Is Anyone Facing The Challenge Of Raising A Child With Severe Allergies, Our 3yo Is Anaphylatic?
February 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Allergy Questions
Eggs or peanuts could kill our toddler if he comes in contact with him and many other foods can make him very sick. Our biggest challenge has been making others aware of how serious his condition is, even our own family. So many people shrug it off with the belief that it is not a real threat to him. It seems that so many people have allergies (or more common, sensitivities)these day that no one cares. Sensitivities upset your system, allergies kill you, there is a big difference in these two conditions. How do we make people more aware. We have already nearly lost our 3 year old 3 times.
I commend your efforts, as I understand how hard it can be. I have food allergies, as well as med. allergies, and also used to work for an allergist. First, I recommend you find a board certified pediatric allergist. Find out if they can recommend a food allergy patient support group. If so, go and see how others handle the same situations. Also, ask the allergist if they have a particular nutritionist/dietitian that they work with, and if not call around until you find one who has treated/advised food allergy patients. One of the best places you can shop is at a Wild Oats store, or a similar type, if one is in your area, as the clerks there are great and can help educate you, at least until you learn more. Also check out food allergy and anaphylaxis network (google it to get their website – I think it is a .org). You may be able to get a DVD or some handouts to educate family members. Good luck. Remember – one of the biggest challenges you will face has to do with educating your son to say no to certain foods, and with his school when he is old enough. You have to really balance protecting him with allowing him to be a kid – that’s a challenge with parties at school, friend’s birthdays, holidays, slumber parties, activities like scouts and sports, etc. You can’t always host everything, no matter how much you want to. Just keep your epi-pen handy.