When my oldest daughter received a solid diagnosis of the various food allergies, I had no idea how daunting the task of keeping others from giving her food was going to be. Oddly enough, no matter how involved you are as a parent, sometimes you just don't realize all the "hidden dangers" until they become a true danger.
Every once in a while, without much concern, most parents gladly turn their children over to trusted family or friends for a fun-filled day. For us, we would hand our kids over with a book-sized list of what to and what NOT to feed our children - then we worried, waited and hoped nothing would happen. Its was far from relaxing, or fun-filled for anyone. Over the years we have made changes to allow for a more relaxing time for everyone, caretakers included. This post includes some of those tips.
First and foremost, when dropping your children with someone that will be watching them make sure you explain in detail what they are allergic to, list everything! I like to carry this list separate and hand it directly to my child's care taker. On the list, in full detail, explain what an allergic reaction looks like. If your child gets hives, turns red, or scratches their eyes profusely write it down.
**Make sure on the list you include medicine doses if any are needed. Also include doses for any anti-histamines you use in the event of an allergic reaction, as well as your phone numbers!!
Secondly, purchase or make a bracelet (see links in highlighted print below) or sticker here for your child. There are all kinds of possibilities: they come in styles from frilly or jewelry like , to practical like this. Our daughter wears a water proof bracelet that has a metal medical stamp on it. It's adjustable in size and easy for her to put on and take off - thereby allowing her to be in control!
If you are able to, I suggest you buy a couple variations. This will give your child a choice and you'll be sure to have "extras" on hand in the event that you misplace one. Trust me, it's inevitable that you'll be looking for the bracelet at some point when you are running out the door late, a second one is always a nice option to fall back on!
Pack food for your child for "snack time". I bring a snack that is for my girls only. I mark their name on it and place it in their personal bags for them to access when it is time to eat. They know that the food they are eating is different, but most of the time that isn't a concern. The majority of the time, my children are more concerned with the fact that they can participate in the "event" not so much partake of the actual food.
Review with your child if they are old enough, what foods they can and cannot have, ahead of time. (see my previous post on teaching tips here) When you are headed to the care takers, remind them of how it is important they not eat or handle certain foods.
There is no way to explain how difficult it is to leave your child with another individual if they are a kid with allergies. I understand the insecurity, all too well. I hope the ideas above help make the transition easier and allow you to find some solutions to possible problems you may run into.
Showing posts with label Allergy Alert Products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allergy Alert Products. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Making It Official: Getting A Diagnosis Part 4
In my last post I covered what the actual testing with a scratch test entails. In this post I will advise what you can expect after the test.
When the test is complete the nurse comes back and uses a measuring device to determine the radius of the “test stick”, it's likely that it will be swollen slightly, this allows the Dr. to gauge what the ‘norm’ is for a non-reaction vs. a reaction, the nurse then measures every other stick site. This takes only a few minutes, they write it down in the appropriate box for evaluation from the Allergist.
Then, at least in our office the most wonderful thing happens! (Prior to me saying this, please Please, PLEASE understand that I do NOT like medicine! I prefer, and believe strongly in alternative treatments- but this is the one time when I have no guilt, or concerns about using medicines.) The nurse pulls out a steroid topical (or if you prefer, they’ll likely replace it with an anti-itch ointment) ointment and slathers my daughters back. I can physically see the nervousness drain from her face, and she is finally at peace. It is the part I focus on when she’s crying for me to scratch her back ten minutes prior. My advice: don’t argue with the nurse, if they are offering the steroid, let them use it because it is the only thing that will stop the itching AND the swelling that takes place.
Once the tests have been documented, the Dr. will come back and consult with you on what allergies are occurring. Oftentimes, they will give you follow up information, such as where to find food unexpectedly lurking, and other names for some ingredients that you may have tested positive for. IF there is a positive result, depending on the severity, and the allergen they may suggest a prescription, one of which could be an Epi-Pen prescription. Get these filled IMMEDIATELY!
If you have been given an Epi-Pen, there is no time to waste, and you can’t afford to “pass go” .. go straight to your pharmacy and wait, but don’t go home without that pen.
It literally is the difference between life and death. I’ve seen it, and I can tell you that the time it takes to go from zero to mach-ten on the allergy scale is not nearly as long as you’d think-- and it can happen in a matter of minutes. Epi-Pens save lives! There is the likelihood that if you tested positive they will want to see you within a year again for more testing, and to see what if any changes have occurred.
If you have tested positive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and honestly lost in how to best "tackle" the issue of changing your lifestyle- in both areas of Environmental and Food allergies. Please know this is normal, and try to remember that you received what you came to the Dr. for. It was a winning situation in the end- you had concerns of allergies, because of symptoms you had, you took tests, and you got a result that says you're allergic- and you are leaving the office with an idea of what you need to change in your life. That is a successful visit! Take slow, easy steps, and realize that this is going to make life better in the long run! Its a change of life, not a diet, or "vacation" -- allergies are a lifestyle, and you are making a lifestyle change. Be proud that you found a place to give you a diagnosis, and be confident that you'll find support you need to make it easier to adjust.
For info on how to get some of the stickers above click here:
When the test is complete the nurse comes back and uses a measuring device to determine the radius of the “test stick”, it's likely that it will be swollen slightly, this allows the Dr. to gauge what the ‘norm’ is for a non-reaction vs. a reaction, the nurse then measures every other stick site. This takes only a few minutes, they write it down in the appropriate box for evaluation from the Allergist.
Then, at least in our office the most wonderful thing happens! (Prior to me saying this, please Please, PLEASE understand that I do NOT like medicine! I prefer, and believe strongly in alternative treatments- but this is the one time when I have no guilt, or concerns about using medicines.) The nurse pulls out a steroid topical (or if you prefer, they’ll likely replace it with an anti-itch ointment) ointment and slathers my daughters back. I can physically see the nervousness drain from her face, and she is finally at peace. It is the part I focus on when she’s crying for me to scratch her back ten minutes prior. My advice: don’t argue with the nurse, if they are offering the steroid, let them use it because it is the only thing that will stop the itching AND the swelling that takes place.
Once the tests have been documented, the Dr. will come back and consult with you on what allergies are occurring. Oftentimes, they will give you follow up information, such as where to find food unexpectedly lurking, and other names for some ingredients that you may have tested positive for. IF there is a positive result, depending on the severity, and the allergen they may suggest a prescription, one of which could be an Epi-Pen prescription. Get these filled IMMEDIATELY!
If you have been given an Epi-Pen, there is no time to waste, and you can’t afford to “pass go” .. go straight to your pharmacy and wait, but don’t go home without that pen.
It literally is the difference between life and death. I’ve seen it, and I can tell you that the time it takes to go from zero to mach-ten on the allergy scale is not nearly as long as you’d think-- and it can happen in a matter of minutes. Epi-Pens save lives! There is the likelihood that if you tested positive they will want to see you within a year again for more testing, and to see what if any changes have occurred.
If you have tested positive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and honestly lost in how to best "tackle" the issue of changing your lifestyle- in both areas of Environmental and Food allergies. Please know this is normal, and try to remember that you received what you came to the Dr. for. It was a winning situation in the end- you had concerns of allergies, because of symptoms you had, you took tests, and you got a result that says you're allergic- and you are leaving the office with an idea of what you need to change in your life. That is a successful visit! Take slow, easy steps, and realize that this is going to make life better in the long run! Its a change of life, not a diet, or "vacation" -- allergies are a lifestyle, and you are making a lifestyle change. Be proud that you found a place to give you a diagnosis, and be confident that you'll find support you need to make it easier to adjust.
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