I have a 6 yr old DS who is allergic to all nuts (tree and bush) and sesame. We spent this past Sunday in the ER for the 6th time in his life due to FA reaction. The catch was he had consumed nothing with nuts - nothing. We came to determine that it was one of two transfer situations. First, the restaurant we eat at frequently for weekend breakfast was testing a new waffle with pecans and although they had two separate waffle irons - someone may have placed the nut batter on the plain iron. Or, two, we purchased some gummy candy from a store we frequent for coffee, and there are other bins with chocolate products some with nuts. Although the employees are trained not to double dip - that could also be the culprit. Regardless we ended up with a child violently vomiting, pulse and blood pressure dropping and eyes rolling around in the back of this head. Strangely - the most significant change was he typically has rosey cheeks and nice full red lips - he was gray without color in his lips.
This was a huge learning experience for my DH and I given we were taken by surprise. Thank God for Epi Pens (2 of them required to make the 30 mile drive to the hospital -- we were at our cottage not in Chicago AGHHHH) and for a husband that can handle a car at high speeds. Regardless, this reaction was a reminder that although it had been 18 months since his last reaction - this one was a major one, and really made us step back.
I don't think it has hit me yet, but I cannot stand the thought of him going to school tomorrow, or for that matter out into the world again. Had I not been with him, I am not sure anyone else would have known what was happening. And, his reaction was so significant without ever touching or eating a nut. Very, very scary!
I'm so glad your son is okay - that must have been terrifying! Thank you for sharing your experience. I agree that either the waffles or the gummi candies could be a source of nut cross-contamination.
I'm in total sympathy about not wanted him to go to school today. How's he handling it? The emotional after-effects of a major reaction can be hard to deal with. Sending you my best wishes!
Sorry to hear about this, but very glad your son is OK!
Was the candy loose candy in a bin? I would totally think that was cross contaminated - even if the employees are using a clean scoop and the candy itself is safe, there could easily have been nut containing candy in that bin at one time.
So sorry. I hope he's doing well today.
My daughter had a trace reaction the week before Easter that also involved all body systems. It was hard for me to know I had slipped and let something into our life that could harm her. It has been even harder to let her back into the world. I personally think that is the hardest part of this disease.
You did exactly what you should have done--you had not one, but two Epi pens ready, you knew how to get to the hospital, and you were aware enough to evaluate what was the potential cause. Congradulations on a job well done!!!!!!!
Oh....I am so sorry that this happened. After reading lilpigs birthday dinner story and then this I am in tears.
This just could be any one of us anyday. I am so glad that your child is ok. Thank you for sharing and big hugs to you.
Hope your son is doing OK now. Pretty scary for him and you.
Have you considered that it may not have been the nuts? Sesame, even in trace amounts, can cause severe reactions. Most bread products run on the same line as sesame seeds. If his reactions in the past to sesame have not been severe -- I'd recommend you keep an open mind about this anyway. My reactions to it were once very minor, but not anymore.