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My daughter has had two
My daughter has had two incidents of a reaction from peanuts that were relatively mild - hives and a rash - itchy skin. I had her testing and she had a major reaction from the test. I am trying to get my husband to change his behavior (i.e. eliminate all peanuts in the house and be careful if he eats peanuts). He thinks I am overreacting. I have tried to explain that her reaction could be more serious but he doesn't get it. Help!
Can you get him to visit
Can you get him to visit FAAN's website? I am guessing getting him to read a book might be difficult. There is a great video called "I'm Not Nuts" which has been airing on various PBS stations. Here is a link to a small portion of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbxolRfsAaQ Even watching this small portion might help.
I also am wondering if it would be beneficial to schedule a visit to the allergist so your husband can ask questions or have the allergist explain the seriousness of it to him. When my son was diagnosed, the allergist gave us some fact sheets which gave a brief and simple explanation of the restrictions. I still have them and would be happy to send them via email to you.
Also, check out AAFA: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=517
I hope this helps.
Jennifer B
www.foodallergybuzz.com
I'm a volunteer support group
I'm a volunteer support group team leader for AAFA. Check out the link Jennifer gave you above and see if there is a support group in your area. Perhaps your husband might be willing to go with you.
I agree with Jennifer-get him to go to the allergist with you (if you have a good allergist) and let the allergist know beforehand your husband's belief. That way the information coming from you will come from your allergist and he will hopefully get it.
If he doesn't-it might just take time. There are many moms in many food allergy communities going through the exact same thing-so you are not alone.
Some dads really just don't seem to get it. For now, it will be up to you to make sure you keep her safe. Hopefully he'll come around.
Maybe you can find some peanut butter alternative like sunbutter, made from sunflower seeds, to help your husband along.
Best of luck!
Ruth
Thank you both for the good
Thank you both for the good advice. I guess since she didn't have a serious reaction the first two times when she ate a peanut and another time was fed a peanut butter cookie he thinks it will never be serious. But from what I understand the reaction could be worse next time you just never know. Is that correct?
Unfortunately yes. Studies
Unfortunately yes. Studies have shown that one allergic reaction is not an indicator of subsequent reactions. In fact, for some people-the first few reactions are mild then they get severe. For others-one could be mild, the next severe, the next mild.
The key for you and your daughter is avoidance. Some people are able to keep peanut butter in the house and keep clean and manage. Some people feel it needs to be out of the house completely.
It all depends on your comfort level and how clean and safe you feel your family can be.
Can your husband keep the peanut butter in one area, be sure to wash up after himself etc.?
Are you worried your daughter might get into food down the road that has peanut butter? (my kids open the fridge and pantry-so we just don't want to chance it.)
Those are just some of the questions you need to think about.
Yes! It definitely could be
Yes! It definitely could be more serious next time! Why chance it? We had peanuts in the house before we knew dd was allergic and one day my husband fed her pb - caused anaphylaxis. The next week he ate peanuts, washed his hands thoroughly and then touched her and she got hives ALL OVER.
Needless to say, he learned his lesson and stopped insisting on eating nuts all the time! My parents won't stop though and so we don't go to their house because there are peanut allergens EVERYWHERE. And even if she doesn't ingest she gets eczema, hives, rhinitis, asthma, etc. from contact. Why put her through that, you know?
Good luck getting your hubby to see...unfortunately mine learned the hard way :P
I have tried to make these
I have tried to make these points with him - I think he is coming around. I showed him how to use the epi pen and that hit home a little. Our daughter is 17 months. She has a twin brother and an older brother, 3 years, which makes it even more challenging as they all want to eat what you are eating - like little birdies they flock around whoever has food. They are starting to get into the pantry and refrigerator - especially the 3 year old.
Hi! I am in a similar
Hi! I am in a similar situation-- sort of. Our 15mo recently had a reaction (hives) to peanut butter, and we can't get in to see the allergist until the end of September so he hasn't been tested, though we do have an Epi-pen. However, dh seems to think that if he hasn't had a problem out and about before, there's no need to go overboard taking precautions now. I mean, we got rid of all peanut products in the house, but dh doesn't think we need to carry the Epi-pen with us every time we leave the house etc. To me, of course, this is not "going overboard," it's a basic necessity! I've given him stuff to read, but it seems like he only takes away from it the parts that fit in with his preconceptions and the rest doesn't "stick."
Anyway, Jennifer, if you wouldn't mind, I'd love to have the handouts from your doctor. I don't know if you can get my email address from my profile somehow or if I have to send it to you.
Thanks!
Hi mkate, I sent you a
Hi mkate,
I sent you a private message but am not sure how easy it is to spot it. Can't see your email address in your profile. Mine is jenniferATfoodallergybuzz.com ; would you send me a quick email so I can reply with PDFs of the fact sheets?
Thanks!
Jennifer B
www.foodallergybuzz.com