Using an epipen...

[BL00CowWonders]

So far I've never had to use an epipen on dd but have had all the training and feel confident etc
However, as she's getting older (12) and more aware, she is also getting more anxious :(
I was wondering if there's any way I could direct her to see a video of a real epipen used in a real situation so that dd would be reassured that it works, fast, saves lives and isn't some hypothetical myth.
This anxiety is just one of many that dd has and it would be do good if we can reduce her stress levels even a little

[greencybermummy]

Have you spoken to the anaphylaxis campaign help line? They may be a useful source of info, support, help.

[donkir]

Also your local St. John's ambulance should be able to help give her some training or send you in the right direction.

[BL00CowWonders]

Thanks both but it's (visual?) evidence that dd needs. All the talking in the world won't convince her :(

[greencybermummy]

Anaphylaxis campaign may have visuals. Surely its worth asking them. They have specific sessions for teenagers I think. I meant you ring and discuss the issues with them and see if they have any materials. They've probably come across this before.

[BL00CowWonders]

Thanks Greencybermummy. They could only suggest we book onto one of their workshops, but didn't have any resources that I could watch with dd.

[Delphine31]

I can't imagine there being 'real' video resources for this. In that sort of panic situation no one is going to be filming.

I have used my epipens around 6/7 times now (I would say only three of those reactions were truly life threatening, but the others were a 'better safe than sorry' thing). I am absolutely convinced that they work - the way adrenaline courses around your body when you use them tells you it's powerful stuff.

But, in many ways it's useful that your daughter doesn't see them as a magic fix. It means that she'll always seek further medical attention. With my most recent severe reaction, I honestly think that the epipens kept me alive until I got to hospital but that without the intravenous steroids, antihistamine and further adrenaline when I got there, I would have popped my clogs.

Sorry, I know that doesn't help answer your question but I thought it was worth mentioning that although epipens are a very powerful first port of call, always get to hospital/call an ambulance too.

Do you have any family friends with allergies your daughter could chat to, who might be able to convince her that epipens are effective?

[BL00CowWonders]

I've been trawling you tube and have found plenty of how-to and some dodgy acting of people going into anaphylaxis and treatment
My dd's problem is generalized anxiety so I was hoping that this could be one way of reducing her anxiety by focussing on how epipens work brilliantly.

[Delphine31]

I've been Googling trying to find some statistics for you. I wondered whether scientific data might convince your DD!

Surely there must be data available. You could contact Epipen and ask them for numbers.

The only thing I found was a comparison with Anapen (which I'm pretty sure we don't get in the UK) and Epipen was proven to be a lot more effective.

[pashmina696]

Honestly I think seeing someone going into anaphylaxis would be more scary. i have needed to use a Jext pen on my DS, who was 3 at the time and it was terrible to witness, but the Jext pen worked immediately.

[tatt]

do you have a trainer pen and has she used it? Have you used an out-of-date pen to practise on an orange? Training reduces anxiety.

I have to second the idea that at the time the last thing on your mind, even if you are a modern teenager used to recording everything, is taking a video. There also isn't necessarily a lot to see - a hand at the throat, someone clearly struggling to breathe, maybe a collapse. It desn't make for dramatic viewing but anyone actually present is very aware that this is someone minutes from death. After using the pen they start talking again and may get the shakes. An ambulance arrives, they go to hospital and get monitored for a few hours, ECGs, steroids. Last time one was used on my kid there were a load of teenagers around and no-one filmed it.

Kids are often anxious when they first realise how serious it is, best thing is to go to an AC meeting and talk to others. It makes them feel less isolated.