Peanut Allergy Identified - He's a 4 out of 6

[MamaLlama]

We took Nate to the specialist in Akron (Akron Children's Hospital, Ohio).  They called the other day. He's a 4 out of 6 . They gave us an epi pen and told us to stay away from nuts (right now it looks like ground nuts, not tree nuts, but they said to stay away from them, too).  My brother angered me yesterday when we were at a Memorial Day party.  My uncle had made a cake w/nuts in it - and I warned everyone NOT to give him a bite.  My brother made fun of me (he's usually very sensitive about things).  We all give babies a "taste" of things, I was worried someone mght give him a taste of it.  His first reaction to nuts was "moderate."  We did not have to take him to the ER.  Swelling of the eyes, face, hives.. Acted normal otherwise.  He's 1 1/2.  There are peanut allergies on my husbands side (which we did not know about until this).  Anyone else going through a peanut allergy?

[Mom to M&M]

Peanut allergies are not very unusual and can be quite serious - it's good you found out now. I'm sorry your brother teased you about it - good for standing your ground and protecting your son. Some kids do outgrow the allergy (my brother did by age 6 but my cousin still has a problem).

[Xavier's mom]

We just had DS tested today for the severity of his peanut allergy.  The doctor called it a Rast Test.  The scale is out of 100.  She said anything above 12 means the person's allergy is potentially fatal.  So now we wait about a week to find out what number DS is.  DS had the same reaction as your son, swelling of face, hives, itching.  I'm actually a little frustrated with DH about this one.  DH is a very smart person and is used to analyzing anything and everything he hears and deciding for himself what is truth.  He doesn't believe something just because someone says it is so.And usually I respect him highly for this trait.  But in this case, he is questioning how far we need to take our precautions for the peanut allergy. he says, "Everybody who is a specialist thinks their area of expertise is the most important."  When it comes to whole nuts, obviously he won't give them.  But as far as not giving DS certain kinds of baked goods or candy because they were manufactured on the same equipment as a peanut product.....he thinks that is taking it too far. 

Sorry to hijack your post.... I guess my point is you are certainly not alone, and I feel your frustration with someone that you love all of a sudden not giving this the credit and energy you know it deserves.  I am right there with you!! 

[Mom to M&M]

Xavier's mom - you are right to be worried and annoyed with DH about this one - peanut allergies can be very serious. Once you find out the results of the RAST test you can decide course of action and you may want to ask for a skin prick test too to confirm results (and it's often more reliable). If it really is a life threatening allergy I would definitely watch for trace amounts - new labeling laws require disclosure of that...

[MamaLlama]

Not only do we have a lot in common with our LO's with PA's, my hubby is just like your hubby (though not with the peanuts - he's precautious) - but with everything else, he questions - especially dr's.  Nate was blood tested for his allergy.  He also has seasonal allergies.  What about your lo?

[Xavier's mom]

We just got the results back on Xavier's blood test.  He is allergic to peanuts, cashews, and pistachios, in that order of severity from least to worst.  But apparently, based on the numbers of his tests, none of them are potentially fatal allergies.  We have an appointment with the allergist next week to discuss how we should behave/change our behaviors to keep DS safe (i.e. how cautious do we have to be).  Wish me luck!  DH is already saying, "yay!  Then he doesn't have to worry about being around them!  They won't do that much damage, anyway!"  To which I say, "yeah, but if we keep him completely away from them, he has a good chance of compeltely outgrowing them.  Isn't that better?"  ech.