Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

We just got back from the allergist-- and Sasha tested positive for a tree nut allergy. I am so upset-- I worry about her enough, to not have to deal with this allergy and worry when she is not in my presence what she will be exposed to.

She is going to camp this summer, and starting preschool in the fall. I know there are other kids with allergies, but I don't want her to be ostracized.

But the big thing that upsets me is the simple danger of the day to day, with the food that is everywhere threatening her health, well being and potentially her life. How do I deal with that amount of worry??

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

My DS has a severe dairy allergy which was diagnosed almost 5 years ago, as well as an oat allergy that was recently diagnosed. You never stop worrying but it doesn't overwhelm you as much after a while. Sometimes something happens that makes you a little neurotic for a bit but it calms down again.

If you haven't already gone there, I find the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and Kids with Food Allergies to be great resources. The second page of FAAN's How to Read a Food Label has all the ingredients you need to exclude from her diet now.

Babycenter has a large food allergy board that is very supportive. And check your library for FA cookbooks, Divvies put one out recently that looks really good, although I haven't baked from it yet. My DS loves their cookies and cupcakes from their website.

ETA: Good luck! For the most part I find that schools and camps are really good about dealing with food allergies and the kids don't feel ostracized. I worry more about him feeling left out than he really does.

Message edited 12/14/2010 12:25:36 PM.

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

I understand how you are feeling and it is totally normal.

This summer DS had an anaphylactic reaction to peanut butter and ended up in the hospital for 2 days (after testing we found out he is also allergic to eggs and tree nuts). The first week home from the hospital I was a wreck, I was terrified I had missed a trace of PB somewhere in the house, or that we would go to the playground and touch something another kid had touched after eating a PB&J. I was afraid to bring to anywhere, especially out to eat. I did not want to see him swollen and not able to breathe ever again.

One of the things that helped me was talking to our PED, (we went to the PED after being discharged from the hospital and before we went we went to the allergist) she gave a protocol to follow when he was exposed again (she made it known that is will happen and not to be fearful of it) we were to call 911 immediately and then used the emergency kit 1st benedryl, then epipen and lastly nebulizer.

THe other thing that help tremendously was GETTING OUT!!!! The first time we went out to eat I was nearly in tears I was so afraid; but most restaurants are set up for allergies. Let your server know you have a child with a life threatening food allergy to tree nuts, if the seem unsure just leave and find another place. Many places have special stations where they prepare foods for allergic customers.

Schools are also very prepared for allergies, many schools are becoming "peanut free" so the children won't be ostracized at lunch time. When you go to a birthday party, plan ahead and bring a cupcake for your DD to eat, so you know there are no tree nuts in it. It does take a little extra planning but you get into the swing of things quickly.

I understand how afraid and overwhelmed you are feeling, feel free to FM if you have any questions or just need to vent. Everything will be fine!

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

Randi, while DD doesn't have any allergies, I know the school/camp she goes to does not serve anything with nuts or made in a facility with nuts. They make it known to parents that if they were ever to bring anything in for a childs birthday etc to make sure it's nut free etc...Also they have a list hanging in every class room of what each child is allergic to or any medications the child is on...HTH

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

awww...poor Sasha! While I have no experience I will say that the school we go to for Mommy & Me also has a preschool and all different sorts of classes and on each door there is a sign posted saying "nut free class" or "egg free class", etc. So I don't think you have to worry about her being ostracized as once it is known to the school and teachers no one in the class will be allowed to bring in anything for lunch or snack that has whatever she's allergic to in it, so there's no risk there.

Message edited 12/14/2010 12:54:44 PM.

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

DS has severe peanut/tree nut and egg allergies. When we go out, I always ask about what kinds of oil they use, etc. There are certain foods I will never give him while we are out - such as anything breaded or pasta, because I know there is a good chance those things are made with eggs.
We went to a bday party at mcdonalds a few weeks ago, and let the workers running the party know about his allergies. They actually printed out all the information, and gave him ice cream instead of cake.
Right now, I feel in control because I am always with him. What scares me is when he gets older. I do know many schools and camps are nut free, but not egg free.

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

I also wanted to mention that both allergists we've seen told us that there are a number of loopholes to the US food labeling laws, so the only way to be sure you are avoiding the ingredients is to read the entire ingredient list. You can't trust that they are going to bold the common allergens or write at the end something like "Contains tree nuts"

I used to get VERY overwhelmed going grocery shopping at first but I got used to it.

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

my nephew has a tree nut allergy. we stick with the brands that have clear labels or everything is made from scratch. If you don't have a dishwasher (i don't) I purchased a separate pan that i use only for items for my nephew.

As far as eating out MCD's is safe but always ask and most chains have knowledge on allergies and what kids can have as long as you ask (typically the manager will have to answer you) in fancier restaurants sometimes there is a confusion so french fries and chicken (as long as not put in any tree nut/peanut oil) should be good.

My nephew can have M&M's absolutely loves them and he can have peanut butter cups as well so be sure what allergy because tree nuts is different then peanuts but in the beginning all nuts were off until the allergist gave it a go ahead. I also notice now that he is 9 he is getting better. We had pecans out and his sister ate some then kissed him and no reaction (thankfully) so we think he might be outgrowing it.

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

so sorry... I can imagine it gets easier to deal with in time. Plus, once you get used to it...

Just wanted to share with you that at Chloe's daycare they have a list of all of the kids allergies and when they have a birthday or party everything brought in has to be store bought with all of the ingredients listed and cannot even be made in a facility with nuts/tree nuts. Chloe is 23 months, but Im pretty sure the rule goes throughout the daycare/preschool

Re: Talk to me about having a child with a tree nut allergy

I am sure your allergist told you, but anyone with a food allergy needs to have an epi pen and Benadryl with them at all times. so when she goes to preschool and camp you send the epi pen and Benadryl with her. I had to have my allergist fill out special forms from my DS's school giving her permission to administer the epi and Benadryl. Also, whenever we go out we bring these things with us.

Of course I worry, but knowing that when my DS is in school the nurse has permission to administer the epi pen and give him bendryl makes me feel better. Recently I also signed a paper authorizing another qualified person besides the nurse to do this.

Eventually it will just become part of your life and you will have less anxiety.