shaylyns first reaction (long post)

Shaylynsmom, so sorry to hear about your little girls reaction. How scary! Im glad she is ok.

I think we all go through the phase where we have to find all the info we can, and read until it makes us crazy and scared to death. Then you slowly back off, because you've read almost everything you find. You will find your comfort levels about certain things and yes, you will relax some. A support group sounds like a good idea. (BTW I have family in Colorado Springs).

Try not to read too much at a time, and if you have ANY questions dont be afraid to post them. You will get tons of support here.

When you are ready you may want to start working on a plan for when she starts school ( Im assuming next year since she is 4?)and there is lots of help here for that.

Did your allergist give you good info and EpiPens? Just make sure you always have the epi with you, and the food part is tricky, but there are lots of posts here about safe food.

Good luck, and welcome [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

How absolutely terrifying that must have been. I'm glad she's doing better. To answer your question, yes I do feel a need to read everything I can find on allergies. I try to keep up with the online boards to find out how others' reactions have happened, what places or activities might not be safe, etc.

For my own peace of mind, when DS was first diagnosed we basically went into lockdown mode. We didn't go anywhere, do anything while I was researching. Once I got a feel for which kinds of situations were dangerous and which ones might not be we ventured out. Also in the beginning, I removed a lot of foods from my house (DS is allergic to 7 different foods) so that I could feel somewhat 'safe' at home. As we've gotten more comfortable we've allowed some of those foods to return. But, we still don't allow any tree nuts or peanuts in the house- not even 'may contains' if we can avoid them.

Don't worry if people think you've gone a little crazy for awhile. Set the rules that make you comfortable and as you have time to learn more, you can always relax.

Here are some books that I found to be helpful when I was first getting started:
Marianne Barber's book- The Parents Guide to Food Allergies, provides a good overview on living with your child

What an awful experience for you all!

DS's first real reaction was to a pistachio nut also. He had just come from PA testing, and for some reason the allergist didn't test for tree nuts. He gave me this whole lecture about how just because he was PA didn't mean he was TNA. While we were waiting for the epi script to be filled, my elder son asked for some pistachios. When Kevin asked if he could try one, I figured, why not? The rest is history. Imagine a hysterical mom yelling for the pharmacist to hurry up with the epipen and grabbing Benadryl off the shelf to pour down his throat. He never even bit into it, it just touched his tongue. *Shudder*

Believe it or not, it does get easier. As unfortunate as her reaction was, she is old enough now to remember it, and that will most likely help you in teaching her to be responsible for her allergy. Keep reading, especially the threads on schools and label reading. Don't ever feel like a question is stupid or repetitive; one of us will always be happy to help.

Make sure to treat yourself and your DD extra gently (I'm sure she has bounced back beautifully already, while you're tied up in knots!). You deserve to pamper yourself.

{{Hugs}},

Amy

Thank you so much everyone for the words of wisdom and encouragement. Sometimes I feel as though it is myself and DD against a world that is out to get her.
Momma2boys, my allergist did give me lots of information about the Epipen, how to use it and when to use it. I have ordered a trainer pen so DD and I can practice together, so she gets used to it too. Don't worry I never leave home without them!! DD will not start school till August of 2005, her birthday is late, December. I will start to work with the school next August to prepare them for her and to see if it will be a safe situation, we live 12 miles from the school and the EMS service is further. So homeschooling maybe something I have to look into if dayschool will be a threat to her health.
Momjd I have read many good books already and "Caring for your Child with Severe Food Allergies" is one of them. I will keep the others on my list to look into. Thanks.
Lockdown mode, been there, in fact I still feel like we are living there most of the time, I only go out when I really have to.
Thanks again everyone for all your input and caring thoughts, it is nice to have people who are up against the same struggle you are.
{{Hugs to All}}

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Alicia, mom to:
Edward-20 years-non PA
Cody-8 years-non PA
Shaylyn-4 years-PA/TNA

Welcome Alicia! I'm sorry to hear of your terrifying experience. It sounds like you doing all the right things.

I found this at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation website:
Education Support Groups
Parents of Asthmatic/Allergic Children, Inc.
Area Served: Fort Collins, Loveland, Larimer
Audience: All Ages
Focus: Asthma & Food Allergy
Meeting Location: Fort Collins, CO
Coordinator: Cindy Coopersmith
Phone Number: 970-495-8153

I know it's not very close to you but maybe if you contact them, they might know of other Colorado groups (I try to keep tabs on any groups I hear about in my area)
Good luck!

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Jana

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

Shaylynsmom,

How is you dd?My heart goes out to you and your family.I am sooo glad you have found this site!!! For our family it is a god send.

Try to take brakes from your research as there is a lot of information on this site.

We are all here to help.Feel free to ask any question,look forward to seeing you post.

Angles and ((hugs)) being sent your way.

Love this site
Synthia

Sorry to hear about your horrible experience.
I think all of us here are "obsessive" about having all the information that's out there, you are not alone! I hope you can find a support group near you.

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Tina
Trevor 8/6/01
Harmony 1/22/03
Baby #3 due June 24, 2004!

Jana R, thanks for the info. on the support group out of Fort Collins. It is about 2 hours north of us, but I will call them and see if they can recommened a group in my area.
DD is doing fine, mom is a wreck!! DD already has the sentence, "No nuts and no peanuts for me" down to a science. She keeps us laughing and lightens the air around here since this allergy has come into our lives, what would we do without our little angels? No matter how old they get!!
I know I will have lots of questions that come up as we adjust and I am glad to know we have a group as wonderful as all of you to support us and share information and experiences.

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Alicia, mom to:
Edward-20 years-non PA
Cody-8 years-non PA
Shaylyn-4 years-PA/TNA,Asthma