epi-pen training tomorrow - what should I be asking?

[heliumballoons]

Title says it all really! Its with practice nurse.

I'm nervous as will actually have to do it for real iyswim (trainer pen).

All care plans in place at school etc drawn up with school nurse but anything else I should be asking whilst I can?

Ask about how to get the details for the alerts of when the pens are going out of date, I got a letter from my practice with the details as to how to register. Its very easy and very good as often the pens have a short lifespan.

Make sure you feel 100% comfortable about administering the pen, honestly its easy but you need to feel that.

Is the pen for you or DC? I take it DC, so ask about the best way to talk to DC about the pen and why it might have to be used. I took DD to all apps regarding her allergies, she was 5yrs when we finally discovered what her problems were being caused by.

Mostly.....relax, its all going to be ok and I am not being patronising, it really is going to be fine.

Oh and ask at school about having a yearly epipen update training session, where parents, teachers, TA's etc are all involved. DD's school did this and it was very useful. We watched the training dvd and then discussed things.

DS (6) is coming. I have registered with AFL? who will text when pens run out. (2 of them thats October rest of then next April.

He has managed to lose his medical sports bracelet already so will need ro order new one.

I had epi-pen training 10 years ago and was fine with it - know the theory of using one. Guess now its hit home I'll be doing it (well hopefully not!) to my own child - the needle seems bigger and scarier.

Can I ask what your DDs problems were caused by? My DS has had negative RASTS so far.

Sorry x-posts. DS cons pead put on letter I had had previous training (which I have) but also fo GP to get nurse to speak to me.

Therefore when th school had update training with school nurse I wasn't invited. They aplogised and agree you can neve do it too much.

DD is allergic to all sorts but was off the RAST scale for Wheat and Barley. I have heard of the RAST test giving a false negative result so it may be worth asking for re-tests. What triggers your DS's reactions? My DD seems to have an ever growing lists of things she is reacting to, mostly fruits and vegetables, she is 12yrs.

I would ask for a leaflet about how to administer the epi-pens to help you train other family members/friends etc. It's also useful as a reminder for you - I have a look at mine son's every few months to refresh my memory and have a go with the the trainer pen. My DS is allergic to milk, wheat, eggs and nuts. He's due to start school in Sept and I'm very nervous!

Can you still get the practice epi-pens, perhaps get one of those to have at home and occasionally 'refresh' how you do it. We've had one kicking around since DS was diagnosed and we all (incl DS now he's at school) have a go with it from time to time, plus I take it along whenever DS is going round to friends etc to show the parent how to do it.

UPDATE: Turned up but have been referred to commuity peaditric nuses which was who the letter said to see in the first place!!

So no training but obviously have the instuctions and previous training to try and remember.

DS found his alert bracelet today in his school shorts pocket!! They were washed at the weekend and that obviously where he'd put it so that was good!!

DS has reacted to ketchup before a few times but he didn't seem to react to anything when he had the severe reaction.

He has been bd a few weeks ago (hayfever?) and hives on his upper back but is OK atm.

I'll ask about practice pens.

Thanks for all the advice