Abbie's Journey Continues

Well, as I said yesterday...there is more...much more!

So, after the diagnosis and learning how to use an Epi-Pen and understanding a food allergy action plan I decided I needed to immerse myself and learn all that I can. Boy, the more I read...the scarier it became. Let's just say that we ate out alot!

With the help of the internet and lots of good stuff from the doctor, I set out to learn as much as I could. I also had to educate my husband and my family. My husband was easy. He loves to research stuff on the internet and started out scared to death of her when she was born! It's not just...no she can't eat peanut butter. The first thing I did is cleaned out my refrigerator and the pantry. My work friends were quite happy about that :)

Some basics for you:
When a child is truly allegic they can't have the food item nor any thing that comes in contact with safe food. So, just because a certain brand of nutragrain bars don't have nuts in them, they are made on equipment that also makes other products that do contain peanuts. Many generic brands are out for us because of this. There is a law that requires companies to actually put a label on food that contains the "big 8" food allergens. Many companies also put a "may contain" statement. This is extremely helpful and should be heeded at all costs. There is research that says only a small percentage actually contain the allergen, but do you want to take a chance with your child's life?

Cross-contamination...this is huge! you know that baking stone you have from Pampered Chef?? You can pitch it. Anything that bakes in can contaminate your child's food. You must be very careful, especially if you don't decide to make your home a safe zone for your child. So, if you have an egg allergic child you CAN NOT cut your sandwich with mayo on it to then cut her sandwich...you've just contaminated her food. Cleaning your kitchen workspace and always using clean utensils is first and foremost thing to remember.

My first mistake as a new mom with a food allergic child happened very soon after her diagnosis. I made chili and laid out saltine crackers that had been in the freezer...my mom gave her a cracker on her tray and she took a bite...one little bite. I completely freaked out after I checked the box! They had a "may contain" statement on there. Luckily, we came out unscathed..but it made me so much more vigilant. Of course I cried and cried...thinking what have I done! But, thankfully, God watched over her and I learned an invaluable lesson that night. The second lesson I learned was that my family doesn't really get it. More on that tomorrow!