QSDP -- Peanut allegeries

[stephbillalec]

Not to scare you, but I'd really ask your allergist to reconsider. Allergic reactions can and do change with repeated exposure. A peanut reaction of mine went from hives the first time to full-blown anaphylaxis the next exposure.

I would ask about an Epipen Jr. Just the assurance of carrying it can really set your mind at ease. My family has been scared very, very badly by the sight of me in anaphylaxis. I can't imagine having to watch it in a toddler.

I'd like to second this opinion about asking about getting an Epipen Jr. I've never heard of an allergist who wouldn't prescribe one if there is a peanut allergy. With a peanut allergy there is ALWAYS the potential for anaphylaxis no matter how low your number is.

 

[queenof3]

I wouldn't be set on eating the child's portion. We have daughters with celiac disease (which is a gluten intolerance) and the chefs at the TS places would make them basically whatever they could but do it as a child portion. Everywhere we went the chefs were very accomodating!

 

[joannem]

I will see if he might give her an epipen for the trip, he is a little stubborn and might not do it though. Cross your fingers that he will.

I'm happy to see so many other people who said what I was dying to type. GET AN EPI-PEN. Severity of one reaction is NO indication of the severity of future reactions. If you doctor is stubborn and won't do it...FIRE HIM. It's just plain irresponsible. Thankfully we've never had an anaphalactic reaction, but I won't feed Jeremy if I don't have Benedryl and the Epi with me. Also be sure to get a twin pack. A dose of Epi works for about 15-20 minutes. If it takes a while to get to the ER, you may need to re-dose. So, always carry two. Also, be aware that using the Epi pen means an automatic trip to the ER. Allergic reactions can be what's called bi-phasic. That means even after the first reaction subsides, the person can react again a couple hours later. And that reaction can be much, much worse. So, that also means staying in the ER for observation. LOTS of ER personnel (and some doctors...I'm guessing yours!) either don't know this or don't communicate it to their patients. It's just, "Here's your epi script. Bye bye" Sorry...I know I dumped a lot of info on you...but it's something I'm passionate about. I spend a LOT of time making sure Jeremy is safe and it angers me when doctors poo-poo these things.

Good luck...

 

[bumbershoot]

Yuk!!!Glad I am not a kid!!lol!! So the uncrustables are they sandwich size or are they the size after you take off the crust?

Uncrustables are a circular sandwich filled with junk they call peanut butter and jelly. Filled with corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup and super-fun things like that. They are small, to answer your question, and packaged. You can find them at your store in the freezer section.

I will see if he might give her an epipen for the trip, he is a little stubborn and might not do it though. Cross your fingers that he will.

Um, yeah....he should be fired now. That's NOT right. He's putting her in danger b/c he's stubborn. Time for a new allergist.

 

[Haley/Hayden Mom]

Thanks for all the support, I am going to def. put my foot down with him on our next trip. I have kept copies of all the treatment plans he has given her and he just keeps saying atopic dematites brought on by certain foods and food additives. This I think is very vague. It can get worse I know now from the feedback I have gotten. BTW my dear friend gave her a bite of her organic pb sandwich yesterday and NO reaction thank goodness. I could have choked her though. Maybe with the additives in the world today totally organic is the way to go. Guess I'll just get me a mule and plow me a garden.

 

[jmamom]

Since my son was just recently diagnosed, I've been having to educate myself on this whole allergy thing (his allergist, although very nice, didn't give us too much info). Our pediatrician recommended a website - www.foodallergynetwork.com (I think) and it has some great information. But, the best thing I did was buy two books - Food Allergies for Dummies and Understanding and Managing your Child's Food Allergies. They tell you how Atopic dermititis is just one symptom, and how repeated exposure can lead to much worse reactions. Maybe if you went to your doctor with this kind of information, he'd be more likely to give you what you need. He can't just blow you off if you have the knowledge behind your request.
I'm really surprised that any doctor, in this age of malpractice lawsuits, wouldn't err on the side of safety. Good luck with everything!