Peanut Allergy Testing - Recommendations London/Middx Pls

[cocococo]

2 year old DS had peanut butter for the first time yesterday and had a severe reaction to it, we rushed him to A&E and he was treated with steroids and antihistamine. We weren't given any advice on what to do next or even what to do if he inadvertently ate peanuts again. I have found some very useful threads on here about peanut allergies which is very comforting as I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered.

Reason for posting is that we have a GP appointment on Monday and we will be asking for an appointment for allergy testing as we are covered for this with our private medical cover. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for any private clinics or hospitals that are good with testing children?

Would be very grateful for any advice or recommendations. Also does anyone know if there is a published list of brands that have peanuts in them? I am very concerned about him being given peanuts inadvertently beacause they are hidden in an ingredients list.

Thanks in advance!

Things may well have changed but I only discovered I had a nut allergy Sept 02. At that point I asked to use my BUPA cover however although I found a couple of people that were recommended they both worked for the NHS as well and their NHS waiting lists were shorter than their private ones. I duly went with NHS but had to wait 3 months to be tested. In the interim period there is a lot of good advice to be on the Anaphylaxis web site and this should see you in good stead. Firstly once you have a nut allergy you should normally rule out all other tree nuts (this is the obvious list of nuts), there is the possibility that he could be allergic to the other group (sorry can't remember the name) and this includes things like seasame seeds and coconut and pine nuts etc. Again better information can be found on their website. Second a nut allergy cannot so far be cured. Thirdly simply because he's not allergic to a nut today does not rule out him becoming allergic tomorrow. I'm allergic to brazil nuts and had hope initially that this was the only nut that I would have to rule out. Having eaten peanut butter all my life I was loathe to give it up however at the ear, nose and throat hospital (where most of the big consultants are located) they informed me that I could become sensitised at any time. If he has a peanut allergy then he should for the forseable future not eat any nuts. To be safe I would also avoid things like pinenuts and coconut until he's tested (people with tree nut allergies (like peanuts etc) rarely react to the other group).

Unfortunately Peanut is one of the worst simply because many food manufacturers use peanut oil to oil their machines. Most supermarket breads have "may contain traces of nut" and this is because they are produced on machines that are oiled with peanut oil. I used to ignore these labels but now realise that this was stupid and have bought a bread maker .

I hope this doesn't come across too doom and gloom because whilst it is a shock at first and I've had to make some big changes, once made life doesn't really feel that much different - so ok I can't have a chinese take away any longer but what the heck! I'm hoping people like Robin will spot this thread because there are a lot of people out there with nut allergic children and they too can given you brilliant advice.

Oh one more thing. Insist that the gp give you at least 6 epi pens. You need them located in different places to ensure you will always have one to hand should you need it. Don't let them just give you two - in fact go for more than 6 if you're up to it. Also the Analphyalixs campaign have recently warned that chemists are unforunately handing out epi pens with very short/ non existant shelf lives so when you pick them up check the dates and refuse any less than 3 months.

You're very welcome to contact me off line if you need more info

Good luck and best whishes.

Hi cocococ,my ds 14months also has a suspected nut allergy.He has had severe reactions to being touched by someone who has touched nuts IYKWIM.We are awaiting allergy testing in the nhs,the current wait is "no longer than 14 weeks".private was no sooner.
I have had some great advice from robinw on mumsnet and I'm sure she'll beable to help you.
no advice really ,just to let you know you're not alone.

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Cocococo, ds has severe nut reactions. He has also been rushed to A&E and it really is terrifying. The advice here is brilliant and I dont have too much more to add. When your son is diagnosed you should get epipen training. Arrange for anyone who looks after your son to go too (my Mum babysitsonce a week so she has been trained too). It isnt difficult to use an epipen but training is needed. When ds goes to nursery or school, check all the staff have up-to-date training. Our local hospital will send someone in to train school staff, check your local policy, it is probably the same.

Re Piriton, DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT. I wont even walk round to the corner shop without it if ds is with me. I often give him a dose if he reacts even mildly, to something. I'd rather over-medicate with a little piriton than risk a more severe reaction (dont know if this is medically sound advice but it works for us).

Good luck.

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I gave my dd peanut butter on Sunday aswell with exactly the same outcome as cocococo ds. Dd is 17mths old. I know you can get trainer pens for £6.17, just call 01488 686016 and they will supply as many as you want, as well as literature which is foc.

As dd is only 22Ibs the gp wouldn't prescribe an EpiPen as you have to be at least 33Ilbs. I do know that Milky Ways have nut traces, perhaps we can start a Mumsnet list all all the foods we discover have a nut trace.

I don't know where you live Cocococo but I have quite a list of allergy clinics if you want it.

Doh!!! Just realised you have put London/Middlesex. These hospitals do allergy testing, but not sure what the age range is for it, also you would have to get a referral from your gp.
St Heliers in Surrey
Guy's Hosp in London
Homerton Hospital London
St Mary's Hospital in London
Medway Mritime in Kent

thank you everyone that is great. It is so reassuring to know that there are other people going through the same experiences. I have been searching everywhere online for a list of safe and unsafe foods - does anyone have any advice or maybe we should start the thread dsw mentioned - what a great idea!

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The only reason there is a weight limit on the Epipen is because there may not be enough muscle mass to stop the needle hitting the bone cause it hurts more!! But you are right, Gp's generally need to get a 2nd opinion from a consultant - to cover their own backs really. I definatley think we should start the Food with Nuts thread for all the obvious things.

dsw, I'm sure that my son had the EpiPen before he was 33 lbs. It does hurt like hell! I hope you get one for yours.

Cocococo, we went to the London Allergy Clinic on New Cavendish Street (Dr K Sloper). I liked her, although I wouldn't call her "friendly". The skin tests she'll do there and the food tests are done in.... oh damn, I can't remember the name of the hospital. It's somewhere outside of London to the west. Or north, maybe. Possibly south. It's in a place with two words, the first is "New" or possibly "West" and the second starts with an "E".

If you want a paediatrician to talk to about allergies, I can highly recommend Dr John Fysh at the Portland. You can simply call to make an appointment. He would recommend you to the paediatric allergist there, I'm sure, although might be able to get you a quicker test.

If you'd like, I can look up phone numbers, etc. They're in my files somewhere -- we've moved out of the country and don't use them anymore.

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Thanks JJ have just got an appointment with Dr Gideon Lack - he seems to be quite an expert on peanut allergy in general and if you do a search on his name on google loads of files come up in relation to his work and research which fills me with confidence. His secretary was lovely on the phone, very reasurring and I feel we'll be in good hands.

He sounds great! Friendly secretaries can be sooo helpful -- it's good his is lovely.

RobinW, I have heard of them and your post has reminded me of two times when they would have extremely useful. I will ask my son's doctor about them next time we're in. Thanks!