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Parenting & Farm Kids:  Jackson has peanut/tree nut allergies...  |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 11:34:51 AM
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We just took Jackson (16-months) into the allergist this week to have him tested for peanut/tree nut allergies and the test came back positive. (He had broken out in hives after sampling peanut butter on two occasions.)
We were prescribed an EpiPen and were given instructions to eliminate all peanut/tree nut products from our home. We also have to be wary of those products that say "made in a plant that also produces peanuts/tree nuts."
Sigh.
It doesn't have to be a big deal and we're trying to look at it as an opportunity to make more homemade foods since a lot of packaged foods are off-limits now. But it's a little frightening. His reactions have been very mild and - though positive - his test results were also mild. But that doesn't mean that his allergy won't get worse tomorrow or that he won't have an anaphylactic response to eating a cracker from a playgroup floor that he's not allowed to eat. (Which happened this morning and luckily I was quick enough and got to it first.)
We're trying to keep straight heads about this and do the right thing for Jackson.
Have any of you Farmgirls experienced peanut/tree nut allergies with you or your kids? Are there any tricks to know about these allergies that the doctor won't tell me? What about homeopathy and herbal treatments?
The doctor said that 20% of kids can outgrow this allergy completely, but 80% of people grow up with it and it stays. We're hoping that since he's so mild now, maybe he'll outgrow it. But we're planning for the long-haul anyway.
Thanks for the advice!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 12:11:42 PM
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I sure hope he outgrows it Catherine, it can be such a worry.
FWIW, my neighbor's daughter had a severe peanut allergy. Her Mom got stickers that said "I am very allergic to peanuts!" and Justine wore a sticker on her tshirt or dress anytime she was away from her Mom, particularly around Christmas time when there were so many goodies to be had everywhere she went, but also at birthday parties and playing at friends houses.
Di |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 12:36:06 PM
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I've heard of those stickers and just found some online last night. They were a bit expensive ($18 for 60) so I think I need to make my own! We also were able to borrow to very cute t-shirts from another family with a food-allergic kid that the mom had screenprinted for this purpose. They say "FOOD ALLERGY, CAUTION, DO NOT FEED ME." Jackson wore the shirt to our playgroup today and everyone loved it. (Though he still almost picked up that cracker...I have to be extra vigilant and watchful now!)
Thanks for the tip, Di!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 2:02:05 PM
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My nephew is allergic to peanuts. My son is allergic to walnuts.
I hope your doc told you that there is a big difference between tree nuts and peanuts and didn't lump them together to test?! Peanuts are a legume and not a true nut - hence my son can eat peanuts and have no problems. A friend's daughter is deathly allergic to cashews but can eat pb no prob, and is ok with having other tree nuts in the house just not to eat them.
I know it's scary but you can do it! Just make sure to read all the labels of anything you buy! ex: even some chocolate chip cookies have walnut flour in them without being labeled with nuts.
Blessings!
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 2:32:19 PM
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Hi Holly!
Yes, the doctor did explain the difference. The lumping together is because Jackson definitely tested positive for peanuts so the doc is advising the we stay away from tree nuts at least until he's checked again in a year or two just to be safe. It's so common to have an allergy to both. It's really a drag about the tree nuts since I love adding nuts to everything (and I love my homemade pesto! sigh) but it's easier for us at this young stage for Jackson to just omit them all. We're hoping that we can include tree nuts, peanuts or both in our diets again in the coming years!
Thanks!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 4:08:02 PM
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Oh Catherine....what a pain...but like you said...it could be worse..mild is better than severe!! Back during the years I did child day care I once had a new kid start full time and her mom didn't bother to put on the form I had them fill out OR tell me that she was very allergic to peanuts. Luckily that was likely the one and only day ever we didn't have peanut butter on something!!! When she came to pick the little girl up she said "oh by the way....." I was furious! It would have been so traumatic to have a big allergic reaction with all the toddlers there.
That IS a drag about Pesto!! Hopefully they can rule out tree nuts for ya..that would help!!
Jackson is lucky to have you for a Mom..you will keep a good watch!!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 5:48:48 PM
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Poor you and Jackson!! I was allergic to nuts (both peanut and tree nuts) when I was younger. It can be really tough because almost everything is processed in a facility that handles nuts! Also he probably can't eat anything fried at a restraunt because many of them use peanut oil in their fryers.
As far as the shirts and stickers go- those are great until about preschool age when kids start picking on others due to differences.
My parents bought me allergy alert bracelets and I ended up finding creative ways to dispose of them on the walk to school because they made me stick out at school even more. I feel really bad about that now, but then it was mortifying to show up to school wearing it! They started buying them for me when I was in kindergarten.
One thing I would suggest for when there might be peanutty treats around-always have a stash of goodies for him. My mom would give my teachers a stash of approved goodies at the beginning of every school year. That way when we did activities or parties with treats that I couldn't have- I had an alternative and didn't have to be left out.
*hugs*
Alee |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 6:08:17 PM
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Good point about fryers! I wouldn't have thought of that. We don't eat out all that often, but he's certainly been known to have a chicken nugget or two. We'll add that to the list!
Thanks for the future warnings on the "labeling" too, Alee. We're good for another year or so in that department, but it's good to keep in mind that we don't want him to feel *too* strange when the kids actually start noticing.
Luckily, Minneapolis Public Schools have outlawed peanut/tree nuts completely due to the rise in this allergy, so the school treats shouldn't be a problem if the allergy stays with him for awhile.
When did you outgrow your allergy, Alee, and how did you know that you *did* outgrow it? Were you tested each year?
Thanks!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 6:37:06 PM
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Hi Catherine-
I was born with food allergies to almost everything under the sun! It was a really hard time for my parents and me, not to mention my 3 older sisters! My family did the best they could to not make me feel too different and to find substitutes for me. I must say I was always very interested in trying the "forbidden" foods though. Nuts were always kind of scarey, though, because my mom was more worried about that allergy than any other.
I never got tested at the doctors because my symptoms were very, very obvious. My cheeks would get bright red and I would have irrational temper problems. We controlled it by avoiding foods and using benedryl.
Around Middle School, I started really having an issue feeling different from the other kids. I started sneaking foods more and trying to pay for school lunches by my self. My parents finally allowed me to start incorporating foods into my diet a little at a time. Sometimes we would find that I wasn't ready for a food yet, and sometimes it was fine. As I got older, my body was better able to handle the allergy foods as long as I didn't over do it. I also got mature enough to realize when my temper was irrational (sometimes).
By High School I rarely thought about being allergic to foods, and only if I gorged on something did I have a reaction. I still don't eat a lot of nuts though.
One good thing is that nuts are pretty much an aquired taste. Since we as Americans eat so many of them, most kids love them from a pretty early age. I don't. I would much rather eat something that doesn't have nuts in it over something that does.
I hope that helps you a bit!
Alee |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 6:43:21 PM
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It does, it really does. Thank you! I have quite a bit of reading ahead on this topic and Farmgirl advice here is a great place to start. Great point about not acquiring a taste for something to begin with...maybe Jackson will outgrow it eventually but won't even want nuts? Could be! Thanks!!
Catherine
p.s. It's just kinda freaky that 1.) he has a mild allergy level but 2.) it's to the worst of the allergies! On the one hand, "it's no big deal," on the other hand, "it could be life-threatening and we have to train everyone on the EpiPen." CRAZY.
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 7:27:20 PM
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Yes --- we love Chick Fil A but my friend's son can't eat their either as everything is fried in peanut oil!
Pine nuts aren't really true nuts either. But I have made pesto before without them. Not quite the same but better than nothin.
Children often have an aversion to what they are allergic to - or they crave it but hey we'll go with the adversion!
You might also ask your doc about having steroids on hand -- when we lived in Germany they automatically prescribed RectoDelt when my son first reacted to Walnuts (steroid suppositories). American docs don't usually prescribe these but it might be worth asking -- need to remind my sis too. They also have those Benadryl strips now that you can easily tuck in your purse. If he reacts you can use those first and then the EpiPen if necessary.
Blessings
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2007 : 7:31:40 PM
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Catherine- I have a pediatrician who recommends no nuts at all until age 4! And that includes peanut butter ofcourse! Allergies are strange things... my 13 year old went through all the allergy testing and only reacted to molds. But when we eliminated peanuts from his diet those debilitating migraine cycles stopped almost completely. It took us a long time to get there however. As room Mom every year I always asked what allergies the children had so I could notify all the parents for parties. We had chocolate, peanut, tree nut, oak trees (no kidding), red dye, and citrus allergies just in our grade! Our good friends daughter has the tree nut allergies - you can't even crack a walnut or brazil nut in the house with her home or you will be on the way to the ER. I too am surprised that tree and peanut were lumped together as they really are not similar in anyway. The only commonality might be factory prep where both are used. Peanut oil is used in so many things you are going to be an expert on products and ingredients. A little notebook will help you keep it all straight. Jackson is just a little guy, I hope he has just a little allergy but it is better to err on the side of caution because our bodies change and respond differently each time we ingest something. I am so allergic to scallops that I was told to wear my id bracelet because I will never be able to tell them what I am allergic to before the paramedics arrive. I used to eat hard shellfish all the time as a kid, but no more. Take good care of your little guy and make sure he has an allergy alert tag. We tied them to sneakers when small and as he grew he just wears the bracelet. I don't think there is the same reaction today as Allee thought she would experience. We know quite a few kids that wear them without any problem. It's also good to let the other children know what they are for. I once had a student trying to sneak chocolate and her best friend tattled on her because she knew of the allergy! Good luck, I'll be sending good thoughts your way.
with a happy heart |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2007 : 12:54:33 AM
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I think the t-shirts are a great idea! Since I try, but you cant be with your kids 24/7. We have a friend who has a screen printing shop, and he is always looking for good ideas.
E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com www.Botanical-Bath.com www.BotanicalBath.etsy.com http://botanicalbath.blogspot.com/
"I do my housework in the nude. It gives me an incentive to clean the mirrors as quickly as possible." |
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UrbanChick
True Blue Farmgirl
331 Posts
Ayako
Atlanta
GA
USA
331 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2007 : 08:31:46 AM
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Well my daughter is allergic to peanuts, milk and eggs. She is slowly outgrowing the milk allergy but she still gets the occasional hives from eating too much. I think peanuts are fairly easy to avoid and I only get to go to Chik-fil-a when she is not with me because she will want fries or something. You will get to know who and what has peanuts in it. When we go to restaurants we ask what they fry their foods in. If the waiter dosen't know then have them get the manager or chef. Most people don't mind especially with allergies. We use sunflower butter, sesame butter(tahini) or I just discovered apple butter for her instead of peanut butter, I know it sound gross but she likes to spread it on the bread. I haven't gotten her to really eat it yet but she has food adversions and we are working on her feeding therapy right now with her speech therapist. You can make a pin that says, "Ask my mom first, I have food allergies!" or something to that effect. That way you can always transfer the pin from outfit to outfit.
"Courage dosen't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow." |
Edited by - UrbanChick on Jun 08 2007 09:14:30 AM |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: Jackson has peanut/tree nut allergies... |
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Jackson has peanut/tree nut allergies...
