When my son was 11 months old I gave him a tiny taste of peanut butter on my pinky finger, he instantly got a fat lip. We went for allergy testing and sure enough my boy tested positive for a peanut allergy.
Food allergies suck, they impact everyone; family, friends, school, everyone! The looming risk of a fatal reaction is enough to make you a paranoid nut: pun intended. We recently went for another round of testing. I was truly hopeful he had outgrown them.
The experience was less than great. My expectations were obviously too high going in. I wanted answers and I didn’t get what I expected. I was angry and frustrated and I shared those feelings in this VLOG (watch time 5:04).
I’m frustrated, I want it to be simple. I want it to go away and I don’t think it will. #motherhood
Posted by Michelle Ferreri on Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Thank you to all of you who commented, messaged and texted me with support. The truth is, this doctor, just like the others, didn’t really do anything wrong, he just didn’t do anything right, for me. I want answers. I want to know what causes a peanut allergy. I want to know how to stop it. I want to know that my child will NOT have a reaction or a delayed reaction and die if he is exposed to peanuts. I want assurance, but no allergist can give me that, no matter how great their bedside manner is.
Marcello’s reward, a famous rootbeer float from Fran’s Diner!
There is so much research out there to read and check out. There are so many scary stories about kids and peanut allergies.
We have a long way to go to get better answers, but I do know one thing, parents who share their stories and feelings is extremely helpful and encouraging. At the end of the day we all want what is best for our children.
The doctor did tell me 20% of people outgrow peanut allergies at the average age of 10, so here’s hoping.
On a side note, WHY DO WE NOT HAVE EPI PENS IN ALL FOOD COURTS AND RESTAURANTS, JUST LIKE A DEFIBRILLATOR?
Did you know you do not need a prescription for an epi pen? Anyone can get one, just ask your pharmacist.
This concludes this portion of my rant. I’m confident more will come.
MF
Great idea about Epi pens in food courts! A family member died in a food court from a sesame allergy. I’d say all restaurants etc should have Epi pens. Some allergies come on suddenly as an adult even so you wouldn’t have an Epi pen with you. This could be something for you to startup!