Anaphylaxis

Robert has had food allergies his entire life. He has a life threatening milk allergy that causes his mouth to itch, his throat to swell and his body is covered in hives. This past year has been difficult for Robert because of a number of reactions to foods that normally are safe or for reasons we cannot determine.

While on a run with his cross country team the other night, Rob began to feel sick to his stomach and his palms started to itch. He decided to run home where his nearest medications were. The medications he carries with him were at the school where the team began their 7 mile run. He came into the door looking like his usual handsome self but the minute he sat down his body began sprouting enormous welt like hives. His right eye was so swollen it was nearly shut. His whole body was very itchy especially his scalp which when he scratched it he said it then felt like it was on fire. With this reaction he didn't have difficulty breathing (which is usually a first symptom). We, of course, gave him 4 teaspoons of benedryl and his inhaler when he first arrived. The Epi pen was ready...and I called 911 because while his breathing was fine and he said his throat was not closing, I knew that this reaction was pretty bad - just by the look of him. However, Robert hadn't eaten for 2 hours! We were perplexed as to why he was having an allergic reaction. The ambulance arrived along with advanced life support and they began to monitor him. His blood pressure was dropping so they gave him Epinephrine. They transported him to the local Hospital where everyone knows Robert because he is a "frequent flyer" due to his reactions.

Robert is such a responsible kid (although at 16 he's not really a kid anymore). He has carried his medications with him in a fanny pack since he was 5. Before that they hung on a hook in his preschool room. Over the years the meds went from a fanny pack to a pencil pack to now a sports bag. He carries quite a lot of medicine: 2 Epi pens, a bottle of benedryl and a measuring spoon, his inhaler, and hydrocortosone cream. He also carries a cell-phone. Robbie has been wearing a medic alert bracelet since he was a toddler. Yesterday we went shopping at a running store for a bag that was big enough, yet would fit his skinny body, that he could wear while running. We found one and he ran with it last night although it "bounces" and he thinks it won't work for his "hill work outs". While trying to sleep last night I've been thinking about sewing specially made pockets into his shorts... but then again, how does he sit down after his run...oh well, we will figure it out. Rob takes in stride all the responsibility of this life threatening food allergy. I fret.

His friends are the best. They support him in ways that really matter. "Hey man, want me to run home with you" from his friend Jared at the run. His friend Connor turning 16 next week and really wants to have all Rob safe food at his birthday party!

I am so proud of the boy Robbie has been who for 16 years dealt with all the allergy testing and doctors appointments. Asked us countless times, "did you read the gredients". The meetings with school personnel and the restaurant staff.

He has been such a great self-advocate. I am so proud of the young man Rob has become that takes this responsibility in stride and doesn't let it stop him from all that he wants to do!