To demand an EpiPen

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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.

Who diagnosed it was tartrazine.

@MrsTwitcher She has been tested for all other suspected allergens she had that day and has since had reactions to skincare products containing it

OP buy one, buy one while you fight for one.

But one - you can do this whilst you wait.

@Ginnymweasley

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.

@Ginnymweasley Yes - we live in Northern Ireland and that’s how it is here. Even privately allergy specialists are very hard to come by here

Did whoever tested and diagnosed her suggest she have an EpiPen, did they write to her gp. Are you near any private hospitals that can offer further help.

It’s fairly standard not to get an epi pen prescription until either the consultant confirms this is necessary or an A&E admission. At least in our area.

If you are concerned in the meantime you can purchase the pens privately.

@unfortunateevents

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?

@unfortunateevents GP confirmed it was a food allergy due to symptoms and medical history of environmental allergies. Tartrazine is our best guess at the minute as she has tested negative to all other allergens she had that day and has reacted to it since. Our problem has been convincing GPs of the severity of it. GP put her on daily antihistamines to make reactions less likely but otherwise no real plan.

@CovidStoleTheRainbow

OP buy one, buy one while you fight for one.

@CovidStoleTheRainbow Are you sure that you can buy one without a prescription? If so where? Thank you

You could buy one op, as long as their prescriber is happy to give you one after a consultation.

www.doctor-4-u.co.uk/epipen

As pp said, it's not clear why you are suddenly demanding...

Did you observe the episode, or is it something DD reported back to you? Interested as to why a teenager exhibits these dramatic symptoms and her parent, suspecting a severe allergic reaction, doesn't call an ambulance.

If you haven’t seen a consultant, has DD actually had a diagnosis, or have you just decided that this ingredient is what she is allergic to?

Something isn't adding up here.

Private doc, private script. Can be done.

@WingBingo

What reason did the GP give for not prescribing one?

@WingBingo GP did not believe that her allergy was severe and was reluctant to even send her for testing

You lost me at demand but I hope your daughter is well and gets the treatment you need

*she needs

Did she not go to hospital with those severe symptoms.

Yes, buy one while you wait for the doctors to sort it out. In fact, buy two; that's what your DD will be prescribed once you get to that point. They aren't very expensive, and they are literally life-saving, speaking as someone who has o carry an EpiPen everywhere.

I imagine that some of the posters on this thread have never, luckily, had to experience anaphylaxis, or watch someone go through it. Of course the OP wants her daughter to have an EpiPen. Anaphylaxis literally stops you breathing. I still have PTSD 20 years after my last attack. Terrifying doesn't even begin to cover it.

@CloudyGladys

As pp said, it's not clear why you are suddenly demanding...

Did you observe the episode, or is it something DD reported back to you? Interested as to why a teenager exhibits these dramatic symptoms and her parent, suspecting a severe allergic reaction, doesn't call an ambulance.

If you haven’t seen a consultant, has DD actually had a diagnosis, or have you just decided that this ingredient is what she is allergic to?

Something isn't adding up here.

@CloudyGladys I was there when it happened and at the time didn’t realise that this was a reaction. DD didn’t tell me about the symptoms suggesting allergic reaction, only that she had a sore tummy etc. We assumed it was a bad tummy bug. I am not suddenly demanding, this has been going on for months and we are getting absolutely nowhere meanwhile DD is scared of having another reaction.

I buy them online they cost between £50-£60 each

Maybe “demand” a refund on your medical degree first! I presume you are a qualified specialist? Or are you just being an entitled dick?

Good luck with avoiding it - its in loads of things. A really difficult one to avoid, and an unusual one to suddenly become allergic to.

Also - medical personnel can be very dismissive of allergic reactions. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance while suffering anaphylactic shock by paramedics who arrived to find me almost unconscious on the floor, and they told me that I was "being very dramatic" and refused to give me oxygen, so I can well believe that the OP has been banging her head against a brick wall with this one. I had to pay for a private allergy consultation before I was taken seriously.

My son now 16 had been allergic to most nuts since he was 2. I’ve always had problems getting 6 epi’s from Drs, he needs 2 for schools, 2 to carry and 2 for home. They are expensive but what’s the alternative? 😕

She didn't require emergency hospital treatment so I wouldn't go demanding an Epi-pen. She would definitely have been prescribed one (two) if she needed them.

You can buy one privately online. That’s what we have done previously so we have extra epi-pens for school/childcare/grandparents etc. Qutir pricy but worth it for the peace of mind