tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87456860330665861572012-02-16T20:09:39.527-08:00Narrative & News about Food AllergiesConniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.comBlogger441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-79218395304396968852010-12-23T14:18:00.000-08:002010-12-23T14:32:55.081-08:00

After such sad news of two deaths due to anaphylaxis (school party, soccer party), it is wonderful to hear of a life being saved. The teen's epipen had not been administered properly; and Nanuet Ambulance Corps had only recently been cleared by the state to use Epipen! Thank goodness there is a happy ending to this story.

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-73934873769467186622010-11-18T10:15:00.001-08:002010-11-18T10:16:32.076-08:00

After working hard for a year growing our local support group, it's time to turn back to writing less formally about Food Allergies, and living with Food Allergies. Watch this space!

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-39207727679512110582009-05-11T08:34:00.000-07:002009-05-11T08:45:12.653-07:00

It is so hard to know what is useful or interesting to post.  And there are so many food-allergy-related blogs out there these days.  Some interesting, others BTDT.Avoiding nuts, research on nut allergies, and keeping my child safe is and always will be a big part of my life.  Examining where I want to spend my time, I've decided blogging (at least blogging individually) isn't for me any

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-8501457881069922702009-04-21T18:42:00.000-07:002009-04-21T18:48:21.471-07:00

Who-hoo! At last a nut, dairy and egg-free chocolate-chip cookie mix! From Cherrybrook kitchen, and the PBS Kid's series Arthur! The product will include a story about Binky's food allergies.  I love baking, and since having a child with food allergies have developed and found some wonderful recipes, but YAY! I don't HAVE to make oookies from scratch anymore!Now to the local supermarket!  Will

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-39900481094462098172009-04-07T08:06:00.001-07:002009-04-07T08:36:32.822-07:00

May 10th - 16th is FAAN's 12th annual Food Allergy Awareness Week! Spread the word!FAAN also needs our help to get all 50 states on board to proclaim Food Allergy Awareness Week. There are only 3 states who have already done this: Connecticut, Illinois, and Nebraska. If you would like your state to proclaim FAAW, you can request a proclamation by sending a letter to your governor, by e-mail,

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-53453887678919669652009-04-02T10:31:00.000-07:002009-04-02T10:41:21.073-07:00

I usually pick up candy at TJs, read the label, then put the food down because of PN or Nut warnings. This time I hit a payload!They have Dark chocolate that does not have a tree nut warning!! Whoo hoo! It is made by Chocovic SA, and actually tastes smooth, fruity.The allergen-related part of the label says 'Does not contain flavorings, preservatives or colouring. May contain traces of milk.

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-13856045466656464952009-04-02T10:28:00.001-07:002009-04-02T10:31:27.856-07:00

Our trip to the allergist went smoothly.Our results are pretty much the same as last year. Which is good, right? His IgE for PN was not rocketing higher, and his Nut IgEs were low. Our doc continues to recommend avoiding all nuts, including products with 'may contains' and 'made in a facility' warnings; he hopes L will someday outgrow nuts (fingers crossed!). I had hoped we might be a little

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-66478941193773400382009-03-16T15:15:00.000-07:002009-03-16T16:37:24.270-07:00

This week my child will have his yearly allergy check-in. He had his blood taken last week, and on Thursday we go to his allergist to see what's changed, if anything.For some bizarre reason, after dealing with PN allergy and avoiding tree nuts for 4.5 years, I want it to go away! I want our doctor to tell us L's IgE has dropped, that he is definitely not allergic to any tree nuts. It is hard

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-16538000692984082342009-03-10T09:51:00.000-07:002009-03-10T10:06:02.036-07:00

On her blog, Gab, a good friend of mine pointed out the nut-free valentines cookies were available at Whole Foods. What she didn't say, was how addictive they are!Little Rae's bakery, in Seattle have wonderful peanut and nut-free cookies.. They currently have really cute Shamrock sugar cookies! Look!OMG, they taste *sooo good*.Little Rae's is nut free, because their president has a nut allergy.

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-62179739172005953652009-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:002009-03-02T13:02:29.002-08:00

I am continuously shocked over how, in the midst of an economic recession (depression?), our country fighting in two wars, school funding being reduced, healthcare and social security in a shambles etc etc, that people have nothing better to do than whine about restricting peanuts at school.I guess it speaks to how lucky those people are.. they don't need to worry about their children dying,

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-57734997725990381682009-02-25T08:27:00.000-08:002009-02-25T08:39:22.850-08:00

Can you believe it?After all of the hype in the last few months regarding how us over-protective parents are overstating the incidence of food allergies... apparently there is now a TSUNAMI of peanut-allergic kids - at least in Australia.Expert warns of food allergy 'generation'According to allergy specialist Dr Raymond Mullins, his study issued today reveals the incidence of peanut allergy has

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-85018858653221519002009-02-24T14:35:00.000-08:002009-02-24T14:45:11.048-08:00

I'd like to blog again! Its been an age. Lots of things going on in my family's life. So if there are any of you out there that think what I write is worth reading.. apologies! And I hope you'll forgive me!Recently there has also been a plethora of OpEds out there.. people who want to have a positive voice about food allergies.Others that want to shout them down. It's almost become

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-51143225091980223832008-10-19T09:39:00.000-07:002008-10-19T09:44:58.537-07:00

It *really* bugs me that there are so many medical practitioners out there that don't really get how serious allergies are..The doctor was told repeatedly this man had an allergic reaction to penicillin, but chose to ignore it. ".. the house surgeon's mistake - in assuming that at worst an allergic reaction would be a mild to moderate skin rash or wheezing - might suggest a general gap in the

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-73320401222832864352008-10-16T11:18:00.001-07:002008-10-16T11:25:33.434-07:00

This is such an amazing and wonderful story of a 3 yo (yes, a THREE year old) who saved his 18 month-old brother by using an EpiPen!His mother froze when she couldn't feel a pulse in her son Ryan, then her 3 yo son Alexander grabbed his brothers Epi and gave it to him, just as his dad had taught him.How totally cool is that? Way to go, Alexander!

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-69418667028074026182008-10-06T11:32:00.000-07:002008-10-06T11:38:16.015-07:00

went well!We had some new faces, and old friends. We shared the booty Enjoy Life foods gave our group at the FAAN walk, the Crayons sports drinks and great company!One of our members had the great idea of starting a training team which can advocate and train at our local schools. What a great idea.. we'll start small with an introduction/fact presentation, and work up from there.

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-6406580281203580512008-09-30T10:38:00.000-07:002008-09-30T10:58:04.971-07:00

Our support group had its first official play date on Sunday! It was fun being at the park with other families who really 'get it'. It is sooo nice to be able to talk to other parents about whats going on in our lives, and how allergies affect it.I asked the other moms how they remember to carry their Epinephrine? Each mom had Epis or Twinject in their handbags. Because Dads don't have

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-82638215356351122502008-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:002008-09-28T12:22:08.982-07:00

We're doing a major remodel of our kitchen, which is extending rapidly into other parts of the house (there was a 5'x5' hole in our bedroom wall last week!). Our kitchen is a big hole.I usually do all our baking to avoid nuts.. and because my Kindergartner needs an afternoon snack, I thought I'd try to bake some healthy (?!) cookies for him in our temporary kitchen upstairs.I started out with

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-77305626522675376332008-09-22T18:58:00.000-07:002008-09-22T20:07:48.497-07:00

Our support group attended the FAAN walk towards a cure in SF this weekend. Despite the drizzle and grey skies, it was great! There were lots of vendors represented; I especially liked speaking with one of the managers at EpiPen. I requested they look into redesigning the Pen to make it smaller; there is apparently something in the works for next year.I tasted Divvies cookies which are great,

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-44132854457955511802008-09-15T20:14:00.000-07:002008-09-15T21:03:51.975-07:00

Its been ages since I posted last. Lots has happened. The prep for our remodel and trip to the UK, and L going to school really took its toll.The worst was the first day of K. On the way home, my son casually told me (as only a 5yo can), that he had a Turkey and cheese sandwich at school today. But I didn't pack him a sandwich!!!!Turns out the head teacher (to whom I had spoken at great and

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-8335739663356166052008-08-17T06:20:00.000-07:002008-08-17T07:27:56.556-07:00

even when the hosts are bending over backwards to be helpful. It requires being THAT kind of mother.This is especially hard when you don't see the family often.. having to explain about food allergies. Going over the party food beforehand to find out what they are serving so I can bring something comparable isn't too bad. Its when they really want to provide safe food that it gets harder;

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-27095201656184292542008-08-14T10:51:00.001-07:002008-08-14T11:58:21.942-07:00

We just arrived in the UK, after 4 weeks of harrowing preparation. Not only are we on vacation, but we had to empty our living room, kitchen and bathroom beforehand. We're also renovating our kitchen! In addition to that we have built a wet-bar in the room above the garage which will serve as a temporary kitchen workspace while the construction is underway. So a mini building project prior to

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-20393831346806102752008-07-27T20:54:00.000-07:002008-07-27T21:19:47.628-07:00

are a very common combination. Throw into the mix that dogs often either eat peanut butter directly (or its added into their food).. and you potentially get anaphylaxis at a park!Today we went to our friends birthday party at Golden Gate park. He had invited his friends, their kids and dogs.Since L had anaphylaxis to a dog a few years ago, I have always been leery around dogs, especially

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-72459173522451994772008-07-14T18:44:00.001-07:002008-07-14T19:33:06.543-07:00

Auto-injectors have always seemed to me to be too large, and the needle when exposed, scarily intimidating. I recall emailing the manufacturers of our auto-injector asking them to improve the design by making it smaller (and so more portable), and capable of having two doses. I didn't hear anything back.A design student from the UK who suffers from Food Allergies has taken one step in this

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-22380311285899645252008-07-08T22:59:00.000-07:002008-07-08T23:19:56.535-07:00

The FAAN walk for a Cure is coming to SF soon - Sept 20th, in fact. My friend Gabrielle registered a team for our SF Food Allergy support group - its so exciting! My family have all registered, and have already hit up our friends and family for donations.I love the internet! L's granddad from England was the first to donate. So cool.If you can't attend a walk, please consider donating to FAAN

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-18920844304672136122008-07-08T22:52:00.000-07:002008-07-08T23:21:48.657-07:00

L and his brother J will visit the new school tomorrow for evaluation day to see if they fit in. This is *not* a nut-free school. And I'm worried about keeping L safe. I've reminded him of the safe-food rules, and will speak with the teachers tomorrow morning to ensure they know what they ought to:o where his Epi and inhaler areo that he is not to have any food except that which comes from

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-86081144315803447322008-06-21T19:26:00.000-07:002008-06-21T19:27:27.832-07:00

After deciding to leave our child in his current school which is preschool->K, an opening has come up in a K-5 school.What to do, what to do? The school seems to be allergy aware. They train all teachers once a year in how to deal with allergic reactions - and they're happy with me attending their teacher training session (that is promising). Their cafeteria does not serve peanuts. They don't

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-26125564229857492052008-06-21T08:46:00.000-07:002008-06-21T19:28:55.684-07:00

Do you all have the same problem I do? TIME. No, not the magazine! That element of life that passes so quickly.I typed up our most recent SF Food Allergy support group minutes nearly two weeks ago. Have I had time to send them out??Kids, allergies (that should be ALLERGIES), kids school/daycare, grocery shopping, washing, illnesses, allergies, kids (have I mentioned husband yet? - and - note

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-12904038965004836652008-06-13T11:19:00.001-07:002008-06-15T14:59:11.086-07:00

I have always had this wild hypothesis that if one were to attempt to correlate the incidence of food allergies (and atopic disease) to where a child was conceived and born, that there would be a relationship.Research reported in many news articles such as Science Daily seems to concur. The study found a link between proximity to high traffic roads, and the incidence and severity of atopic

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-32044310533950759612008-06-12T00:41:00.000-07:002008-06-13T11:58:46.460-07:00

Thank goodness there are researchers out there trying to pin down when a CAP RAST (or similar) blood test can predict a successful IOFC (In Office Food Challenge).Especially considering a simple diagnostic test such as a Skin Prick Test (SPT) caused Anaphylaxis in a young child requiring THREE doses of adrenaline, and over 6 hours of recovery time... How frightening for the parents, and for the

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-72795268499103867972008-06-12T00:32:00.001-07:002008-06-13T11:59:14.804-07:00

For all those huge food manufacturers that (seemingly) can't be bothered with providing allergy-smart foods - read THIS:Food Allergies Trigger Multibillion-Dollar Specialty MarketYou guys are losing out on lots of $$. Same with supermarkets that don't stock allergy-friendly foods!Anyone want to start a bakery with me? Can you imagine the market in the Bay Area for Allergy aware bakery? I'd

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-2997140474789610622008-06-11T16:39:00.000-07:002008-06-13T11:59:39.315-07:00

Our support group is rolling now! It is soooo good to meet other parents in the bay area who have children with allergies - well, its not good the children have allergies, but its great that there are parents reaching out to each-other at this stressful time. YouKnowWhatImean!!Although there are online support groups that are GREAT, there is nothing like meeting people face to face that really

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-69133256814294037242008-06-08T18:42:00.000-07:002008-06-13T12:00:17.579-07:00

I no longer like going to Safeway because of the enormous new nut-stand they have prominently housed at the front of their store. So, I've been shopping elsewhere.. like Nob Hill Foods.While wandering the aisles, I noticed they had Dare cookies! Dare cookies are Peanut and Tree Nut free and are made in a Peanut/Treenut free facility!! Whoo hoo!Way to Go Dare, and Way to Go Nob Hill!Companies

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-19487994476697996422008-06-01T19:57:00.000-07:002008-06-13T12:00:41.692-07:00

My 5yo did a triathlon today! I was so happy, proud, impressed (did I also tell you I was incredibly worried about his asthma?). He did a kids triathlon with his big brother. They had a blast!Just goes to show allergic kids can do amazing things!When we arrived and I saw how far away we would be from the competitors, it made me realize he ought to have carried an epipen & inhaler on the course

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-61290907921515149602008-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:002008-06-13T12:01:16.228-07:00

Browsing around the place (as you do), I found a sample letter provided by the Food Allergy Project that we can all fill-in and email to our Congressmen and Representatives in which we request they do everything they can to increase funding for food allergy research!I've emailed my Senators, and my Rep.Now, if were only that easy to actually get solutions for Food Allergies! Any takers??

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-25777507238877780052008-05-16T19:12:00.000-07:002008-05-17T12:00:11.684-07:00

The lads have a fresh supply of peanut free Quaker Granola bars!! Yay! Thank goodness for the manufacturers in Canada that produce these wonderful products. If only the US manufacturers would do the same, it would be easier (and cheaper) to buy locally rather than via the web. I contacted Quaker US customer support to ask whether there were any plans for PN free products; the answer was no -

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-82561421111490246262008-05-15T15:25:00.001-07:002008-05-15T15:27:00.761-07:00

I'm still dithering over whether to send L to our local school, or whether to keep him at his current school for another year.His allergy makes me fear for his safety, and I think he's a too little to be really able to look after himself. So I guess his current school is where he'll stay.But he will be *so* disappointed not to go to big boy school! With his brother! Must think of a creative

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-44779574682712923782008-05-09T16:25:00.000-07:002008-05-09T16:37:29.920-07:00

Two weeks ago, L had blood drawn to measure the amount of allergy antibody is in his blood for various types of foods, pollens etc. He was really brave - watched the phlebotomist draw the blood.. no crying at all. He was amazing. I was NOT. On the way out, I started feeling very lightheaded. I made it down the stairs then decided to 'rest' on a bench for a few minutes. I didn't want L to

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-6381525287772091192008-05-05T20:53:00.000-07:002008-05-05T21:03:07.225-07:00

When I first enrolled L in an after-school activity, I spent time explaining to and training the supervisors about allergies. I was very clear that he is NOT to have any food from anywhere other than home. He takes his snack and EpiPen with him when he goes. Today, I find out they went on a 'field trip' to a local park, and that he ate 4 pieces of cheese pizza."The teacher said it was safe

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-27464946981911675412008-05-02T15:37:00.000-07:002008-05-02T15:39:26.909-07:00

Our food allergy support group met this morning. It was great to see two new members attending! It is a buzz to know we've started a group which can help support other parents of food-allergic kids.

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-60582153272511206792008-04-29T12:49:00.000-07:002008-04-29T12:54:15.697-07:00

I just donated to KFA (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org), the organization that supports parents of kids with food allergies. Its a great site - there is lots of support, knowledge, recipes that the members share.If you use and like KFA, would you think about donating?

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-25904821565938655782008-04-28T11:19:00.000-07:002008-04-29T09:40:04.842-07:00

Our local school hasn't proved particularly good for J, so we knew we could apply to the S school district (the thing that is annoying is we live in S, but are in the R school district, whose schools are unfortunately not so good).The S schools are charter schools; if you live in the school district you apply by lottery in March. Any spare spaces are then filled by a public lottery. Isn't that

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-70458182911587810582008-04-27T15:14:00.000-07:002008-04-28T11:35:53.699-07:00

to worry about the new Nut counter/stand that Safeway is installing as a part of their store upgrade? It is big. Apparently people will be able to make their own nut butters.. and some of the nuts will be heated. It's right next to the fruit/vegetable section at the front of the store.. in fact you have to walk around it to get to the fruit&veg!Do they have any idea what kind of horror that

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-53863518222987515992008-04-26T16:30:00.000-07:002008-04-26T17:51:41.124-07:00

Well, I seem to be saying 'not at the moment' alot to my kids. That and the fact I'm almost going mad (read nuts) over my child's life threatening food allergy to peanuts and tree nuts led to the name.So what will I write about that others will find so interesting? I know food allergies consume a lot of my life.. so there will be FA stuff. What else? Not sure really. Stay tuned.. (god I feel so

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745686033066586157.post-76034333557673146402008-04-26T16:16:00.000-07:002008-04-26T16:30:44.135-07:00

I'd blog. Blogs seem to be a way to voyeristically give others a window into who you are and what you think. I didn't understand why people would want to publish their thoughts on the web. And to be honest, I still don't know why I'm doing this! Maybe I'm hoping for a cathartic experience. I also don't get why people would want to read the ravings of some lunatic they don't know and shouldn't

Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09750560466245700617noreply@blogger.com0