A Plea for My Daughter

muncheusen much???????

Don't misunderstand my comment. I would do exactly the same thing as this woman, if I had the information she has. But read the article. The child has never exhibited any symptoms, they only know she has this allergy because of testing for OTHER medical problems. So my question is: Is ths really an allergy? Are we getting so sophisticated with our ability to test for diseases that we are making problems where there aren't any? Is the presence of "allergic potential" the same thing as an allergy?

I do not intend to minimize this person's situation. I would do the same thing she is given the same set of informaiton. You can't take a risk of exposure when the outcome might be death. BUT, and this is a big one---to what extent are we willing to modify our own environment and require that others modify theirs to avoid POTENTIAL potential problems. How much PROACTIVE are we willing to be?

Just an interesting thought. I have adult acquaintances who are SOOOOOOO obsessive compulsive about what their kids eat, where they play, what kind of laundry detergent I use on my sheets, etc etc, that I've given up trying to support a relationship between my kids and theirs. It just isn't worth the effort. The obsessive need they have to control the environment may be birthed in some legitiimate concerns about the child's skin rashes, or whatever, , but it is so over the top that it has become impossible for the rest of us to deal with.

Again, not trying to dismiss this op/ed contributor, but it does spur some thinking.

My son was diagnosed with peanut and tree-nut allergies ant 18 months. We have been very careful, but not crazy. His classmates and their parents have been very willing to avoid nuts in class treats, and to label lunchboxes if they do have peanut butter so Spencer will know to stay far away from them during lunch. I hope this author will get some further advice from her pediatrician and allergist so that she can take a bit of a common sense approach to her child's condition. Otherwise, she just won't be able to live her life -- the same for her daughter. Living in constant fear like that will wear her down very quickly. Just be smart, go in and talk to your childs class (Or read them a book about her condition -- there are several child-friendly books on Amazon.com that explain this allergy and how dangerous it is). You'll find others become very protective of her and become little sirens if nuts are discovered! Try to relax and allow her to have as normal a life as possible.

As the mother of an adult daughter with tree nut/peanut allergy, I truly can understand your pain. My daughter now 27 was diagnosed with her food allergies when she was 2. She very nearly died 3 yrs. ago when she ate something at a company picnic that sent her into anaphylaxis. Cosmetics are a danger as well as many food items that don't obviously have nuts in them.. The smell of peanuts can set her off. There are airlines that still serve peanuts and refuse to remove them. We experienced this in Jan. on a flight from England. Terrifying for all!

This hits home for so many of us who are dealing with the VERY REAL existence and danger of peanut-allergic children, and I could not have said it better myself. While I have been heartened at how supportive and understanding family and friends have been, I have been utterly dismayed to discover how many people don't care, don't get it, and worst, who want to "test" just how allergic our kids really are. Unfortunately, it's one of those things most people just don't care about - until it happens to them. Thank you for putting the issue out there, articulating beautifully what most of us in your situation feel, in words that hopefully, other people will begin to understand.

most parents will understand and work with you. our childrens friends usually end up bieng a part of our(the parents)lives too. of course it would be scary bieng responsible for some one elses child, but it's part of bieng a parent. i have 3 children which means bday parties,sleep overs,etc...several times a year! a child having severe allergies is just another obstacle we you adjust to. maybe the people on the airplane don't know that your peanuts could cause your child or someones death. if some one told me they were allergic to nuts my first thought wouldn't have been death, so........ maybe they should be more elaborate.

I had a friend die of his peanut allergy when a restaurant he had eaten at many times before changed their cooking oil without putting it on the menu. He's dead. Gone. He won't come back. Get it? Is it really that inconvenient to not have a packet of peanuts on a flight? Or to send your child to school without a peanut butter sandwich?

Folks, the most important issue with food allergies is that some people are so allergic that simply breathing the dust from a nearby peanut can cause reactions including severe anaphylactic shock. It is a pain for everyone involved. It is frustrating to have to limit other people based on one or a few people's physical limitations. Unfortunatley, it's the facts. What it should make us, is all so frustrated that we force the government and any other willing researcher to find out why so many children are increasingly becoming allergic to foods, especially peanuts (all nuts really) and soy. Could it be the genetically allerted substitutes for these wonderful naturally occuring foods? The idea to increase pest and disease resistence is great, but when it introduces a food that is causing these kinds of reactions in our children, isn't that too high a price? Apparently not!

Folks, the most important issue with food allergies is that some people are so allergic that simply breathing the dust from a nearby peanut can cause reactions including severe anaphylactic shock. It is a pain for everyone involved, yes. It is frustrating to have to limit other people based on one or a few people's physical limitations, yes. Unfortunatley, it's the facts. What it should make us, is all so frustrated that we force the government and any other willing researcher to find out why so many children are increasingly becoming allergic to foods, especially peanuts (all nuts really) and soy. Could it be the genetically allerted substitutes for these wonderful naturally occuring foods? The idea to increase pest and disease resistence is great, but when it introduces a food that is causing these kinds of reactions in our children, isn't that too high a price? Apparently not!

Ok, so I might get harped on for my comment but here it goes.
I understand allergies having some of my own. I applaud people for being self aware, and for taking care of their children when faced with such a burden during their life. Being your own advocate is the best way to make sure that you are taken care of.
The problem I have is when it comes to freedom of choice for others being restricted, and the motives behind the restriction. When airlines don???t serve peanuts or schools ban peanut butter from the lunch room don???t think it is 100% focused on the safety of the people/kids with allergies. To believe that would be foolish. No, the main reason for these restrictions is fear of lawsuits. Lawsuits like that are usually brought about by people who are not self aware, and do not advocate for themselves, but prefer to have the government and business do it all for them.
I must admit, I do get a little irritated when I can???t get peanuts on a plane. I think part of the eye-rolling problem is that peanut/nut allergies are the focus of restrictions, while other food/environmental allergies are left out.

For more insight into the lives of those who must deal with food allergies, check out the Living with Food Allergies blog carnival. It comes out every other Thursday and includes articles written by food allergy sufferers or parents of kids with food allergies. You might learn something! Here is the link: http://blogcarnival.com/bc/cprof_2597.html

Thank you, Ms. King, for summing up so eloquently my life since my daughter was diagnosed 6 years ago at 18 months old. Her allergy is severe, and biphasic, and we have become all too aware of issues such as cross-contamination, school parties, and Epi-pens. Fortunately, we have found a wonderful school which completely understands the severity of allergies, and works to make the school a safe place for her. You would be amazed at how her classmates look out for her safety, and will change seats in the lunchroom if one of them brings in peanut butter sandwiches. Since my daughter is not allergic to airborne peanut dust, this is an acceptable alternative for us. Clearly, this doesn't work for everone. Allergies can have varying levels of severity, and what is will cause a few irritating hives for one child is deadly for another. The stakes are too high for any one of us to presume to know what an allergic child "can" or "should" be able to do.

I am insanely proud of my cousin... Yes I said my cousin.
I too have rolled my eyes and complained about not being able to have a little bag of peanuts on an airplane.
Only now have I learned of Lydia's allergies and as an older cousin I would do the same. I would welcome the fact that I would have to " Nut proof " my house and I am in love with my cashews. I hope that everyone can understand the love that a parent has for their child "no matter how old" and how they would do the same thing .
PM

I am insanely proud of my cousin... Yes I said my cousin.
I too have rolled my eyes and complained about not being able to have a little bag of peanuts on an airplane.
Only now have I learned of Lydia's allergies and as an older cousin I would do the same. I would welcome the fact that I would have to " Nut proof " my house and I am in love with my cashews. I hope that everyone can understand the love that a parent has for their child "no matter how old" and how they would do the same thing .
PM