Anyone Dealing with a Peanut Allergy with Their Child?

My son is 9 years old and I have been dealing with peanut allergies for the past 8 1/2 years. He was diagnosed by an allergist through a skin and blood test as well. He is also allergic to 2 types of grass, dust, mold, different types of wood, pet dander, pollen and the list goes on. He also has sensitivities to beef, milk, wheat, cheese, apples, bananas and this list goes on. I taught him at a very young age what he could and could not have so he would be able to tell others what he can and can not have. He also has asthma and eczema. Improvisation is key in dealing with these types of issues.

My son is allergic to peanuts and eggs. We follow the advice your doctor gave you and haven't had any problems. He will be three years old in October and knows that he cannot have peanuts or eggs. My two older daughters know that he has the allergies as well and look out for him. This is not a death sentence, just a need to change certain things in our lives.

My children also have a blood disorder that causes excessive bleeding and bruising. My son did end up being hospitalized for a hemorrhage due to the disorder. They will never be able to play contact or extreme sports and my girls will most likely need to be on somekind of hormone therapy when they start menstruating. I was devastated when I was given the diagnosis but, to put things in prespective, I looked around the room I was in when I was told. I was sitting in a room with several children who had cancer. Seeing how truly sick those children were and knowing that they may not live made me realzie that a lifestyle change is nothing compared to a true death sentence.

Your daughter is watching you. If you are this upset about the diagnosis, she is going to pick up on it. I am sure you don't want her to grow up thinking there is something wrong with her. She needs to learn about her allergy and understand what she can and cannot eat. She is young enough that she won't know the difference, it will just be a part of her life.

hi my daughter also has peanut and egg allergy she is 21 months old and yes it is a pain always watching what she eats i wanted her to be like every other child and be able to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so what i found was a product called sun butter you can get it at shop and save in the natrual section and she loves it and so does my 6 yr old most kids do out grow it so please don't worry if you would like to talk more you can message me

My little boy has a peanut allergy. He had a reaction the first time he had a tiny bit at age 1 1/2. I know some kids take more than one exposure to have a reaction.

I do not know why you say that her chance of surving to adulthood is not good just because she has a food allergy. My little boy was given peanut butter at his preschool when he was three and the staff their was afraid to use the epipen. Eventually one teacher used it and by the time I got him to the hopsital he was fine. Food allergies are in no way a death sentence.

Honestly I do what the doctor's say and would never try to have him "get over" the allergy by slowly given him what could hurt hime. I think following the doctor's advice and watching what your daughter eats is proactive.

What level is her reaction? EJ is a 2 so he has hopes of growing out of it. So many kids have food allergies now that you are not alone and schools and other parents are used to dealing with them. Also as your daughter gets older she will enjoy telling everyone she can't eat peanuts I know my four year old does. He asks if there are peanuts in everything.

Dealing with a food allergy is a pain but there are so many things that are worse. I consider EJ a happy healthy guy.

BTW our new doctor told us to always carry two epipens because they have a high failure rate. I had never heard that before.

K.

Check out the allergy network. I can't remember the name off hand but they have TONS of information on peanut allergies, including brands of foods to watch out for, how to read labels, and groups you can join. I have 2 boys who have different food allergies. One has a soy allergy and the other a wheat allergy, so I know what you are going through. Best of luck to you!
M.

I read through all these responses, and believe you are getting some bad advice and some misinformation. For example, the reason doctors suggest carrying two epipens is NOT because they have a high rate of ineffectiveness; rather, the effects of epinepherine in this dose only lasts about 15 minutes, and another injection would be necessary if an ambulance did not arrive by then!
Your best bet is to find a pediatric allergist you are more comfortable with and don't stop asking questions. Also, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (faan.org) is a great resource.
Mamasource is a great resource, however, I would not rely on the suggestions and advice of other mommys in place of a medical professional for guidance on this issue...a peanut allergy can be life endangering.

my son jeremy can't have peanut either, he has asthma attrack from it.

My son also has a peanut allergy. We follow the same advice your doctor told you. I understand that there is a 50% chance that your daughter will outgrow the allergy. You should have her retested each year. Allergies are still a bit of a mystery. Reactions can become much worse after subequent exposures. I wouldn't want to risk a more serious reaction. I'm curious to read what other moms write.

Good luck.

Hi, J.. I'm a Registered Nurse and I'm pasting a link to a very reliable source of information. A person could have no reaction to peanut initially and develop it later. For now your MD's advise as you stated are the only course. There is current research study of a possible vaccination against peanut allergy but that could take several more years before FDA releases it.

Hi J.!

My children aren't allergic to peanuts {my 9 year old just doesn't like them} *LOL*. But, your pediatrician is not telling you ENOUGH! I assume he/she is an M.D. {that's why} ~ MOST of them REFUSE to offer HOMEOPATHIC and NATUROPATHIC remedies. Yesterday, I recommended the following for food allergies. They're great sources and one is local and has more than one location.

"FEEL-RITE" @ www.feelrite.com
"PENN HERB CO." @ www.pennherb.com

The former can help you PERSONALLY with products {100% NATURAL} as they are EXPERTS in the field. The latter is in my hometown {Philly}, is nationally reknown and HUGE!

You may also want to try an osteopathic pediatrician who practices homeopathy and/or naturopathy. Medical Doctors {M.D.s are often drug pushers}. And, excessive Benadryl in children initially causes drowsiness but THEN ..... hyperactivity! I know this from personal experience {in my children and even MYSELF as an adult}. I hope I don't come off as a "know-it-all" but I've been through a LOT, have seen a LOT and I CARE ... a LOT! God Bless you in hopes you find the right remedy!

PEACE!
S.
:-)