Peanut-Free/Nut-Free Directory
Our directory is intended as a resource for people with peanut and nut allergies. It contains foods, helpful products, and much more.
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Heidi,
I really hate to proclaim myself an expert on the subject, but I have been down the same path. I was "normal" until the age of 20 when I had two reactions within two weeks. I tested positive for peanuts and my life changed forever. In the next 5 years, I was obsessed with everything food related. At one point, I was down to a list of about 20 foods (brand specific) that I would eat. I was also almost confined to my house as I was scared to go anywhere. For me, knowledge was crippling. The more I learned, the more scared I got. As I got older, I got sick of living that way and I started introducing more things into my diet and my way of life. I turn 30 next month and my life is back to a way that I am comfortable with. I still don't eat out, but I eat a diverse and healthy diet. Most importantly, I go out and do things that everyone else does. It seems like you have a really intelligent child. Take my recommendations for what they are worth, here they are:
I would recommend educating him on a need to know basis. Be very well versed yourself, but let him be a kid. Teach him the essentials and deal with the rest yourself.
As far as lifestyle, let him deal with it himself. Let him do what is comfortable to him, but let him know you are always there for him. It seems like the coping cycle just has to run its course.
Finally, make him feel comfortable at home. Keep anything that could potentially cause a reaction out of the house. At least he will have one place in this world that he isn't scared of.
Please know that these are only suggestions. His case may be completely different than mine. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help. I wasted a lot of time in my life because of this and I would love to help someone else who is going down the same path.