and I've heard they can be very nice but I'm sure it's somewhat dependent on which chef and how busy as to how much they can cater to what you want. They'll always find something safe though anywhere as long as they have it available.

YVonne

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I do avoid Boma, Ohana, and Kona because of the nut issues. In terms of kids Boma will make a separate meal for them and I've heard they can be very nice but I'm sure it's somewhat dependent on which chef and how busy as to how much they can cater to what you want. They'll always find something safe though anywhere as long as they have it available.

YVonne

We also avoid those restaurants. Also at home, all Chinese Restuarants are out of bounds. I hope they do find a vaccine soon.

 

[ptmmg]

thanks Dina for the link to sunbutter I just made an order I have never had a peanutbutter sandwich my whole life I am 42.I can't wait to let my kids (who do not have an allergy) try it they just can't eat it becuase I can't go near them after!

 

[wic0721]

I am 42 and I have had a severe peanut & tree nut allergy as long as I can remember, growing up I never heard of or knew anybody with this allergy.There was no peanut free table at our school. Nobody took my allergy seriously, thank goodness I had a great mom who spoke out for me and I was knowledgable enought to know to ask about everything I ate.
I am sorry that this kind of allergy has become some sort of epidemic but at least it is recognized now.
I can give you a couple of stories of dh eating peanut butter or some kind of nut then kissing me hours later not pretty. Or him talking on the phone while I was not at home eating a peanut butter crackers and the next day I pick up the phone and got a reaction.
all that said we have been to Dsney several times and we have never had a problem!
I may even venture Ohanas this trip still uncertain about that though.

I know exactly what you mean.....I'm 41 and have had a severe peanut/nut allergy my entire life. Everyone at school thought I was a freak..."what do you mean you can't eat nuts?" Also back "then" when I had a reaction, I ended up in the hospital for a week, getting shots every few hours and laying in an oxygen bed! It definately was not fun, and I was in there alot! Luckily, my DH is very aware of the severity of my reactions, and the only times he will really eat PB other than his birthday, is when he is on 3rd shift, and we won't be seeing each other for a couple days!

I do worry about my DD (7) though, she is also allergic to peanuts "thanks mom", and I am nervous about what will happen when she's a teenager and starts dating. She is very good about staying away from nuts, and not sharing food with others. I can see myself grilling her boyfriends about nuts and what they've eaten prior to picking up my DD every day!

 

[KATHINOWA]

My son is 9 and I've already spoken to him about the "dangers" of kissing someone after eating peanuts and also about drinking because some liquors contain nut extracts. I've told him how important it it to have a good buddy support system that can keep an eye on him. Right now his friends are very supportive but he also is very restrictive with himself. He'll tell me you don't have to talk to the mom because I just won't eat anything while I'm there. Of course I still talk to the mom but I know he won't be able to go through high school and college not eating anything while he's there. He is petrified of needles but I've already told him if there is a vaccine or immunotherapy available that will help him lead a safer life he is getting it. I have about 9 years until he goes to college so I'm hoping and praying it comes beforethen.

 

[sam'smominco]

I have to second the recommendation for the Sunbutter. We LOVE this stuff!!! The day I found this was seriously one of the happiest of my life. I was a total PB addict until I found out my DS was allergic and then I banned it from our house. We found it a few months ago in the store...my local Kroger (King Soopers...I am in Colorado) and our Wild Oats both carry it so we don't even have to order it online. My son liked the Soy Nut Butter Ok, but he never knew any different. I personally couldn't stand the stuff. But Sunbutter truly does taste almost identical to PB. I substitute in recipes all the time, as well. When we bought our first jar, I felt like how a crack addict must feel when they get their fix...LOL! My DS and I like to sit on the floor with a spoon and a bag of chocolate chips and dip the spoon in the Sunbutter and then sprinkle it with the chips. Our special little treat.

Anyway, my DS is now 3.5. He was diagnosed at 14 months. His initial skin test was very high (4+) and the allergist pretty gave him no hope for ever outgrowing it. However, at his last appt. last summer, his CAPRAST test was pretty much nonexistant (less than a 1 on a scale of 0-100). He went through the peanut challenge and never did have a clinical reaction...but his skin still breaks out if the peanut touches it. Just a few hives, so nothing serious. We still carry an epi as a precaution but we do allow him foods with "traces of" since he has never had a bad reaction (even his first reaction ever was just hives). His allergist thinks he is not techinically allergic but just has a skin sensitivity. This would explain the high skin test but no reaction to the CAPRAST. He goes in again this summer for another challenge.

And, yes, Disney is FABULOUS when it comes to his allergies. We have been three times since his first reaction and they are so incredibly accommodating.

 

[Priorityonecb]

We too love, love, love Sunbutter!! I didn't know King Soopers has it! We've been buying it for $6.50 a jar at Wild Oats! How much is it at KS? (We are in Colorado too!)

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I'm a bit reluctant to try SunButter. I don't want to confuse DD6.5 about it. She may start to think that its OK to eat PB. How old are your children that are eating SunButter? and what did you tell them about it. Do you even compare it to PB? Or just have this be a completely different product? TIA

 

[Priorityonecb]

I showed DD (then 8) that it had sunflower seeds in it. She at 10 is more educated on peanut allergies than most adults. She definately knows the difference, and at 6.5 I think it's a good thing to empower your daughter by giving her as much information as possible. I started at around age 4, in preparation for kindergarden.

We *did have issues the first couple times I sent it into the school...with a lunch aide telling my daughter she needed to remove herself from the peanut free table if she was going to bring PB sandwiches. Dd set her straight (and I followed up when she gave her grief the second time too!). Dd likes it on a bagel for lunch.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I showed DD (then 8) that it had sunflower seeds in it. She at 10 is more educated on peanut allergies than most adults. She definately knows the difference, and at 6.5 I think it's a good thing to empower your daughter by giving her as much information as possible. I started at around age 4, in preparation for kindergarden.

We *did have issues the first couple times I sent it into the school...with a lunch aide telling my daughter she needed to remove herself from the peanut free table if she was going to bring PB sandwiches. Dd set her straight (and I followed up when she gave her grief the second time too!). Dd likes it on a bagel for lunch.

My daughter has the knowledge and information and is very inquisitive She's been in full time day care since she's been 2 and is great about asking about food products, my concern is that will she think its OK to experiment.

I will tell her that its Sunflower seeds and not even bring the PB into the equation. I'm so proud of her and how she handles this life threatening allergy. Thanks for your help.

 

[sam'smominco]

Priority -- I pay $4.99 for the Sunbutter at KS. It is in the PB aisle but is located by the other nut butters, not the PB itself. (I am in Fort Collins, if that helps any). I always call it Sunbutter with DS. Even for a three-year-old, he is very educated about his allergies (he is also allergic to eggs) so I don't worry about the confusion too much. When he goes to lunch at preschool, I make sure the teachers know it is Sunbutter, not PB so they don't freak out.

 

[Dina]

I'm a bit reluctant to try SunButter. I don't want to confuse DD6.5 about it. She may start to think that its OK to eat PB. How old are your children that are eating SunButter? and what did you tell them about it. Do you even compare it to PB? Or just have this be a completely different product? TIA

My peanut allergic son (6.5yo) won't eat the sunbutter, it looks too much like peanut butter, and I think it scares him. I told him that it was sunflower seeds, but he just said no thank you. He's very very careful about his allergy-- asks before he eats anything, and just didn't feel comfortable with something that looked like peanut butter. I'm fine with that. But, at least everyone else in my family can eat it, and not be afraid that we will get him sick. DH and I LOVE LOVE LOVED peanut butter, but we threw it all out when DS was diagnosed. I'm also trying to get my youngest (not allergic) to try the sunbutter (but since he's never eaten peanut butter in his life, he's not interested, I keep offering it htough)-- just so when he goes to school, there is something I can put in his lunchbox. I'm not pushing my allergic son to eat it (he always brings yogurt in his lunchbox, so there's some protein, my little guy won't eat yogurt), but it's nice that the rest of us can have our pb&j fix, and not put my allergic son at risk.

And,I do understand your fear. There is a company in the US that buys nestle (I believe) candy bars from canada which have no cross contamination with peanuts--- kit kats and such. In the US there is cross contamination, those made for canada are made in factories without peanuts. Anyway, you can get on this website and order kit kats and I'm not sure what else. I won't do it, because I don't want my son to think if someone else offers him a kit kat--- I don't want him to think it's safe. Maybe when he's much older, but right now, I just don't feel comfortable with that---- so I do understand your concern.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

My peanut allergic son (6.5yo) won't eat the sunbutter, it looks too much like peanut butter, and I think it scares him. I told him that it was sunflower seeds, but he just said no thank you. He's very very careful about his allergy-- asks before he eats anything, and just didn't feel comfortable with something that looked like peanut butter. I'm fine with that. But, at least everyone else in my family can eat it, and not be afraid that we will get him sick. DH and I LOVE LOVE LOVED peanut butter, but we threw it all out when DS was diagnosed. I'm also trying to get my youngest (not allergic) to try the sunbutter (but since he's never eaten peanut butter in his life, he's not interested, I keep offering it htough)-- just so when he goes to school, there is something I can put in his lunchbox. I'm not pushing my allergic son to eat it (he always brings yogurt in his lunchbox, so there's some protein, my little guy won't eat yogurt), but it's nice that the rest of us can have our pb&j fix, and not put my allergic son at risk.

And,I do understand your fear. There is a company in the US that buys nestle (I believe) candy bars from canada which have no cross contamination with peanuts--- kit kats and such. In the US there is cross contamination, those made for canada are made in factories without peanuts. Anyway, you can get on this website and order kit kats and I'm not sure what else. I won't do it, because I don't want my son to think if someone else offers him a kit kat--- I don't want him to think it's safe. Maybe when he's much older, but right now, I just don't feel comfortable with that---- so I do understand your concern.

Thank you. Your 6.5 DS sounds exactly like my DD 6.5 (only you stated it better than I). I feel that DD would be the same way as your son, a bit skepitcal. BUT....this is a great idea for DH and I.