pWe are very careful with our son's allergies, but we also try to keep things in perspective...we want him to have a normal life. I just figured he is at greater risk of a traffic fatality than a pa/tna fatality./p
pHere's the math:/p
pApprox. # of people PA/TNA in USA = 3,000,000br /
Approx. # of fatalities related to peanut/nut allergies per year in the USA = 100 (150 all allergic reactions including drugs, seafood, etc)br /
Chance of being death due to a peanut allergy = 125/3,000,000 = 0.0000333 or 0.00333% chance (3 people for every 100,000 allergic people)/p
pApprox. # of people in USA = 290,000,000br /
Approx. # of people killed in car crashes each year = 42,000br /
Chance of death due to traffic fatality = 43,000/290,000,000 = 0.0001482 or 0.01482% (1+ people in 10,000 general population)/p
pEven if you take off the approximately 40% of fatalities that are alcohol related (and even if you don/p
some perspective
Posted on: Tue, 05/07/2002 - 10:44am
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san103,
So true about keeping this in perspective.
If you don't it could wreck the happy balance that can exist.
San103, you are so right. And you should hear my lectures about traffic safety, carseat/booster safety...I am beginning to fear that my poor children are going to grow up neurotic! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/redface.gif[/img]
Everytime I really start to get down about this allergy and do the 'why my kid' thing, I remind myself how much worse it could be. She could have a terminal disease and I would have to watch her die knowing there is nothing I can do. She could be physically handicapped and never be able to run or play. There are so many worse things in the world that if this is the worst thing that will happen to us, then I will take it! I will always do anything and everything to protect my child, she is my world and we have a strong supportive family who will always be there for her, to help her and watch over her. This is yet another thing that a lot of people do not have. I just have to stop every now and then and realize that other than the PA, I have a beautiful, healthy, happy and amazing child and to be thankful for that more than anything!!! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
kcmom
Just bringing this to the top since I referred it in another thread.
I'm glad you re-raised this, san, since I've been more than a little perturbed by the rising hysteria around here lately.
There's a huge difference between sensible precaution and paranoid hypervigilance. Huge.
I find it telling that when PA adults post about being constantly nervous and afraid, they recognize it for the abnormal reaction it is - a panic attack - and they ask for advice about how to cope, overcome, etc. The PA parents who post about being hypervigilant, on the other hand, do NOT recognize it as abnormal. Quite the opposite, in fact. And there's no telling them differently.
I'm sure, as a long time board member, you've noticed more than a few sensible members leave, never to return, due to this board's reputation for indulging, and sometimes fostering, hysteria. There are ways to deal with this allergy which do not include obsessing over minutae. Ask any reputable food allergy expert at FAAN, Anaphylaxis Canada, etc. Hypervigilance cannot be maintained without becoming damaging to your physical, emotional and mental health - studies have proven this. It is a temporary state and a [i]journey[/i], not a destination, on your way to finding your "comfort zone" with PA.
It's not usually like me to rant, but I've been feeling this way for a while now - had to get it off my chest, and what better thread to do it in? My annual summer break from PA.Com seems to be creeping up fast this year...
Carolyn
I'm glad to hear these reassuring words. I was starting to wonder if I was SUPPOSED to be totally freaked out at all times. It has only been a couple months since I found out about my son's peanut allergy. At first, I have to admit I suffered panic attacks, especially in the middle of the night when I thought of something new. Now I have learned one day at a time, one moment at a time. With each passing day, I am finding myself more at ease with my duty as protector from peanuts. It is becoming just a natural part of who our family is. But, we all have days, don't we???
I thought that this board was here for everyone to say how they felt? I realize that this post of mine will probably really irritate a few of you - but I have lived with this allergy for 10 years and even today - there are times that I want to post things out here that other people might consider "obsessive" or repetitive, etc. But I thought that is what we were here for. I have received several emails from people on this board regarding different things and I have enjoyed being able to share real life experiences with people who have been there or people who justed wanted to talk more. If there is a topic that someone doesn't care for then they should just ignore the topic (unless of course it is this one [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ) Anyway - not trying to complain - I also know that it is a journey, not a destination - but each person has their own ways of getting there. Statics are great until you become one of the numbers. My husband is a pilot and you should see the statics on that subject versus traffic accidents - but I still worry a little bit every time he gets in the plane. OK - now I have rambled on and on and probably made some new enemies here - but I wanted to say how I felt - as that is what this board is for - support, information, etc........ Amy
I am glad you re-raised this topic because it's so true.
I'm usually a person to reply to post's with a few sentences here or there. I usually try not to rant either and if I feel the post is bordering on Hysteria, I don't usually reply.
That's not how I live nor choose to have my son live.
I have great family and friends that do the best to protect my son from any peanuts/products when he is around.
I will have to depart to saner pastures if I feel that only those left posting are bordering on hysteria.
So for those that believe in keeping this allergy in "Perspective", stay. You are helping people new to all of this realize although this is tough to deal with, there is hope in living a healthy and happy existence with all of this.
P.S.....I forgot to add that RANTS are ok with me, everyone has to get their frustrations out, it's a good thing.
[This message has been edited by smack (edited May 13, 2002).]
Amy - I think you're right, that is part of what this board is all about. But, I think sometimes it is easy to feed on each other's fears. It is such a scary thing we have to deal with. I don't think you will have made ANY enemies. Every once in a while, it's a nice to experience a calming note of reassurance.
[This message has been edited by Lisa V (edited May 13, 2002).]
Lisa V,
Thank you for your vote of support! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I love this site and hope that no one leaves it. I enjoy being able to read all the different point of views. Take care. Amy
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