Hello..Suspected Peanut Allergy

<p>Hi Julia:<br />
Join the club- there are lots of us who's doctors haven't been too helpful. I would encourage you to read as much from this site as you can- you will learn so much! Everyone is very helpful and supportive and soon you will feel like you are not alone. You are definetly on the right track doing research and asking questions. One thing you need to know is (which some doctors don't even seem to realize) is that the severity of the reaction can be very different each time! Sometimes not as bad, sometimes much worse. This is not said to scare you, but to inform you. I always thought my son's allergy was just a mild one until he had to be rushed to the hospital in anaphylactic shock! We didn't have an EpiPen or anything because he had had only had 2 minor reactions before. So go with your gut feeling and explore all the options!<br />
Take care.</p>
<p>------------------<br />
Colleen</p>

<p>Julia, I would bring your daughter to a board certified allergist and discuss the reaction with him/her. The testing can be done by skin test or the CAP Rast. My son did have the skin test and was positive for the allergy. At a later date, we had the CAP Rast test done because we were testing for multiple allergens. I asked them to test for peanuts, in addition to the other allergens. He was also positive with the CAP Rast for peanuts.<br />
Both tests were not needed to determine his allergy. One test would have been appropriate. The CAP Rast test is nice because you do not have to use peanut extract on their skin - Instead it is introduced to the blood samples in the lab.<br />
I would strongly urge you to join the Food Allergy Network (FAN) and order some of their educational materials. The daycare center needs to be educated as how to keep your daughter safe. The video, "It Only Takes One Bite" would be good for training the staff.<br />
FAN's # is 1-800-929-4040. Their web site is [url="http://www.foodallergy.org"]http://www.foodallergy.org[/url]<br />
Also, when you call FAN, asked if their is a support group in your area. It is helpful to meet other parents with allergic children. The support groups can provide tips, resources and emotional support! </p>
<p>Stay Safe!</p>

<p>Julia, I would definitely go see an allergist. Unfortunately it's difficult to tell how a child will react from one exposure to the next.</p>
<p>What makes me angry after reading your post is the ignorance of the day care facility! These daycares need to be educated to NOT give small children peanut butter! My neighbor said that her son's daycare did the same thing -- gave 12 month old babies peanut butter -- but fortunately nothing happened. She was very angry because of what *might* have happened.</p>
<p>--Tracy</p>

<p>Hi Julia,<br />
I experience was almost the same as yours. At 12 months after a tiny exposure my son's eyes got red and he broke out in hives. His second exposure at 1 1/2 was exactly the same. I gave him benedryl that time. My son's doctors nurse had told me to try again at 1 1/2 after his first. Bad advise! Please don't retest yourself. My son's doctor also told me to not bother going to allergist because he will probably tes positive. He said said wait until he is 5 or 6 when his immune system is finished changing.<br />
My advise to you is go to a allergist!<br />
I went ahead an asked who they recommended and went to the allergist. Yes, just as my doctor said he is positive on the RAST test for peanuts but I know for SURE now. Both my allergist and doctor said they have had (a very few) cases of children outgrowing this. So, in case you had her tested several years later and the test was negative you would wonder if she really was positive over the past few years.<br />
It is a terrible allergy but, they are so many worse things that can happen to your child. I've known several kids with cancer. If this the worst thing my son gets in his life - YEA!<br />
P.S. my son loves plain cream cheese and jelly sandwiches - who needs peanut butter!</p>
<p>One thing my doctor said is make sure anyone taking care of your child has the epi-pen just in case.</p>
<p>Good luck,<br />
Carol S.</p>

<p>Tracy,</p>
<p>Until the American Academy of Pediatrics puts out official guidelines on NOT giving children a food, the day care centers will continue to do so. The AAP does have a guideline regarding eggs--they suggest that they not be given until a child is one year old. My day care center abides by this, although they do give products with eggs in them (egg noodles, pancakes, etc.). The AAP needs to get this message out. I'm not hopeful that this will happen anytime soon as pediatricians seem really stupid (admittedly) about this allergy. Since the number of allergic children is rising, they may get the message in another 10 years.<br />
Christine</p>

Julia,
You might want to check out the "Questions to Ask the Allergist" discussion on the main board (where this discussion is) to get some ideas of what to ask beforehand. I posted a bunch of questions, but keep in mind that my son originally tested as a 5 (out of 6) on the RAST, so I've been told it's likely he'll have a severe reaction (although not guaranteed).
It would also be nice for you to report back on what your allergist says in response to any questions -- we've been comparing notes, which is very helpful.
--Tracy

Ditto to everything stated above. I didn't realize at first how serious this could be or how complicated it can be to manage. We kept him off of the peanut and peanut butter items, but until I read everything I could get my hands on, I didn't realize how many, MANY items contain peanut oil/flour. Read everything you buy several times before you feed it to your child!! Cross-contamination is a big problem. Do all your own baking! This site is a great place to begin to learn about the day-to-day management of this allergy. WE are becoming the experts in managing life with this allergy. And hopefully you won't have to repeat the mistakes some of us have made as we learn along the way. The videos from the FAN are a great resource for you, your family, and the day care. Good luck!

You may already have this info, There is a Food Allergy Awareness, Support & Training Group in Loveland,Ohio. FAAST puts out a newsletter 5 times a year. For more info you can contact Jennifer Redmond, PO Box 565, Loveland,Ohio 45140. Tel: 513-588-6863. E-mail: [email]FAASTCin@aol.com[/email] Good Luck & Stay Safe!