Reaction to peanuts-epipen given

[mmax33]

Morning
My DS had some peanut butter last Monday. He has had peanuts before. This time he vomited, just a little, and about 3/4hr later, he came up with a rash and his eyes looked all puffy. My DH didn't actually notice, he was playing with him at the time. I came downstairs, saw his face and completely panicked. We rushed him off to a&e but by the time we got there, the rash had gone. The hospital weren't overly informative and just told us to make an apt with the dr. This was wednesday. The drs have given him an epipen which i wasnt expecting. Basically this has all come as a massive shock to me. I guess I thought the dr would just say not to give him peanuts. But I came away feeling this really could affect the rest of his life and I've become very emotional about it. For some reason, I feel like I've failed him. I know that probably sounds totally irrational but it is the only way I can explain it. Did I do something, should i have eaten more / less peanuts during pregnacy and whilst bf-ing?? We are being referred to an allergy clinic but not sure how long we will have to wait for an apt. Doesn't help that I'm getting no support from by DH. He forgot about the dr apt so didnt come and I feel quite alone. Sorry for the essay, not sure what i hope people will say, but I do feel better for writing it down! My lovely DS is such a happy little soul and obviously just want him to have the best life and wondering what all this means for him now.

I felt like this when DD was first diagnosed as allergic. It's hard not to feel guilty and is scary. I became quite anxious for a while.

I'm surprised GP gave an epipen. I thought they were just prescribed by allergy clinics. We never had one actually, as our consultant said that as DD was so young (about 1) she would always be supervised and not have access to peanuts! Although that was worrying at first, in fact it's turned out to be fine for her. She may have been less allergic than some children.

Brilliantly for us, her last skin prick test was negative and she's having a food challenge next week.

I hope you get that allergy appointment soon. Although be warned, they don't necessarily know all the answers. SIL and I have had completely different (and conflicting) information from our different clinics!

I think it's always a shock when something like this happens. But blaming yourself is pointless - they have no idea what causes an individual to develop peanut allergy rather than, say, cows milk allergy or no allergy at all. It's complex.

Did your doctor make up a treatment plan with you (in case of future reactions), or just hand you an epipen?

If you haven't already got some, buy some Piriton liquid. This is an antihistimine and is the first line of defense in case of a reaction, epipen is the second (but it depends on the severity of the reaction). From now on both need to go everywhere with your ds, along with his treatment plan and everyone who looks after him needs to know about the allergy, what to avoid, and what to do. Kick your DH up the arse cause he really needsto be on board with all this. It's important.

If you haven't already had this happen, go back to your GP and ask for a referral to a pediatric allergy clinic. They can answer your questions, and monitor the severity of the allergy through skin prick tests/blood tests (just a drop of blood so don't worry).

Anaphalaxis UK is a good source of info and support.

My ds1 was diagnosed w peanut allergy (amongst others) at 10 months. He outgrew it by age 6 - this can happen. I found the early days very hard and stressful but you do get used to it. When he was 3 or 4 and could help keep himself safe it got a lot easier.

They are developing treatment for peanut allergy right now and the trials are looking very promising, so I'd say its unlikely this is a condition your ds will have for life.

I found this board a real lifeline in the early years. I hope you find it the same.

When I was expecting dc1 and 2, the advice was to avoid peanuts. When I was expecting dc3, the advice was to not avoid them.
Guess which dc are nut-allergic?
1 and 3. Epi pens etc
And 2 eats peanut butter almost daily. With the blessing of nhs dietician

Go figure etc :)

But the point is you just have to deal with whatever comes along. Don't beat yoursel up for the past - just do the best you can going forward

Good luck.

always carry 2 epi pens with ur child at all times,

have 2 epi pens at school,

its a good idea to make up a meds bag with epi pens and antihistamine - (inhaler and spacer too if u have these)

meet with school and discuss a care plan for your child

have u been referred for allergy testing? Avoid all may contain nuts/traces of nuts etc