Friday, July 16, 2010

Food Allergy Action Plan

What is a food allergy action plan (or FAAP), and do you have one? Well a FAAP is basically a set of instructions of what medicine to administer, when to give it, how much, how often, emergency contact names and numbers and any other important information someone may need to help and treat you or your loved one in case of an allergic reaction. It can also give directions for using your epipen. If you google Food Allergy Action Plan, a number of links with plans you can fill out and use will come up. Here is just one I found http://www.foodallergy.org/files/FAAP.pdf. Ask your Dr too. They probably have one for you.

I've been meaning to do this, but haven't just yet. We're actually waiting to talk with the allergist next week and have her help us with it. I'm still not 100% clear when Cormac will get the epipen vs only Benadryl. It's a bit overwhelming so I suggest talking with your Dr. to make sure you get it right.

Ok, so what do you do with it? I plan on keeping a copy on the fridge and copies with his epipens at home, and epipens that go everywhere with us. When it's time for school the teacher, school nurse, and bus driver will have one. Since my husband and I can't be with him 24/7, I will show the FAAP to who will be watching him.

Right now we explain how to use the epipens, and how to administer any other medication he needs. I will feel better if they have directions as well. Explaining this over and over again gets tiring and frustrating but it's a must now. Trusting people with out little man is so difficult for us. At the same time it also can be overwhelming for them too. Watching someones child is hard enough, but one with a life threading allergy or other condition is just pain scary. As the parents of the kids with allergies, we have to remember that too.

I urge you to talk with your Dr. about your own FAAP. It could help keep you or your loved one safe.

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2 comments:

  1. You are such a good resource for food allergy mommies. I can't imagine being in your shoes. I think it's great you are so proactive And sharing your knowledge.

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  2. Thanks Brandy. I'm just posting what I learn along the way. It's all trial by error and just talking to people about it.

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