LIFE LESSONS

Robert, at age 2, having a treatment at Rochester Children's Nursery.


Robbie had a reaction the other night. He is allergic to milk and milk products, and when he accidentally ingests even a minute amount of a milk product he has an anaphylactic reaction. This happens sometimes and because he lives in a world full of dairy, it's impossible to avoid. In fact it happens a few times a year at the very least

I'd like to say it gets easier or less scary. I'd like to say he and I are experts at handling this since we have been doing it for more than 17 years. However, truth be told, it's a little different every single time and still a bit frightening.

While at a party, he had a bite of a sandwich after carefully reading the ingredients in the bread. The minute he took a bite his tongue began to itch and his throat felt tingly. He carries his medicine with him and took 4 teaspoons of Benedryl. Yes, 50 mg is a lot of Benedryl, but over the years this is what his doctor has recommended. His symptoms subsided and he felt fine, tired, but fine. After nearly an hour he got a ride home from the party. He came home and went to bed but a few minutes later he came downstairs and told me that he was NOT okay.

I grabbed for the phone to call 911 as we both scrambled for more medication. The choices were more Benedryl, an Inhaler, or the Nebulizer, and of course the Epi-pen. I was going for the nebulizer as I was talking to the 911 operator. However, within seconds Robbie began to have a really, really difficult time breathing and was covered in hives. He told me he needed the Epi-pen and I told him it was his turn to self administer. Robbie didn't hesitate, he opened the case and injected the needle into his thigh, counting slowly to 10. By the time he reached 10, Robbie could breath easier. I called 911 again to tell them he had had Epinephrine and to see how long until the ambulance would arrive.

We work well together, Rob and I. We keep track of the clock and the medications and his symptoms. I grab a bag and fill it with a deck of cards and books to read and a Game Boy for the hours we are going to spend in the hospital. He sits and breathes. The ambulance arrives and the EMS folks know Robbie pretty well. We get to the hospital where they also know him. We educate the first year residents on what a true food allergy is and how to treat a reaction. We hang out for at least 4 hours and then come home.

We always learn a few things! Or at the very least, we are reminded of some important lessons, lessons that I know Rob will take with him to College next year and into adulthood. They include:

*It is still so important to always have medications with you.
*The Epi-pen may hurt, but man, it works like a charm! Use it, and don't hesitate!
*Go to parties, read ingredients, eat foods, because being part of the social group is really important. But remember, cross contamination can be a drag and so always be ready for that!
*When you get your license next month, don't drive after a reaction. Call an ambulance or your mom.. she'll come get you, know matter where you are (thanks Mimi for this great advise).
*When the new medic alert dog tag comes in the mail, wear it! The bracelet you have been wearing for 17 years has gotten to be a drag, but the need for the information is still there (your mom's advice, whether you like it or not)!