and going on a playdate.

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Hi I've come to ask the advice of all the wise parents on this section of Mumsnet.

DS has allergies - allergens are unknown but we know he has hayfever and reacts to ketchup.

He has been invited to someones house for a birthday tea on Friday. I have agreed and said to the mum DS has allergies and I'll send him with 2 measured doses, 1 of 5ml and 1 of 10ml. The Mum was fine with this but looked quite worried. . I have offered to go with DS (as I have every party for the past year as thats how long he's has allergies and they are worsening).

She has declined and said its fine, asked the symptoms which I've explained and showed a photo of him with mild reaction and the severe one he had which affected his breathing. I then had to tell her if he does have a bad reaction then to call an ambulance and then me. She asked if he has epi-pens and I have said no but we are going to cons pead next week as after severe reaction GP thinks it might be advisable. (his breathing was rapid and nasal congestion)

I'm not sure now what to do. I don't want to stop DS going and it would be nice for him as no other parents are there, but do you think I should text this mum and just confirm with her that she is happy to have DS.

What do you do in this situation?? Advice please.

TIA

I'll look for a closer up picture - will be a younger one tho iyswim. GP said his cheeks, nose, lips and eyes are swollen - this was compared to looking at him in the surgery iyswim.

Like the vaseline idea. Definatly worth considering when outside during summer months.

Glad the advice from GP about masking with AH is what an allergist advices though - thats reassuring.

Thanks for all your support. Its really helping me get perspective and prepare for the cons pead next week.

Right off to hunt for 'close up' pic of DS

another photo on there.

OK, thanks for all your help. Really good to get the information before th pead apt. I find if you seem to know your stuff they take you more seriously.

Thanks, yes his playdate went very well and the parent was very pleased with the helpsheet I did with symptoms and treatment.

A collegue went to S'ton allergist. She says they are brilliant.

Thanks for coming back and checking thats very kind of you especially after all the support you gave me before hand.

Thanks BB. Yes I had considered celery. DS has never eaten it AFAIK. But I'm sure it is in many things I cook with - sauces etc. It is something I can monitor though.

I drink fennel tea sometimes - maybe that would explain the sudden reactions he has to nothing?

Maybe I'll try putting a bit of fennel (teabag) on DS arm and see if he reacts?? I'm taking it if he doesn't then he won't on digestion? Which could rule out the celery??

Oh and please tell me if that is a stupid idea.

Really glad the playdate went well.

I do the 'on the arm' thing every time we try a new food - seems like a sensible precaution to me. I figure that if a food gives DS hives on skin contact then I will not try feeding it to him.

DS has not had 'proper' testing for quite a few of the things he reacts to. I described the reactions he had to banana and also houmous when I put them on his skin (hives, slight swelling), and the doctor said that he should avoid all banana and sesame until he is tested again in a couple of years time.

Having said that, I think it's possible that you might not see an immediate skin reaction on the arm to a food that DS reacts to when actually ingested... not sure about that?

Thanks, tried it on his arm, nothing, gave him a spoonful of tea - nothing other than the fact he spat it out in disgust

Seems OK, but like you said teabag may be different. Is there a difference in a food cooked, dried, raw etc? I know its is true with egg, so wondering if the same with other foods. EG the cooking changes the protein make up?

DS will not eat celery - says he doesn't like it. I have never given it too him and not sure if he's ever tried it.

PMSL @ scene from the excorcist