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1. The Epi Pen: We don't leave home without it (and we have 2 at home). It is The Little Mans lifeline in case of a severe reaction. We've only used it once and I pray we never have to use it again, but I'm thankful that it is there. 2. Our Doctors: We are lucky. Our Pediatrician and our Pediatric Allergist work together and keep The Little Man's best interest in mind. 3. Our family and friends: They are a support network and help keep me sane. 4. Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network: Thank God that FAAN is there. I don't know what I would have done when The Little Man was first diagnosed with food allergies. I was lost and scared and FAAN is an organization dedicated to food allergies and they have many tools that helped me get a grip on this and taught me how to deal with it the right way. 5. The BabyCenter Food Allergy Board: What a fantastic group of ladies (and a few guys) that give good advice or a shoulder to lean on 6. The Mustard Seed Market, Wild Oat and the organic/health food section of our grocery store: I may have to shop at 4 different places to get what I need, but it's there. And for that I am thankful. And if I can't find it there.... 7. I can find it at: Allergy Grocer, Gluten Free Mall, Gluten Free Pantry. 8. The Internet: I use it as a tool for research and to contact food manufacturers regarding ingredients in their products or possible cross contamination with their products. 9. The Parents Guide To Food Allergies by Marianne Barber - This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a child with food allergies. 10. Cooking Free by Carol Fenster, Great Foods Without Worry by Cindy Moseley, and The Child Friendly Food Allergy Cookbook by Leslie Hammond and Lynn Marie Rominger: Although I'm sure that there are other wonderful cookbooks out there, these are mine and they have saved me. I am thankful for all three. 11. His Medic Alert Bracelet: Since The Little Man is only 2 and can't communicate the fact he has food allergies, this bracelet does it for him. If I'm ever incapacitated and can't communicate for him, I know that his needs will still be met. The bracelet lists all of his allergies and a number to call for all of his emergency contact information. If he ever gets lost or separated from us, people will know not to feed him certain things. What is the first thing people do to comfort a child??? Give him candy or a cookie and that would set The Little Man off into having a severe reaction. 12. My older son. He's a blessing by himself, but he's also one of his brothers biggest advocates. He tells everyone not to feed his brother because he has food allergies. He also knows that we don't allow play dough at our house (it's made with wheat) and told his teacher that he could not accept it as a gift. 13. The Little Man himself: What a blessing he is and I know that God gave him to us because although sometimes we find his allergies difficult to deal with, we can take care of him and keep him safe. |
All of the above things are very important to me in helping to keep my son safe. Next year he'll be starting school, and I'm sure I'll be adding a lot more "important" things to this list. Today, I picked up his medical information form, child medical /physical care plan, and the form for request for administration of medication from the preschool. That really hit home that my child's safety and well being are going to be out of my hands for a period of time next year and it really scares me. I will be working with our Allergist and Pediatrician this summer to make sure we have all the necessary tools in place to keep The Little Man safe. He's definitely ready for school next year, but I can tell you for sure that I am NOT. It scares me to death. But I know this is a part of life with a food allergic child and I will have to deal with it and I need to make sure that I don't project my fear on to him.
Labels: Food Allergies, food allergy week
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9 Comments:
My TT is about food allergies too this week. :)
You're not alone in your preschool fears. Misery loves company, right? ;)
Great list - all very valuable resources!
What a neat list..thanks for bringing this to our attention. Im glad you have great doctors
I have severe allergies, too, and I'm glad for you that you've only had to use the epipen once, because it feels TERRIBLE. I dread having to use it. It feels like how I've heard panic attacks described!
I can't tell you how much I adore my son's preschool teachers. They're careful with him, and make sure that the preschool is totally nut-free for everyone.
One key is also to find a preschool where there are other allergic kids -- it makes the teachers highly aware.
Thank you for this! My Grandmother was diagnosed with Celiac's disease recently and is having trouble finding "good things to eat." I have ordered for her from Gluten free pantry but haven't seen the other sites before! Thank you! :) Have a wonderful week!
Food Allergy Awareness Week, huh?
LONG overdue, with the prevalance of allergies lately. My son has a good friend with severe food allergies; I've actually been able to read ingredient lists in their classroom to see if the friend can eat it.
Amazing how even though it's not my problem, it IS my problem. One I'm glad to take on; he's a cool kid.
Happy TT! Always nice to see you drop in!
I'm lactose intolerant and can't eat peppers (green, red, yellow, none of them). Thankfully I don't get too sick, but I'm miserable for a while.
Great list. Thanks for the information.
Thankfully no food allergies in our family but we do have allergies to medications. And we have friends with food allergies.
Food allergies must make things difficult. Nice list.
Happy TT!
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