To demand an EpiPen

[clipclop5]

DD age 15 developed a food allergy during the summer to tartrazine (yellow food colouring).

Her first reaction was the most severe and very scary. 15 mins after food containing it she began to develop a rash and intensely itch all over, before her symptoms began to spiral incredibly quickly ( in the space of 5 mins she had nausea, horrific tummy pain, diarrhoea, dizziness to the point she couldn’t walk, then finally turned very clammy + grey and fainted)

The bit that really concerned me was the greyness + fainting, as this is a sign of blood pressure drop + therefore anaphylaxis. Due to this I would really like an EpiPen for her, as it is very possible this could’ve turned into full blown anaphylactic shock.

What does her GP or consultant say ?
Does she have a care plan from the school nurse ?

yes, absolutely speak to the gp. they might want her to get seen by an allergy specialist before prescribing.

Unreasonable to demand anything. Her doctor will prescribe one if appropriate

Have you been able to speak to her doctor for an epipen. That sounds very scary for you all. Does she wear a medi alert bracelet.

Why are you jumping to demanding?
What's happened so far? Have you discussed it with the GP?

Yes request one from your doctor you can never be too sure when it comes to allergy I'm surprised you haven't been told to carry one sooner.My son was given one aged three for peanut, fish allergy he is allergic to many things but the hives are as far as it got

I wouldn’t demand one, no. She needs a treatment plan, because EpiPens don’t last forever, so they’ll need to be replaced. She’ll also need to know how to use them, as will others who are likely to be around her. I was trained due to my sister having severe allergies - although when she turned 13, they were strict that she should be able to read ingredients lists and spot her allergens, so she didn’t always have an epipen.

Try asking for an EpiPen first. It will go down better than demanding.

I have an anaphylactic reaction to certain foods. I needed to see an allergy specialist, and have a number of tests before getting the EpiPen, etc.
I’d suggest that you ask for an urgent referral to have the tests done. Otherwise, how do you know if the EpiPen is the right thing for her?

We have spoken to GP multiple times who has quite frankly been useless and has completely dismissed our concerns. We have been referred to allergy specialist however waiting lists are years long!

Why are you just "demanding " one now? The reaction happened on the summer - months ago. Why haven't you been to GP since? As soon as I raised the possibility of a nut allergy with my GP he prescribed pens until the hospital appointment for allergy test came through. I didn't demand anything. I remembered my manners and spoke like a rational adult

Who diagnosed the colouring allergy?

Also, for those saying demanding is rude, we have asked very politely multiple times however this needs sorted ASAP. I am not having my daughter put at risk because our NHS is so broken that she can’t get the treatment that she needs. We are trying to seek private treatment however allergists are very hard to come by where we live, especially at the minute

Best go private then if you want to demand something.

Has she been told this the right treatment?

What reason did the GP give for not prescribing one?

@clipclop5

Also, for those saying demanding is rude, we have asked very politely multiple times however this needs sorted ASAP. I am not having my daughter put at risk because our NHS is so broken that she can’t get the treatment that she needs. We are trying to seek private treatment however allergists are very hard to come by where we live, especially at the minute

If you’ve not seen a specialist how do you know what caused her to become unwell? Before prescribing an epipen tests need to be done to see what she is actually allergic to, and what effect it has on her. Meanwhile just make sure she has some antihistamines with her and reads the ingredients lists.

Possibly an appointment with a private GP service would progress your daughter's case more satisfactorily for you both?

Years long for allergy consultant? My dd had an allergic reaction at the end of july last year, we saw a consultant in September. I really doubt for something as potentially serious as an allergy they are years long. You could ask to see a different gp, you could go private. Etc.

Tbh. I'd wait for the allergy apt. At 15 she's more than capable of reading ingredients and only eating what she knows she can.
It probably not something that is in most foods..

Why don't you just buy one? - they are very available online.

Demanding people like you put such an unnecessary strain on the NHS. It's not there to serve your whims. If a doctor has said your DD needs to be seen by a specialist first then what medical degree do you possess to override this?!
"GP has been useless" usually means they didn't do exactly what I wanted. If you can do better then by all means go and get a medical degree and train for the 10+ years needed to become a GP or specialist. But don't go screaming and shouting at the NHS about treatment you "need" based on your Google searches and Mumsnet posts. Honestly no wonder we have a shortage of doctors and nurses in this country!

There seems to be a lot missing from your story. How do you know this was a food allergy? And how was it determined that it was this food colouring? Why specifically is the GP saying that you can't have an epipen - does s/he not believe that an allergy caused your daughter's reaction, or that it was not this specific colouring - what has s/he advised that you do if it happens again?

Buy one privately. That will sort out your demands.

Unless you are prepared to put your daughter at risk until one is provided by NHS.

Sorry for being so blunt.

If you haven't yet seen a specialist, who diagnosed the allergy? What treatment did she receive at the time - I. E. Was she given epinephrine to bring the symptoms under control?