We got Epi-pens.

[mumbar]

Hi just checking in quick. Been to pead Cons with DS. Got Epi-pens, more bloods to be taken and 6 months check up. I'll be back later after work to chat.

Mainly THANKYOU (and yes it need need shouting!) to all the support I've received here recently.

OK, so took DS to Pead Cons and explained what has happened since last year when we saw her, and that he had had quite bad hayfever.

Told her about the reactions he's had including the bad one.

She has prescribed Epi-pens and referred DS to More RAST tests for grasses and House Dust Mites.

She mentioned a protein in the body that can cause reactions itself. When she looked up the previous tests she shouwed me on the screen the last results.

IgE was 14 and the normal range is 0-81,
It had Tomato 0.01 and Peanuts 0.01 and I have no idea what this means. (no clear reaction she told me so I'm guessing nothing much!).
She showed me the C1? prtei she had tested and said it was fine. I gandered at the level 0.49 and then across at the brackets where the normal levels are which said (0.15-0.35). I'm guessing again that it wasn't significant that it was over slightly? .

She has also said instead of Puriton 4xday for hayfever and then extra if required to give him cetirizine daily and use puriton if required for reaction.

We have an appointmrnt for 4th Augest to go back.

I'm now just left feeling relieved that we have Epi-pens if he has a severe reaction but also apprehensive that we have entered the world of Epi-pens - if that makes sense?

School give all staff epi-pen training yearly so no worries there. Although he starts juniors in September so once we have the letter confiring his place I will contact them.

School have contacted the community nurses as well to draw up a care plan for DS. Receptionist said I may be invited to go along so waiting to see about that.

Thats reassuring about the results of Nuts. He doesn't actually eat them but many foods are may contain. I'm not sure what it was they test for with the protein It was C1 p(something) I think but the C1 could refer to the test number if that makes sense. She is lovely the pead cons and I trust her explicitly.

They don't do skin prick tests in my PCT AFAIK, although referral is to Southampton if consultant feels it necessary. Basically the pead cons has said DS has allergies and they are trying to locate what it could be - although as she pointed out if positive to grass and house dust mites not really much you can do about avoiding them.

I'm in no mans land again. DS been fine for a while, no symptoms, but the last one came out of the blue. I know that if and when it happens again I'll have the epi-pens.

Where do I get a practice pen from? I only have 2 epi-pens atm as chemist had only 2. 1 more has been ordered and school has asked for another (they want 2) so put in a request at GP reception tonight.

Thanks for that will have a look tonight and also search old threads.

I'm thinking of getting DS a medi alert bracelet as he's only 6. What do you think?

I'm really pleased for you mumbar.

While its horrible having to have an epi-pen, thinking you might need one and not having one is far worse.

Once you have 'made friends' with the epipen (it took me a while to look at my dds) then its really important to keep reminding yourself how to use it and to make sure it is always with you and easy to find.

I bought a make up bag so that the Piriton, epipens, instructions (inc when to give what) and alert type details were all together and have written what it is in huge letters.
I figure I might be in a panic but that that stuff might be useful to someone else should we need to use it.

Thanks whelk

I have an 'allergy bag' with 2 plastic bottles of chlorphenamine measured out and labelled. One for 5ml the other for 10ml. It also has 2 epi-pens in it with insructions. I have drawn up a plan with photos of mild and severe reaction and instructions of what to do when - this also in the bag.

Your right about the worrying about needing it without one. I have in honesty been in some kind of denial - I knew it was allergy but without a specific cause tried to convince myself it couldn't be. Tried to convince myself I over exagerrated the last reaction (I didn't ). However have spent 2 1/2 months worrying if it happens again and chlorphenamine by the bucket load fails then I'm up shit creek without a paddle. Now I have them I'm trying to adjust. Just can't get my head around the fact I have life saving meds in my bag which I may have to use at anytime - whilst also reasurred they're there if I need them.

I'm sure like most things it will just become 'normal'. Its all so raw at the moment whilst having to deal with going through it all with everyone who has DS in their care. Breakfast/ after school club, school, swimming teacher etc etc.

I am leaving him with my parents tomorrow whilst I go 1 1/2 hours away for a uni lecture. I have not been more than 10 minutes away from him since his last (severe) reaction so will a test!! At least my parents will now keep the allergy stuff on them. This time last year I couldn't even get them to keep the puriton on them everywhere.

Thanks nottirednow I have found a company that does the sports type ones. I have thought to simply put his first name, non-specific allergies, has epi-pen and my No on the back. I have spoken to the complany and am ringing back Monday to discuss the engraving with the 'DR' they have. You can order extra straps so I can order a spare for when it gets wet/muddy etc.

I never thought of the school and jewellry, I guess the 'known' bracelets are stainless steel and 'look' like medialert jewellry. Deffinatly agree the 'sports' type ones are more appropriate for an active child.

thanks BB Yes DS is now to have cetirizine 1 a day tablet (hayfever season only hopefully) and to have chlorphenamine for a reaction. Cons thinks would work better than the 20ml a day puriton he's having and extra for reaction.

I'm really pleased to know it works well, I'll let you know how it does for us when April arrives.

Have found a website with trainer pens that cost £10.50. This seems about right to me - does it to you?

Now all I have to do is find a way to get the school to give him more than 5ml for a reaction.