Dd1 diagnosed with Brazil Nut allergy this morning - feeling bemused.

[hazeyjane]

Dd1 (9) had an allergic reaction (her second, although we didn't realise it) to a Brazil nut - swelling lips, burning mouth, vomiting, face still swollen this morning. We have just come back from the doctors armed with epipens and instructions to get rid of anything in the house that may contain Brazil nuts, but otherwise no other information. Feeling utterly bemused.

I have called school who say she needs to have epipens and piriton at school before they can have her back, and that the school nurse will call.

Any experience and advice appreciated

Am bumping as same thing happened to us on Sunday with hazelnut. Is now 24 hours since allergic reaction and ds is still swollen and red. Did doctor say how long reaction would last for?

Dd1 was still swollen this morning, about 16 hours after eating the nut, so we gave her some more piriton, and it went down mid morning. The gp said to giver her piriton or cetrizine morning and night for 3 days after the reaction.

Has your ds seen a doctor? Was this his first reaction?

I have spoken to our own gp this afternoon, who referred us onto an allergy clinic, and prescribed epipens and piriton for school. Also spoke to the school nurse, who has sorted a health plan for the school.

Yes this was first reaction. Went to A and E on Sunday and saw GP today but he was locus and not much use tbh. I was given steroids and cetrizine at hospital for him to take over next five days. Am really surprised that it is taking so long to subside.

It is very hard on first diagnosis and there isn't much medical support really. I felt completely shell shocked when ds2 was diagnosed as he has to avoid traces which makes life very difficult from an eating out/socialising point of view. There is a fantastic facebook group though, really supportive, where you will find loads of information and help. It's called Uk parents of kids with nut allergy peanuts. When ds2 was first diagnosed it was like a lifeline to me where I could ask all my questions and pour out my worries. It is also a great source of information about product recalls, 'safe' and unsafe products and just general advice.

I'm allergic to several things but hazelnuts and Brazil nuts are real triggers. Push for a consultant referal and check out allergy.org it will take a while but you will get used to the situation.

Thankyou everyone.

I will check out the FB page.

Cansu, how is your Ds?

Does anyone know the best way of getting some epipen training? I feel like dh and I need to know how to actually use one - something the gp neglected to tell us!

Hi
Thanks for the advice. Hazey he is much better today. Still some swelling under his eyes and a bit red in face but he is much more himself. It is quite scary though and is just one more thing to worry about! Hope your dd is ok.

She too still has a red face, but is ok. She burst into tears yesterday as she is also allergic to wheat, and someone had brought in a cake for their topic, which she couldn't eat. When she said that it wasn't fair, I couldn't help but agree with her.

Cansu, I have seen you on the sn boards (my ds, is disabled) is it your ds with ASD that has the allergy? (hope you don't mind me asking)

Yes I thought I recognised your name too. Yes, it is ds which of course made the trip to a and e very interesting!

That must be very hard. We think ds is allergic to something, he is itchy all the time and a blood test shows raised eosinophils, but we can't work out what it could be that he is allergic to!

I am just tired of more medical stuff in our lives, it seems to be an endless round of appointments, and we have expanded from a medicine shelf to a bloody medicine walk in cupboard!

I've had some training on an epipen. They are fairly straightforward and have instructions on them. I think the problem is more having the guts to do it in the emergency, although hopefully adrenalin should take over.

Your dd should be able to do it herself for her best safety.

Maybe have a look at YouTube?
What a shock for all of you, I hope dd feels better soon.