He'll never try a Reese's. He'll never have a PBJ. He'll always be "that" kid in his class who makes it a challenge when parents have to bring nut-free treats in for birthdays or other events.
Not only will his life be impacted, but so will mine...forever (or at least until he goes to college). Instead of making sure I didn't leave my phone at home, I will have to be constantly checking that I didn't forget his epipen. Whenever we go out to eat, I will need to tell the servers that he has a severe peanut allergy just so they don't cross-contaminate his food.
I knew he had a slight allergy when I gave him the tiniest bit of peanut butter a week before his 1st birthday. When I gave it to him, I honestly didn't suspect he would have any reaction. I have no peanut allergies in my family, nor does my husband.
Within seconds of tasting the peanut butter, he developed 2 big red hives, one on his hand and the other on his cheek. Luckily, that was the only reaction. I watched him like a hawk until nap time and he woke up feeling fine. The hive left a small mark on his cheek, but other than that, it was as if nothing happened. Only it did, and I knew it was big.
We took him for bloodwork and they confirmed he does indeed have a peanut allergy, as well as a sensitivity to tree nuts. The doctor did additional skin testing to measure the sensitivity. The peanut one left a big red bump on his leg.
Well, what happens now?
-I have to check every single manufactured food product I buy to make sure that it was not processed in a factory with nuts.
-I have to give anyone who might be watching him their own epipen with instructions on how to use it.
-I have to ask moms at playdates if they have peanuts around.
-I will have to explain to Blake one day why he can't have M&Ms like all of his friends.
I know I am not the only mom to go through this, but it is frightening. I have to be the watchdog and I am guessing even the bad guy for many years to come.
I'd love to hear from other mommies how they have dealt with this, and even how they explain this allergy to their child. Also, if you have any recommendations of peanut butter alternatives or brands your kids like, please send them my way!
No comments:
Post a Comment