Being diagonsed with a food allergy is a very difficult and devastating time for any family. Bryce was 9 months old when he was diagnosed. We had no idea all it would encompass. He was first diagnosed with milk, egg, and peanut (also told to avoid tree nut due to cross contamination). Later, we were to learn he was allergic to milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, sunflower, oat, and barley. We also avoid apple because he breaks out in a rash although it isn't life threatening. We have learned SO MUCH over the last three years and hope to share some of what we've learned with others. When we were diagnosed the allergy doctor gave us an epi-pen with no training and told us to avoid milk, egg, and peanut and sent us out the door. That was it. Bryce went on to have four very serious reactions because of our lack of education. We didn't know whey and casein make up milk. We didn't know he could have a reaction because something was made on shared equipment with a product containing milk without it being labeled on the product. We also weren't educated in the severity of the situation and thus we allowed danger foods to remain in our house. The good Lord saw fit to save Bryce from these severe reactions and allow us time to educate ourselves and build our safety net. I feel like we have a much better hold on our limits now and hopefully we can help other families educate themselves a bit quicker. Please feel free to use us as a resource. E-mail us and we will help in any way we can.
When you find yourself living with a child diagnosed with food allergies, your life is suddenly centered around food. You can't go anywhere without planning how long you will be gone and what you will eat. Parents of most children can swing through a drive thru if errands take longer than expected. But not you. You have to plan what to take. . . how to keep it cool/warm. . . what beverage you need. There is no such thing as just running out the door. You have to prepare a meal before every trip. It is exhausting. Eventually it will get easier. You will not feel so guilty about just feeding your child crackers. You will have things premade in advance and in the freezer you can just pop out and thaw. You will get the hang of it. You will learn to cook and bake and actually become quite good at it. Keep reading and we hope to post recipes, suggestions, and more of our long journey to where we are.
