I don't know about you...but sometimes people think I'm a little on the crazy end of the spectrum when it comes to my daughters peanut allergy. When I decided to start Talk For Me Tees, a line of food allergy alert t-shirts, I had no idea how immersed I would need to become in this crazy world of food allergies. In order to reach other allergy families I became a member of every group, community, and foundation I could think of. I have since found some of my greatest support, and some really wonderful friends as a result. Also, I find myself reading ALOT. And because of this reading I find I tend to err on the side of caution much more often than I would otherwise. This overly cautious behavior has even gotten "you must be crazy" looks from other allergy moms. I then find myself wondering..."have I taken this to far" or "maybe I should relax a little". But one day as I mulled over this burning question in my mind it hit me. I'M NOT CRAZY!! :) I'm educated. So I am here to defend my craziness, and explain why I make some of those back and forth crazy decisions.1- I do not carry Benadryl: My daughter is anaphylactic to peanuts, and as far as my little ladies allergy goes I choose to pass on the Benadryl as the first line of defense. I was casually reading a post on facebook one day when a comment from Georgina Cornago mother of Giovanni Cipriano came up. Giovanni tragically passed away at 14 years old from a food allergic reaction. Georgina has become an active and valuable advocate for our community, and is working tirelessly to educate others so we don't have to suffer the way her family has. I couldn't find the post. But the question was about when it would be appropriate to use Benadryl. Her heartbreaking response pleaded with others to use the Epi first and always when an allergic reaction is occurring.
From the Mayo Clinic Website:
If you're with someone having signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, don't wait to see whether symptoms get better. Seek emergency treatment right away. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within half an hour. An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction. http://mayocl.in/1a7iGXX
I counseled with my allergist at our last appointment, and he confirmed Benadryl was not something he recommended I have in my allergy bag. That if I suspected an allergic reaction, I should follow the action plan, and administer epi if two systems, or one life-threatening system were effected. And that Benadryl could actually mask the symptoms of anaphylaxis. So, I decided to remove this extra question, and step from my emergency plan.
2- I pretend I also have a peanut allergy: I realize this sounds at best kooky. But I don't pretend in a creepy carry an epi, and tell people I have an allergy kind of way. I simply choose to eat as if I had a peanut allergy myself. This way I know I'm always safe to give goodnight snuggles and kisses, I can share a bite with little miss, She knows I am supporting her every step of the way, and I could if needed offer CPR without questioning what I ate last. Did you know food proteins stay in your saliva up to 4.5 hours after consumption? I've even read it is recommended you wait 8 hours to be safe. Here's what WebMD has to say about it: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20060306/kissing-peanut-allergy-dangerous Even if you brush and floss, you still have the protein in your system.
3- We do not eat food processed in the same plant as peanuts: This is a tricky one...I know even some allergists give the green light on eating from the same plant. Not mine. He tends to lean on the cautious side of everything (which I am so grateful for). I have never been comfortable with sharing a plant, but my ultimate deciding factor was when I was talking to a friend that works in a food processing factory...She confirmed they do have incredibly strict cleaning guidelines and processes they are required to follow. But amongst all the regulations there will always be one unique factor. The human factor. How do I know the person assigned to clean the equipment that day wasn't distracted, or in a hurry to get to lunch. Maybe it's the new guy, and it's his first time going solo, and he misses a step or two on accident. When it comes to anaphylaxis, I choose to not take the risk. We would rather skip the treat, or find one we know and trust to be safe.
4- Generic brands are a no for us: The tricky thing about generic brands is that they are processed all over the place, generally for several different companies and brands, and often with a large variety of other products. Sometimes they are labeled (usually as not safe), but most of the time they are not. To me it seems the risk of cross contamination is higher in these products, and the $1 or $2 savings are not worth it.
I am not an expert. I am just a label reading, info finding, baby loving momma. I am still learning everyday, and know there is allot I don't know. I would love to hear from you guys! What are some of the tough decisions you have had to make, and how did you finally decide what was best? Has anyone ever given you that...look?
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