At what age did you first use epipen on yourself?

I have two children who have severe multiple food allergies to milk, egg, peanut, etc. I myself am anaphylactic to peanut. Since I am an adult and a mother, I have always worried more about my children needing the epi-pen. We did epi-trainers, rehearsed what-if situations, but the absolute best learning situation came when I had a reaction to some candy. I went out jogging as I was feeling fine at the time, came home because my hands began uncontrollable itching, looked in the mirror and shrieked at the sight of me, and announced to the family that I was having an allergic reaction and to come here immediately. My children and my husband watched me (as I was covered with hives and feeling on the verge of fainting) very calmly take Benadryl, pull my pants down over my thigh (which I didn't need to do I know), and say "I am about to administer the epi-pen - here goes!" I did it perfectly and confidently and they watched it. We proceeded to the ER where the 3 of them watched me immediately get hooked up to iv's, etc. This was the BEST learning experience I could ever have given my children. I was 40 years old and had previously been given maybe 5 epis over the past 20 years - always by a doctor in the office or ER. This was the first time I had ever injected anyone. And guess what? It really didn't hurt. I was so glad it was me. I am much more confident now and am not afraid to give it. I feel like my children learned a lot by this experience as well.

Aliciamot,

What a great story, thank you! I'm amazed you kept your cool so well under such a stressful situation. What a way to train your children, too.