Thanks for the welcome...unfortunately, Arlene, we are stuck here in the USA! Sorry about that! lol
Our school takes allergies very seriously. There is a lot of info for our teachers, they are very conscientious, and we always have a few "nut-free, allergy free" rooms. I think the story about the girl in Canada who died after kissing her boyfriend brought the seriousness of the situation home for a lot of people.

Stephanie,
Thank you so much for joining. Man, I just got all kinds of warm fuzzies from your post. What lucky students you have! My son will be entering kindergarten in the fall, and I know that my counterparts at your school will be so grateful to you for your extra efforts. This is the most wonderful, helpful group as I am sure you will find. Have a great weekend,
Jamey

Welcome! It is great to have a school nurse among our members! You'll learn a lot from this great group and I'm sure we'll learn a lot from you too!
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Keep Smiling
DD - allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, and egg

Thank you! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] My biggest concern comes from other people (like the friend that brought peanut butter into my home)...I think my mind will be more at ease once my son is older and really understands the severity of his allergy. Right now he knows to show people his bracelet and tell them that he can not have peanuts. He is in a peanut free daycare, but you can never be positive that unintentional cross-contamination is not occurring. Although I would not wish this on anyone....it is nice to know that I am not alone. Thanks again for your support.

Hello and welcome,
Yes, this is a great site for information and support.
As you have found out, allergies can come on at any time, even with prior exposure. Perhaps she is not contact-reactive, so kissing, etc... was not enough to bring on a reaction. She actually ingested the PB this time - different results. But you can only tell with time. Following reactions can always become more serious, so please be careful.
Tree nuts and peanuts are different critters, but many are cross-contaminated at packaging facilities and manufacturers. This is why many people that are PA only also avoid tree nuts. Some may also have a tendency to develop new allergies.
The bloodwork (probably RAST) the Ped ordered gives an idea of how likely a reaction to a certain allergen is, but not the extent of the reaction or how serious the reaction.
Have she seen an Allergist yet? Your Ped should prescribe a couple of Epi-Jrs. for you ASAP. You also need to keep liquid Pediatric Benadryl on hand for minor hives, etc...
See the post "Anaphylaxis symptoms and grading chart". It explains when to use the Epi. (Good idea to print out a copy and keep in the bag with the Epi's. Don't want to have to hunt it down in an emergency.)
You are fortunate to have a family member for advice!
Many hugs,
Daisy

I completely understand what you are going through. I went through it myself just a few weeks. (see My old post "Help, my daughter's IgE is over 100!)
It is so overwhelming and scary. I am still in a panic mode but more educated.
See a pediatric allergist first and foremost. Ask him questions. and more questions. and then some more. you will have plenty to ask.

Thank you so very much for your quick response! It's amazing how much I used to love peanut butter and even more amazing as to how much I hate it now! I love this site! I will take your advice and be very careful.

Welcome aboard,
You will find alot of support on these boards. No questions are too dumb to ask! Education is power so learn all you can. It is frightful at the start but it does get easier with time. I have been dealing with the peanut allergy for six years. I have been accused of being paranoid and a whole host of other things but at the end of the day I don't really care!
Eating out is hard. I find that having to quiz the staff is a pain but you have to do it. I think the most unusual restuarant that uses peanut oil was the Dog-N-Suds. They brush the hotdogs with peanut oil so the skins don't split. I am not sure if you have that chain in your area. You just have to ask every time.
Some heart healthy versions of OJ have peanut oil added too.
I am glad you found us! Please email me off board if you have questions.
God's Blessing,
Lori

Thank you Stephanie for joining. I am sure many of our parents here will be glad to see you around. My son is grown and off to college so I am covered but we have tons of little ones here.
Peg
[This message has been edited by Peg541 (edited February 04, 2006).]

Hi Steph.
I think its great that you have went out of your way to be more educated on allergies. Allergies are seen as being over-rated a lot and its nice to see someone taking them seriously. Any chance of you moving to Scotland and being my sons Kindergarden nurse? lol Anyway Welcome and any Questions just ask.
Arlene