Peanuts

When Lee was just a year old, she had a skin reaction to peanut butter. She again had a reaction to what we concluded to be peanut oil. So, for the last few years, we have been pretty strict on her exposure to peanuts. For example, last year, we notified the school and asked that they not serve it for snack. They did however allow other kids to bring pb&j and they would sit Lee on another table, away from that child. No problem.

This year, her school is peanut free because there are two others that have significant allergic reactions.

Well, at Lee's 4 year old check up, Dr. F recommended we carry an epi-pen and he referred Lee to the allergist. On Friday, we went to the allergist and he did the skin prick test. Sure enough, she had a reaction. The scary thing is, she had a "significant" reaction. So, not only do we need to have an epi-pen at all times, we also have an action plan that we need to get the school to go along with. (Side note: when I talked with the teacher about the epi-pen a couple weeks ago, she told me that they have to get approval from the Honolulu school doctor and they may not be able to use it unless he says okay. I just hope they do not say that they cannot accommodate her because of legal issues...the school is famous for "our way or the highway".)

Another thing the doctor shared was that because she is asthematic, she is at higher risk for the distressed breathing reaction. Scary!!! We will now alert the school, our families, and others who will need to be aware of her situation. The doctor even recommended telling the staff at any restaurants we visit so they take more precautions to avoid cross contamination. We even need to be aware of candy too.

Some people wonder, why get strict now? Well, all it takes is one incident. We will never know if or when that one time happens. Luckily, her previous incidents were limited to hives and vomit, and not distress. But, the next one might be worse. So, for now, I will be checking twice. I will be limiting her intake, and I will not stop shy of making it very clear that she is at risk.

P.S. After the dr. apt., we explained to Lee what it all meant. (Basically the same as before since she has been trained from a young age to ask if there are peanuts and she knows to stay away.) She then told us that 2 of the kids in her class brought pb&j sandwiches this week for lunch...at a peanut free school. So, I will need to speak to the teachers again and I think I may write a friendly note to the other parents explaining the situation. I just wish other parents were more understanding.