Need a little support

Hi! Welcome!

I understand how you are feeling! I am sorry that you are feeling stressed and others don't understand your stress.

Start by calling manufactures and finding safe products for your little one.

As far as the egg allergy- I have recipes for making safe egg free treats if you'd like.

Bring his snacks and food along wherever you go. If you are leaving him with someone make sure they only feed him the food you bring.

I would tell you not to worry but that would be like telling a dog not to bark. You will worry but you will find in time what you are and aren't comfortable with.

Make sure the people you leave him with are trained on the Epi Pen and have emergency instructions in place.

In time your DH and other family may come along side you but if they don't continue to do what you need to keep your child safe.

You can search for specifics here and of course ask any questions that come up and I am sure you will find others that can offer you help, advise or ideas.

toomanynuts

[This message has been edited by toomanynuts (edited August 19, 2005).]

Thank you very much. Knowing that other parents have to deal with this stress makes it easier. I just didn't feel like my normal support network of family and friends was validating how I feel-- and I felt a little overwhelmed with the responsibility. So, thank you.

E.

Welcome!
You are in the right place to find lots of support and useful info.
In addition to this site, I also like books so I'll pass along a few for you...
The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies by Marianne Barber and Caring for Your Child with Severe Food Allergies by Lisa Cipriano Collins. I had my husband read the Collins book and it really helped him understand. It's only 100 pages so it wasn't a huge investment of time for him yet made a great impact.
Good luck,

------------------
Jodi mom to:
Dominic 5/22/01 NKA
Zachary 3/18/03 Peanuts, Dairy, Eggs & Penicillin

Hi EJ

I know exactly what you are feeling. But it gets better... You need to be the teacher of everyone and use all resources you can to educate family and friends. In their time they'll get what you already did.

I also want to cry every time I remember we used to go to a restaurant with peanuts all over the tables and floor - and that my son actually ate one once. I am forever thankful nothing happened. But those were times of not knowing about the allergy, we can't focus on that but on what to do from now on...

All the best for you and your family!

------------------
Luisa [img]/peanut/boards/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

Hi EJ! Welcome! I also know EXACTLY how you feel. We found out about our daughters peanut/tree nut allergy when she was just 18 months old. She just turned 7 years old last week...I can tell you that it does get a LOT easier.
I have found that this site is an amazing source of info and support. If you ever have any question about safe products or how other people deal with certain situations, there is always someone out there who can relate or give you some info. This site has been a wonderful source for me and my sanity as we deal with these allergies.
You will, over time, also run into other moms with allergic children. These introductions with other moms in your area are also wonderful to have. Because of peanut allergies I made a wonderful friend in my town, she is probably the best friend I have had in my 31 years. We were introduced because of our allergy children, and it has grown over the years. She is someone I can call when I feel like crying about something, or angry when dealing with other parents who "just don't get it". See if you can be introduced to some local moms who have children with allergies (ask your child's dr. or allergist).
I am sending you a big hug and inspiration that it does get better. Your child will be ok, and that you are a wonderful mom for searching out this site to keep him safe. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Shandra
(mom to Madeline 7 pn/tn/soy
and Grant 3 no allergies)

[This message has been edited by maddiesmom (edited August 19, 2005).]

Hi - I can tell you that this is a great resource of support for you. My daugther was diagnosed when she was a toddler too. She will turn 6 in a few weeks. I have been trying to do this on my own - I tell everyone about her and her allergy. Some people understand others just need the education. finding this sight really is a blessing. Others can help you know how and what to address. I still have waves of fear, we just started 1st grade, but it does get better. Don't think about the past - you have enough to think about going forward. Good Luck!

kicks,This jumped out at me"She will turn 6 in a few weeks. I have been trying to do this on my own"
Department of Supplemental Educational Services
Student Services Team
Have you contacted this person for help?

I would like to say to everyone"[b]You are part of the TEAM"[/b]

No one seems to understand how stressful this is and will continue to be. I don't feel that anyone close to me understands how I am feeling.[b] I hear ya![/b]We at PA.Com may not be right next to you,we are!

(((Hugs to the parents and kids going thur trying times)))
Give it some time

------------------
Love this site
Synthia

Elizabeth--My son was diagnosed almost 11 years ago w/ peanut and egg allergies, so I have a sense of what you're going through now.

You can manage these allergies--at times it is stressful, but honestly, now, most days, it's just part of the background noise of life.

You're right--other people really can't imagine what this is like--that's why this board is so helpful and a great source of info and support.

When my son was first diagnosed I couldn't imagine how he would ever go to anyone else's house on a playdate without me, how he'd go to school, etc., because it all seemed so overwhelming. He's done all those things and gone to summer camp, on an overnight school trip, traveling, etc. It just takes lots of advance planning.

Good luck to you and don't ever hesitate to ask questions on this board.

Joanne

Thank you so much to everyone who responded. I really appreciate it. A few days have passed since my son's diagnosis and I'm feeling a little better. I see him happy and healthy and it helps strengthen my resolve to keep him that way.

Thank you again!
Elizabeth

Don't forget - take a look at the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network web site:

[url="http://www.foodallergy.org"]www.foodallergy.org[/url]