Where to start.
Last week was an interesting one for us…turns out Patty-cakes is allergic to peanuts.
And maybe more, but we won’t know much more for sure until we meet with the allergist.
Needless to say, it was one of the scariest times of my life. I swear, nothing can prepare you for parenting.
I wasn’t going to talk about it here on HHH, but since this blog is (first and foremost) about the dietary management of food sensitivities and digestive issues, I think it’s pretty relevant. I guess in many ways we are lucky we found out sooner rather than later…and while I don’t plan on discussing all the details, I know I’ll get some questions. To preempt them:
-No, there are no allergies in either of our families.
-Yes, I was given the go ahead by our pediatrician to try nuts and strawberries.
-He had <1/8 tsp of peanut butter with two foods he had previously tried and tolerated (squash and polenta).
-He did have a previous reaction with hummus (I thought it was the lemon juice in it, but in hindsight it was probably the chickpeas since the rash/hives followed the same pattern/progression). Dear God, please don’t hate on the whole legume category!
Here’s hoping I never have to call 911 (or ride in an ambulance) again.
But really he was a total champ and managed to flirt his way into the heart of every medical personnel – even while getting poked and prodded and forced to function way outside his routine.
The hospital stay was as good as it could be. He slept on my chest because it was easier than the alternative. He got a great night sleep. Me, not so much. But at least I got to hear and feel his sweet breath on my cheek all night long. Heaven.
Just like that. In the blink of an eye. Things have changed. It’s only been a week and yet I will never ever look at peanuts the same way again. Or any food! I will live in fear. I’ll forever be paranoid. And there’s no way to explain it to anyone so they completely get it.
One thing I’ve learned is that people think you’re crazy. I don’t care. I would rather seem rude and request you take an extra second out of your day to wash your hands to make sure my child’s life isn’t put in danger.
I truly didn’t think my hand washing enforcing could escalate any more. But, it turns out, it can!
But it’s so much more complicated! Gatherings with peanut eating people are only a fraction of the risk. There are co-packing plants that share machines with nuts, so even nut-less products can be contaminated! And it goes on and on…
For now, though, my little man is doing a-okay. He even helped me pack for this past weekend’s getaway in Tahoe. Epi-pen? Check!
Expect a lot more peanut free recipes coming your way! [As well as legume free for the time being]
Update: You guys are so amazing! I cannot thank you enough for the supportive comments. I keep re-reading them and it gives me a boost knowing P has such love coming his way.
We met with an allergist today and it was a really informative and positive experience. I left feeling confident and hopeful. So that’s good! We will know the results of his blood test (nuts, seafood, soy, sesame seeds, etc.) in a few days. The results do have some wiggle room (false positives and negatives) so there’s still a bit of unknown in the severity and how it will change over time, but at least we have a starting point. Knowledge is power, right? The reactions are rated on a scale from 0-6 (with 6 being the most extreme). Since each case is different, I will refrain from discussing much more (I don’t want anyone to think I’m an expert), but I will say, I’ve found this site to be a great resource.
I am so sorry to hear about your family’s experience. I have been a quiet follower for years.
I can’t imagine how scary that was. I am so glad he is OK!!
I am happy to read that your baby is feeling better. Kudos to you for sharing such a private situation and sharing how you plan to resolve the matter.
Oh no… you’re favorite food. And that is really a game-changer in terms of, well, everything! Bummer. Sounds really serious so I’m glad he’s ok, but I can see how life will never be the same.
YOUR, not you’re.
At least you found out while you were home and not when you were away or out somewhere without access to adequate care. I can’t imagine how scary that was, as even though it’s no comparison, we found out our dog is allergic to bees. He got stung, blew up like a balloon and couldn’t breathe. The ride to the vet (at a high rate of speed) was the scariest thing ever, and until they could give him a shot I was sure he would die. Needless to say, we also carry and Epi-pen every darn walk in the summer now.
Anyway, not even close to your experience I know, but on a tiny little scale I relate. I’m totally paranoid every time we go out, but as long as you have what you need, you can’t live your life in fear. And Sunbutter is an amazing replacement 😉
Nothing is more frightening and gut wrenching than our children hurt and sick. Good that you found out now, though.
Oh poor little thing! I don’t even know if I’d know when to call an ambulance or what to do – good thing you’re a nurse! And although this will definitely be a difficulty he (and you!) have to deal with throughout his life, he’s lucky to have a mom who is already so educated on food.
I hope your meeting with the allergist goes well! It’s possible he’ll outgrow these allergies as he gets older (with your background in nursing this is probably info you already know — apologies if it is). Allergy testing will tell you more information, like you said, and some of the other possible allergies could turn out to be sensitivities. Without a doubt very scary, but since P has a nurse for a mother he’s in extra good hands!
I’m wondering how people with severe food allergies safely navigate this food world full of cross-contamination. It seems like it’s truly hard to avoid contamination (and horrible, life threatening reactions) unless the food is from a known allergy-free company and cooked in one’s own allergy-free kitchen. Can anyone speak to this?
ps They have support groups for parents and kids with lots with crazy allergies like this that are really hard to avoid. You should see in your area. Then you would be able to find someone who you don’t have to explain it to who already fully understands.
Oh no! We found out Allie is allergic to milk and eggs, which sucks, but the doc thinks she’ll grow out of it. The extent of her reaction was a rash around her mouth after having a bite of yogurt and ice cream (seperate occasions) and it went away quickly, but we still went to the doctor to figure it out. We’ve seen the allergist and her percentage is low and she has successfully consumed both when baked in things like muffins and pancakes because it changes the protein. Even so, it is a pain and kind of scary if someone were to mix up her bottle at daycare or something. She too was prescribed an epi-pen. When we saw the allergist we found out she does NOT have a nut allergy, which is good news. I’m sorry to hear P has this. He’s lucky to have you as his mama since you are really concious of food and nutrition. I know it’ll be tough for you guys, but I bet you’ll do a great job of protecting him. Hang in there!
I am so sorry to hear this! My son is also allergic to peanuts, along with dairy and eggs, and we also found out when he was just a little guy (he’s five now). I know it seems overwhelming now, but things will get easier to navigate, it just takes some time. I hope the meeting with the allergist goes well!
How scary for you. We found out the same way that our daughter was allergic to strawberries and then kiwi. It is not as drastic as being allergic to peanuts, but it was still nerve wracking. I hope things go well with the allergist.
My heart goes out to you. I found out my daughter was allergic to tree nuts when she was 18 months old. You are right in that you will never look at food the same and you will live in fear, sad but true. The FARE site is a good resource https://www.foodallergy.org/ .
Find a good allergist, educate yourself and those that take care of P and NEVER feel you are being too careful or asking to many questions.
This reminds me of that sad sad story where this peanut allergic boy spent his whole entire life never eating peanuts then he ate a cookie that had no ingredient info one day and that was it for him!!
http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=18723777
So scary!
I don’t blame you on being overly crazy. You are right, who cares if people think you are crazy. I’d be the same way…better to be crazy and safe than the alternative! Glad to hear P is doing ok.
Man, that must have been so terrifying. I’m sorry you guys had to go through that, I can’t imagine.
My best friends daughter had a deadly peanut reaction when she was almost 1, and they have been dealing with it for 10 years now. Luckily, in the silver lining department, its much easier to exist in the world with a peanut allergy these days, and most pre-schools/schools are peanut free. When she started they weren’t, so my friends got the awesome privilege of being “those parents” that had to fight for the policy change. Theres always people that don’t understand why its a big deal and roll their eyes at peanut free snacks, etc. It’s sad, the lack of empathy out there 😛
Luckily, you are an expert on other nut butters, and hopefully he isn’t allergic to any more!
Well, that’s hopeful and helpful.
That would be terrifying, and I`m sure that other parents/moms of kids with severe food allergies would absolutely understand. I’d be more apt to suspect sesame seed allergy if he reacted to hummus. I`m glad you are going to be seeing an allergist with P!
Oh man!! I am so sorry to hear about that scary experience!! Food allergies are so freaky and I just don’t understand why they are so frequent now. I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and really enjoy it even though I don’t eat like you 🙂 your creativity is inspiring and I know you will figure out yet another new normal for eating in your household to keep your little guy safe.
Oh no! He’s lucky mommy is a nurse, he’s in good hands. At least things are labeled more, and people are more exposed to peanut allergic people, so hopefully you’ll find support & kinship. And if not? You’re his mamma and follow your instincts.
Elise,
SO sorry for you to have gone through that scare and poor baby boy!
It’s to your benefit that you are so equipped to deal with this… well… if anyone can be equipped… thanks to you being a Medical Professional and your background and knowledge of nutrition, health and food allergies/irritants AND your cooking/baking skills.
I would imagine most Mommy’s would have had to trash their entire kitchen and not even know what to do without all the processed foods… etc.
Also, you are strong and confident enough to make the sorts of demands that need to be made when dealing with restaurants..etc.
I suppose this may come off as being all “on the bright side” but TRUST me I understand there is nothing bright about it. It sucks.
But y’all can handle it. (0:
Ugh, that is terrifying. I am so sorry :/
I’ve been putting off the introduction to peanuts/nuts with my almost 9 month old. I’m so scared she’s going to be allergic.
Worst nightmare. I am so glad he’s okay!
Oh my goodness, so scary! Poor baby, and mama! 🙁 I’m so nervous to try nuts with Hunter… I LOVE peanuts, so the thought of Hunter being allergic to them makes me SO SAD!
You must have been so scared. My heart goes out to you Elise. Certainly won’t be easy, but you will get the hang of it I’m sure. P is VERY lucky to have you as his mommy. Xo
Hi Elise – what a terrible experience. I once stayed up all night with my second kiddo to make sure he kept breathing when he was three weeks old. He was very congested and my first kiddo had given him a cold. So glad it turned out ok.
Just wanted to add, in case you need to hear something positive, that a friend of mine’s kiddo had an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts around age 1. She is now 4 and through therapeutic introduction of allergens (including strawberries), she is now nearly allergy free. It was a big relief for my friend when the kiddo was about 3 and they passed from the anaphylactic reaction to just a minor swelling-type reaction as that was when she was starting preschool and in a much less controlled food environment.
WOW! This post gave me chills. I can’t even imagine. I have tried a little bit of nut butters here & there with Drake (he’s 8 months & the doc said go ahead) and nothing yet, so I’m hoping it stays that way. & the whole things about being “crazy” I say WHO CARES! I’m sure people think the same way about me when it comes to my dietary choices and the way I feed Drake. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story with Us. x0
I’m sorry this happened to you guys. It is very scary stuff. My 15 month old is allergic to eggs and peanuts. It was hard for me to wrap my head around, and certainly makes eating outside the house a little stressful. Here’s hoping they outgrow it!
I’m usually a silent reader but I’m so glad P is okay. I’m paranoid about allergies…..every time I feed my kids something new it makes me so nervous…..my daughter didn’t try peanuts until she was almost 3.5 years old. My son just turned one and I’m very cautious…everyone thinks I’m crazy but I don’t care. My heart goes out to you……it must be terrifying. The good thing is that you cook so much and avoid processed foods……from what I’ve seen it’s a lot of the processed food that cross contaminate. Hopefully it’s not to all legumes (could def have been the sesame in the hummus)….if it is you’re pretty resourceful and I’m sure you’ll come up with great alternatives.
One more thing…..I think people should learn to be sensitive to people with allergies. Although my kids (so far don’t have any), I don’t let me daughter have any peanut or nut products for breakfast on school days……just in case she has some left on her hands or hair and there are kids with allergies at school…..I always try to put myself in the place of a mom whose kid has an allergy…..I want them to feel safe.
Good luck navigating the food allergies. I’m glad he’s ok!
The allergist when I was younger said I was allergic to grass. I would get coughing attacks and headaches. Now, I can be around grass no problem. Hopefully P will outgrow this.
What is wrong with our world that all of these kids have peanut (and other) allergies now? It never used to be this bad with sooooo many kids having severe allergies. What changed???
P is lucky that you’re his mom. Sorry to hear, but glad he’s okay..
It would be interesting to know if he’s allergic to more foods. I am plagued with an allergic family and always want to learn more.
Oh my goodness, I’m very happy that he is alright. That is really the scariest thing. We have been lucky in regards to food allergies so far, but man I just couldn’t imagine.
Um, this is probably the worst article to post. I guess you meant well?
aaaargh. so scary. my nephew isaac is really allergic to peanuts. his mom is a nurse too, luckily!
I cannot imagine how scary this was/is. I don’t know anything about allergies–is there a chance he can outgrow this?
I’m sorry to hear about this Elise! but I’m so so glad to know that little P is okay.
It would never cross my mind that my child (if I had one) would be allergic to anything that none of the other family members have. Allergies are the worst! Less severe ‘intolerances’ can be worked with much more easier…:(
Hopefully P grows out of it…!
I have a coworker who did this type of therapy for a life-threatening milk allergy. He is now up to 8oz of milk without a reaction. Before, he couldn’t even have a DROP of the stuff. There is hope.
So sorry to read this. It’s easy to say that as a nurse you knew what to do, but that never counts for your relatives. You are a mum in the first place. I’m happy that everything turned out great. And maybe he will outgrow the allergie. You and Your hubby will do a great job to protect him, I’m sure of it.
How scary! I’m so glad P is okay.
it’s been a while since i commented, but i’m still reading- wanted to let you know i’m thinking of you guys and hoping you + your little guy have recovered from what sounds like a truly traumatic experience!
I am so sorry you have to deal with this. My nephew is allergic to tree nuts and I can’t even imagine how worried my sister is daily. I hope P continues to feel better.
thanks brooke – the MD gave me this site too – its great!
ive read similar studies for peanuts (tolerating up to 17 nuts!)…the allergist thinks thats where the future of food allergies is headed. fingers crossed 🙂
right?!?! what the heck!!
with peanuts, its not as common. 10-20% (as opposed to others that usually fade by kindergarten age). bummer. maybe P is the exception!?!? 🙂
ill let you know!! it seems daunting but im assuming like most things, it gets easier with time and knowledge.
thanks for the kind comment B 🙂
totally freaky!
i had never considered pets could have the same allergies, but its definitely scary!
ps loved your response below. you should hear the one kyle just asked if he could post (to which i said no). haha.
Oh my goodness…
I’m just catching up on my blog reading and now all of your recent tweets make sense. I’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this but, like you said, at least it’s happening sooner than later.
And you know what? This is a little blessing in disguise. At least P was given a mom like you with immense knowledge of food, experience with allergies, and the patience to figure out exactly what works for him. He’s lucky to have you.
And you’re both doing an amazing job at parenting- never forget that!
Ohmygod- how terrifying!!
I do hope that the allergy is not as severe as they can be.
Pattycakes is so lucky to have some awesome and resourceful parents who i am sure will quickly become self educated experts.
I hope it is limited to peanuts and not all nuts…..
Thank you for sharing this with your readers, i know P is getting love from many of us 🙂
Sending you some strength and best wishes.
So sorry to hear that, it is very scary to have a serious allergy in the family.
Our youngest initially had a mild peanut allergy (hives) but further testing this year (7 years old now) has upgraded it to severe, so we have an epipen too. Thankfully have not had to use it yet.
Hope P grows out of it rather than into it.
I didn’t outright state it but I was trying to support the discussion that it’s a serious issue. Hence those side eye-ing hopsital workers r the ones who should be ashamed about not wanting to wash their filthy grum hands.
Also, it brings attention to the lifespan as a whole. Because maybe the boy in the story thought by then, oh well im old now and nothing has happened for so long, which made him less cautious, but maybe if he would read an article like his own type of story it’d remind him to be vigilant
I mean to say not to be paranoid obviously because that takes the enjoyment of living, just to be aware so as to err on the side of caution.
Only just read this – thinking of you all with love – specially P.
xx Lori
You think he wasn’t vigilant? I can imagine he was well aware of the dangers and that it was a terrible, tragic incident, one Elise doesn’t need to read about while she’s adjusting to this new allergy situation. While your intention might have been “helpful,” it came off as anything but in my opinion.
So scary! I’m so sorry this happened. The one time I had to call 911 for one of my kids was the scariest moment of my life. I think I had PTSD for a month 🙂 Oy. In a way, it’s good you found out now, rather than waiting until he’s older. Toddlers will grab anything and are around other kids more, so are more likely to come into contact with allergens. I hope he outgrows it as some kids do. FWIW, both of my kids got rashes from hummus, but only brands with citric acid in them (they did fine with other hummus). They got rashes where the hummus touched their skin, and diaper rashes too. Not sure if that’s relevant here, but just thought I’d throw it out there.
I feel for you! Although my daughter is 15 and we are just finding all these allergies.
She has any fresh fruit, nuts, soy, wheat, corn..
ITs crazy how fast things change. You will do great navigating this new life.
Stay uplifted girl! You are not alone.
We found out (the hard way like you) that our daughter had food allergies around 9 months of age. Scariest moment ever! A very long story short, my daughter was at her sitters a few houses down from where I worked. Her sitter called and said Aubrey (my daughter) was vomiting, crying hysterically, hives all over her body, etc… this all after she ate about 2 spoonful’s of yogurt. I dropped the phone and went sprinting down the street in a suit and heels…what a sight to see I’m sure. After a lot of false positives from blood and skin tests, she is still allergic to eggs, diary, and peanuts. “They” say she should grow out of the allergies but it has been three years and still not luck. Fingers crossed, though!
Side note: My daughter (and our family) loves “Soy Wonder” brand in lieu of peanut butter.
Best of luck to you guys and your allergy journey!
Ohmygosh, that must have been so scary. Wishing you an easy (as can be) transition with the allergens. Obviously I don’t know you but I know you’re an amazing Mom, very inspiring for food and Mom stuff to me!
I am so glad to hear that the little guy is ok! Prayers and thoughts for him!
I am so glad to hear that the little guy is ok! Prayers and thoughts for him!
Oh no, poor P! I can totally relate as we were in the ER in November as theo had an allergic reaction to cashews! They wouldn’t give us an epipen so I’ve just got cetirizine. I’ve banned all but products from the house because i’m so paranoid now. We don’t get a referral to an allergist until theo’s 2 yrs old. Defo not enjoying weaning as he’s super intolerant to dairy as well. Ugh. Glad P’s on now. Well done mummy x
Sorry typos!
PS did he have a full on anaphylaxis reaction?
Yup 🙁
He got epi, Benadryl and Albuterol in the ambulance. Then steroids (decadron) twice during his hospital stay.
The blood work came back yesterday and it looks like most nuts and seeds are out. Walnuts are randomly fine and obviously there are several not tested so it will be a scary trial and error period. Annoyingly enough soy and wheat are mildly reactive too.
Learning curve here we go!!!
Sorry about poor theo. 🙁 hope you guys figure it out but not the hard way. Parenting, I tell ya!!
Not in that situation. Ok some level of it but not enough obviously do I really have to tell you that?? And if Elise wanted to remain in the dark about worst scenarios shed have said it for herself. Of course if she actually did not appreciate the cautionary tale of the story I would think on her side, since she is a reasonable person, unlike you, who I actually respect a great deal, hence my readership! What a vile person you are, if it were up to you youd erase all the uncomfortable things to be read and we’d all trek on blindly for the span of humanity, never trying to learn from them. Theyd be in a bin, forgotten. I wished you’d forget about YOURSELF and stop picking out the negative in everything. Everythings a problem with you. If I had to be stuck with you for the rest of the world I would rather perish of loneliness!
Your last reply is ridiculous and I won’t warrant it with a lengthy response. What I will say is that this isn’t about the guy in that story. It’s about Elise, who is a reasonable and rational woman who is well aware of the challenges she will face with this allergy.
You know nothing about me, but I am not a vile individual who dwells on the negative. I was simply pointing out that you were doing just that instead of proactive steps that need to be taken. I will now trek on blindly for the span of humanity, never trying to learn from them.
*big hugs* to you and P-man. That’s got to be one of the scariest things ever.
I’ve worked in allergy for about five years, anything you need to know, doll, hit me up.
thanks mimi! if you’re serious i have a million questions. my MD is great but i feel bad pummeling him with questions. i know its all so individual that its hard for him to give me any concrete answers.
thank you so so much christine! its so wonderful hearing from families like yours who have navigated this crazy world. unfortunately, he reacted to soy in his bloodwork so I’m not sure if soy wonder will work out for us…we will see!
I can’t have soy either–Sunflower seed butter, for the win!
Never mind. I just saw he reacted to seeds as well. I’ll show myself out … 😉
Oh gosh, how scary! So glad that he is OK. Hope you get some good news with the blood tests.
I’m so glad he is ok!!
Somehow I have missed this post but wow. I know you will be the best advocate for your son. Scary stuff indeed.
Thanks Elise xxx
DEAD serious, my usual email is furnierrules AT yahoo DOT com. Fire away. You’re also on my twitter.
furnierrules13 AT, sorry.