Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis, A Mother's Account

Filed in archive Allergy Blogs , Food Allergies , Living with Allergies on August 10, 2007

Over the years, I have read countless stories of individuals undergoing anaphylactic reactions- life-threatening conditions following an allergic reaction. Because I am a parent of a child with multiple food allergies, stories of children having anaphylaxis resulting from food allergies always causes my anxiety levels to hike. But I think I have never read an account that has affected me as much as bellevelma's. It's a well-written piece, very informational, a good primer showing how life is like when you have food allergies. She discusses the prevalence of food allergies, the symptoms when you get a reaction, the need for and how to use an epinephrine injector, and how it's like when your son undegoes an anaphylaxis.

Do you know what it's like to rush to the ER not knowing if your child is dead or alive? I do. Three times over.

Do you know what it's like to speed down the highway in the pouring rain, shaking and sobbing with tears streaming down your face as you think back to that morning's breakfast and how that might be the last meal you ever share with your child? How that morning, when you kissed him goodbye at daycare may have been the last time you saw your child alive? How that morning's drop off may have been the last time you heard your child's sweet voice say "Mommy, I Love You"? I do.

Read more from the Unfunny Files. I encourage especially those who think parents of food-allergic children are being paranoid to read her account. Read, and then tell us if our anxieties are misplaced.