Tomorrow Is The Big Day!

Tomorrow we are heading to Mt. Sinai for Cormac's 1st pediatric allergist appointment. I'm excited and freaking out at the same time. One of our readers (Laura), was kind enough to give us the rundown about how it will go. I am so grateful for that, and it did make me feel better knowing what to expect.

I'm excited to get some answers since we have a ton of questions. I am also really hoping to rule out tree nuts, and anything else as an allergen. The less the better. It would open up so many more food options for him and us. I make a delicious pecan pie and want him to be able to eat it! I would love for them to say oh there's been a mistake, your son isn't allergic to peanuts. However, his eyes swelling closed tell me that's not going to happen. At this point I will be grateful for eliminating any allergen.

I'm freaking out about the skin test. Actually I'm dreading it. I heard good and bad things about this, so the pessimist that I am can't see this as going well. It has to be done I know, but I wish it didn't.

Wish us luck and send Mac your positive thoughts! I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

Tomorrow Is The Big Day!

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.

Food Allergy Action Plan

Awards & What Not

No Nuts For My Peanut was recognised by Wellsphere.com as a Top Health Blogger. I was so happy to receive this. I am also a happy to report that Jessica from The Caterpillar Family Blog sent me a blog award called The Versatile Blogger! The Versatile Blogger award comes with rules so here we go!

1. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.

2. List 7 things that people may not know about you.

3. Pass the love to 15 deserving bloggers that you have discovered recently.

4. Let them know that you gave them an award.

Seven things about me you may not know:
1. I secretly watch some of the worst TV on the planet.
2. I am addicted to Baby Center.
3. I grew up in Long Island NY, but now live in Rockland County NY.
4. I miss the beach terribly.
5. By working part time I get the best of both worlds.
6. I wish I wasn't such a control freak.
7. Looks forward to nap time every single day.

Now 15 Blogs!
1. Sara Bakes Cakes
2. This Mamma's Heart
3. He Gives Me Grace
4. The Nut Free Mom
5. Living on Love & Cents
6. You Don't Know
7. The Girl Creative
8. Review Retreat
9. Jenieshell Design Challenge
10. A boy and His Dogs
11. The Shores
12. Milk Free Recipes
13. Kevin and Amanda
14. Long Island Mom of 2
15. Blanket Statements

Well I think that does it!

Awards & What Not

Guest Blogger

Have a funny or scary story to share? Or maybe some great tips and advise for food allergy sufferer's? Could there be something you need to get off your chest or just want to talk about your anxieties? I am looking for guest bloggers to contribute a post to my blog each week. My requirements are simple:

1. Topic must be related to any kind of food allergy. It doesn't have to be about nuts.
2. Post must be submitted to me via e-mail at nonutsformypeanut@gmail.com
3. Post will need to be approved.
4. Post may be edited by No Nuts for My Peanuts, but not without the authors approval.
5. Must be a follower or like on Facebook.
6. Requirements to be a guest blogger may change at any time, without notice.

Guest Blogger

Random Nuts

My mom has been great thought all this allergy stuff and has been on board right from the start. We totally trust her. When we go visit, the house is basically nut free. She moves unsafe food around so he won't be able to get it. She also cleans the house from top to bottom just in case. Well I received an e-mail from my mom today that made me cringe and laugh. She is finally getting rid of a very old couch. While taking off the cushions she found peanuts under them! Now my son doesn't spend much time in that room if any when we are there, but still he could. I don't know what we would of done if he got his little hands on them. So scary, but kind of funny. Nuts in the couch just sounds weird.

So today's lesson is check under the cushions and always be on top of your game. You never know where you may find random nuts!

Random Nuts

Getting Ready for the Allergist

In 2 weeks we will be heading to NYC to see the pediatric allergist. We have a little notebook that we are writing questions in to ask. I wonder how much time they give us? Though our new pediatrician gives us time, not all do. You are lucky if you get 5 minutes to ask one or two questions. I know we are going to do the skin test (not looking forward to that at all), so we will be there a while. But I wonder if they see other patients during that time, or if they stay with us. I am so anxious to go. I have so many questions and concerns that I don't think they will be able to address them all. Heck I will probably go blank and not remember to ask half of them.

Someone in my online food allergy group sent me this link to get started. So I am sharing it with you!

If you have any ideas of what else I should be asking, please share!

Getting Ready for the Allergist

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

We just want to wish everyone a happy 4th of July! We hope you enjoy yourselves. We also want to give a very special thanks to the men and women who are serving our country (past and present), so we can celebrate our country's independence. You and your families sacrifice so much. Thank you.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!