I thought I knew when to use the epipen. Clearly I don't! Hope this helps someone.

[trixymalixy]

A few weeks ago school managed to let DS (8) eat something with sesame in it. They called me around midday saying he had asked for some piriton, but he was ok and they didn't need me to get him. 45 mins later they called back as he was being sick and asked me to get him. I said to give more piriton and I'd be there as soon as I could.

I arrived about 45 mins later and DS looked awful, he was grey in colour and his arms were covered in hives. He was quite cheerful though and joking with his friend he followed me out the door to the car.

He was following behind me and seemed to stumble catching onto the rail. I looked round concerned but he was walking again and talking to me. This was the only point at which I considered epipens, but he was breathing fine no swelling or anything. It wasn't until later he told me his vision had gone all purple. Had I known this at the time I would definitely have used the epipen!

I got him home and he was sick a bit more and looked awful, but eventually perked up.

At his appointment on Friday the consultant asked about recent reactions. I told her about the above and she confirmed what with hindsight I had realised, that I should have used the epipen. She said DS was teetering on the brink of anaphylaxis.

Thankfully we were lucky and piriton worked.

I thought the decision to use the epipen would have been a bit more clear cut, that DS would be having difficulty breathing or there would be more swelling.

I knew about blood pressure dropping during anaphylaxis, but didn't realise that grey/blue skin was a classic sign. DS also knows now to tell me straight away if he's dizzy or faint or his vision goes funny again.

I feel awful though, I feel I failed him.

I thought I'd share this with you in case it helps someone. I'm hoping there won't be a next time, but I feel I've learned a lot from this experience and better prepared to deal with it.If in doubt use the epipen!!

Just thankful that DS is fine!

Thanks for the bump Meglet! I didn't even realise there was an allergy board.

The reason it's so important to give the adrenaline is that the substances released during anaphylaxis act as major vasodilators -the same volume of blood has to fill a much bigger area, so there is a huge drop in blood pressure. It's the same effect as if you have a stab wound and lose a couple of pints of blood.

The adrenaline causes vasoconstriction, so blood pressure goes up again.

That's interesting lougle, I didn't know that.

Yes it's clever stuff. It also affects the lungs by relaxing the smooth muscles and allowing greater expansion.

The trouble is that it doesn't last long, so getting to hospital before the effects wear off is vital.

I thought I knew!

Ds1 ( aged 12) has a nut allergy ( peanut, cashew and pistachio) and had carried pens since he was 18 months old, which we've never used.

Today we had his 3 year check up at the allergy clinic. The nurse was asking about past reactions so we described them and she said on all of the occasions we should have used the epipen as whilst it was lucky that anti histamine had been sufficient, it could have needed more so it's always safer to use the Epipen than not. Really scared me!!