peanut

Ava Grace Goff (1 year old)

February 8, 2021 / , , , , , , , , , ,

Blood tests from the hospital my babies skin was inflamed from 4 weeks old started with spots all over her face and head from 3 weeks It was so severe she has so many tests was in hospital a lot she looked as though she had been in a fire she was riddled with histamine to the point she couldn’t sleep drink properly or do anything but wriggle. Her allergies are dog (severe) wheat, soya, milk, egg, peanuts, hazelnuts and mould. We took Clarithromycin plus ceterezine and neocate formula.

Payton (@The Allergy Strategy – 18+ years old)

March 8, 2021 / , , , ,

When I was a baby, I was constantly sick anytime I would eat anything with dairy, but it was my first bite of mac and cheese that sent me into anaphylactic shock. After this, the doctors ran tests to diagnose my other, equally as severe, allergies to peanuts, eggs, fish, and shellfish. While I have not grown out of my allergies as we had hoped that I would, I would say we have overcome them mentally by changing our attitude towards my allergies. When I say “our” I mean to include my family, as I know I could not have had the full life that I have despite my food allergies without them. The road hasn’t been easy, but I have learned to see the blessing in the struggle. For one, not a day or a meal goes by that I am not grateful for the safe foods that I can eat. Secondly, my allergies have inspired me to reach out to the greater food allergy community, and have fueled my passion for helping others with severe food allergies which has inspired me to consider adding a Nutrition track as my second major, so I will be able to work as a registered dietitian specializing in helping children with severe food allergies. My greatest hope is to encourage anyone with food allergies to not let it hold them back mentally or make them feel any less than anyone else! Our differences shouldn’t be seen as a hindrance, but as a unique gift that we get to use for good if we decide to.

My allergies primarily involve avoidance of the foods, so no medication on a regular basis, however, I never leave the house without Benadryl, my inhaler, and my EpiPen. I have kept up with my allergist for skin testing and blood tests to keep tabs on the status of my allergies, so I have never had to search for information on my own based on my symptoms. I will say, though, that we are constantly researching new allergy finds and studies, and actually considered OIT, Oral Immunotherapy, as a possibility after a great deal of research a few years back! In general, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) is a wonderful resource for food allergy news, but there are many more up and coming resource and informational platforms that I have recently discovered such as EpiCenter and the EpiCenter app by AssureTech.

Eat with little J (5 years old)

November 13, 2020 / , , ,

She had an upset stomach and bloody stool as an infant. Then she had severe eczema on her face, which we thought was a drool rash. Then she broke out in hives when given a tiny spec of peanut butter when we started on solids. We decided to get her tested and the result came back with many different food allergies. Have not overcome any allergies; we just avoid them all. When she’s a bit older, we’ll do oral tests for more conclusive results and to see if she grew out some.

We carry a set of epinephrine injections at all times. We didn’t look into any websites while getting her diagnosed. We just went to the pediatrician then to an allergist.

theallergykids (1 year old)

November 13, 2020 / , , , , , , , , , ,

Lactation consultant suggested CMPA, after cutting dairy the list of other allergens grew to soya, egg and peanut confirmed on skin prick test and food challenge. We are still awaiting our youngest to outgrow his allergies. My eldest had an allergic reaction to me eating cashew nuts and after A LOT of fighting with the GP we finally got allergy testing. This confirmed a tree nut allergy which we carry EpiPens for her now. She too is yet to outgrow her allergies but we are hopeful.

Both kids have piriton for first line reactions. We also carry EpiPens for my eldest in case of anaphylaxis. I contacted Allergy UK directly for information and helped get a diagnosis for my eldest and her butt allergy.

With my youngest cmpa through breast milk I had a close friend and I also read through all the information on the Dylan and me blog. Super helpful!

Sarah Peres (18+ years old)

March 8, 2021 / , , ,

I was at a park when my mom gave me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to taste. Right after, I threw up everywhere. Then we went to an allergist and I figured out I was diagnosed with an egg and peanut allergy. I never outgrew my allergies and developed more as I got older. In college, I found out I had celiac as well as multiple food allergies.

Doctors have told me that I should always carry an Auvi-Q on me even though my symptoms aren’t usually anaphylactic. When I accidentally eat something I’m allergic to, I always take Benadryl and it always helps relieve my symptoms.

Emily McElroy (18+ years old)

March 8, 2021 / , ,

After having multiple non-anaphylactic reactions to peanuts before the age of 2, my physician told my mom to avoid giving me peanuts and assured us that I would likely grow out of my allergy. However, a few days after this, an accidental ingestion of a peanut butter granola bar put me in anaphylaxis and sent me to the hospital. After this experience, I had my first appointment with an allergist who gave me a prescription for epinephrine, and was formally diagnosed with an anaphylactic peanut allergy. I am currently 20 years old, and my last anaphylactic reaction was right before my 18th birthday. 

I’m not currently taking any medication but carry epinephrine and Benadryl with me at all times.

Daphne (17 years old)

November 13, 2020 / , , , ,

When I was two years old, I ate some chocolate at a restaurant, and when I got home I was throwing up so my mom instantly knew something was wrong. Her instinct was right and I was soon diagnosed with a tree nut allergy. When I was four, I was diagnosed with a peanut allergy as well. When I was around seven, I was able to successfully do the peanut challenge and I’m no longer allergic to peanuts, but as for tree nuts, I still am allergic to all of them.

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) has always been a super helpful source in learning more about food allergies!

@foodallergyinspiration – 5 years old

November 13, 2020 / , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My little girl has been allergic since birth. She had a hard time gaining weight and would react to anything I ate when I would nurse her. She had eczema all over and stomach issues. Finally around 4 months we got referred to allergy. We found she had a dairy allergy so I eliminated dairy from my diet and finally found her a formula she could tolerate. As we introduced new foods we would notice she would react to them. Before she was a year old we had her tested and confirmed allergies to eggs, soy, peaches, carrots, celery, peas, avocado, bananas, watermelon, and peanut. As time went on the list grew to include coconut, sunflower, figs, nuts, and beef. Most of these items were because of reactions she would have when eating them and then skin and/or blood testing to confirm she was allergic. Over time she has been able tolerate carrots, celery, watermelon, banana, and soy! We are hoping to get even more items off the list! 

 

We carry an EpiPen everywhere we go, as well as Benadryl, a syringe, and hydrocortisone ointment. We also use Zyrtec and steroid creams as needed. She used to get hives and itchy hands all the time but that has gotten better as she’s gotten older. Someone gave us a subscription to Allergic Living magazine and that was very helpful! We also used a lot of info from FARE and Kids with Food Allergies. Recently, we joined instagram and there is a whole community of allergy families with lots of info and tips to share!