DS1 has nut allergy - what about DS2??

[specialmagiclady]

DS1 is allergic to peanuts and treenuts (esp brazil and hazelnuts which I GORGED on when pg and bf).

DS2 has never been exposed to nuts as we no longer have them in the house. He's much less atopic than larger boy - childhood eczema not so bad etc - and seems sturdier generally.

I want to expose him to nuts - not sure why, but I guess I just want to check he's going to have a normal diet. But honestly after 4 years of thinking of nuts as POISON, I'm scared.

Anyone got experience of this?

Hi specialmagiclady

I don't have experience of this I'm afraid, but I understand your 'poison' position! My elder dd is not allergic, yet my younger ds is. However, my dd has obviously picked up on the whole situation (which is great as she really looks out for her younger brother), but now won't eat anything with nuts in herself. She clearly sees them as poison too, and I kind of regret that, just because I don't want her to miss out on things for an unfounded fear. (I love nuts, btw, but don't eat them now as some sort of loyalty to ds, but do miss them!).

No real advice - sorry about that - but just wanted to share that.

beggsie

SDD2 is allergic to nuts and I was scared about DD3, she had all the same biomarkers, cradle cap, eczema, lactose intolerance, raw egg allergy, but DD3 is not allergic to nuts. We had skin pricks down at 2.5 years as a precaution and have since had her tested with peanut butter and she is fine.

I would NEVER suggest testing nuts at home, would your allergist test DS2 for you?

yes and second child not allergic. It's a good idea to find out before they go to other people's homes. It's worth asking your allergy clinic if they will test. If they/your gp refuse to arrrange testing make sure you are out of the house so your other child is not at risk.

I love nuts but have not eaten them since my child was diagnosed. I want to be able to kiss/hug them without worrying about contamination.

The allergist won't test - so think will have to do the test outside the home with antihistamines etc standing by. Would be nice to be able to send boy2 to parties without worrying about potential almonds in cakes!

Why won't the allergist test? Can you afford to go private to the Portland?