Diagnosing a Peanut Allergy: One Family's Story

by Liisa It could be worse. That has been my mantra when it comes to my older son's possibly life-threatening, always manageable, but oh-so-annoying health conditions.

Before I get into the meat of my story, let me introduce myself – I'm Liisa. I'm the mother of two boys, ages 5 and 7. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to Kids in Capital on health and medical topics. In the spirit of this blog, I am going to make things personal, taking you on our family's journey to stay healthy and happy.

Part 1

In the summer of 2008, my three-year old son vomited immediately following a bite of his first-ever peanut butter cookie. We had kept him nut-free until then. My husband has an allergy to cashews and the doctor had advised us to wait until his third birthday.

We were referred to an allergist by our family doctor. Three months later, during a gruelling afternoon wherein the skin scratch test showed very little, but the blood test showed something more, we would learn that my son had a peanut allergy (and my little son would learn that sometimes moms lie (“it's not going to hurt much, just put your arm out”).

We were told that his levels of IgE were low and there was a good chance he would grow out of this allergy. We could retest in a year. If the test was still positive with low IgE, he could go on to do a food challenge (i.e. eat peanuts and see what happens). In the meantime, we were to carry epi-pens for him, avoid ALL nuts and traces of nuts and maintain a nut-free home.  You never know whether the next reaction could be an anaphylactic one with peanuts.

Part 2

Eighteen months later it was time for the next allergy test (on April Fool’s Day no less).  Much googling for journal articles on diagnosis of peanut allergies in children gave me hope.  We had experienced no further reactions. I looked forward to the results and to good news.

My son did not look forward to the appointment the way I did. He was convincing in his argument that testing was not necessary since he did not care for peanuts and nuts, and would not need to eat them now or in the future.

We prepared well for our trip to the allergist. My husband and I were both there for extra distraction and mutual moral support; we brought a treat for morning snack, and a promise of a toy store visit after the appointment.

The good news: We didn’t have to go for a blood test - what a relief.

The bad news: As we sat and read stories for 15 minutes, we glanced periodically at our son's arm. It was clear that the second “P” (indicating peanuts) on his arm was lighting up with a nice hive, a 6mm hive to be precise.

At that point we were, and would likely remain, a nut-free family. Our younger son, then 3, would also be tested as there is an increased likelihood of peanut allergy in siblings of allergic children.

We were glad to know where we stood, glad it was peanuts, an allergen that is common and simple to manage in North America. It could be worse!

Our allergist answered some of our questions and gave us some tips:

1) He recommended getting a Medicalert bracelet. We did though it was tough getting him to keep it on. We found disposable bracelets from Mabel's Labels that he was happy to wear when he was at birthday parties or occasions when his family was not with him.

2) We could eat at restaurants as long as we asked about the food; if a restaurant gave us the “we can't guarantee” speech, we must be absolutely sure we had an epi-pen with us.

3)  Though he was not allergic, almond butter (even with the peanut-free label), was not okay.  This would be too confusing for him and for others.  We should keep it simple and say absolutely no nuts or nut products.

4) We should go back in a year to test again.

Part 3

Late 2011: My son was now 6 years old. We visited the allergist again for the third round of testing in 3 years. The continued absence of reactions gave me hope that perhaps there was no more allergy.

We grabbed his Star Wars sticker book and off we went.

After a brief consultation, we went into the exam room for the drops and scratches, which this time would include environmental allergies. Shortly after the nurse left the room, my son began to feel uncomfortable itching in his arm:

• He reacted strongly to cats. We don’t have a cat. No biggie.
• He reacted to peanuts, not strongly but still significantly.

This time medical science had something new for us – a blood test (privately funded at $180) that can type an allergy to predict the likelihood of a systemic (i.e. anaphylactic) reaction. The test isolates the different types of protein in the peanut and the reaction to each.

In studies, there are certain proteins which have little association with anaphylactic reactions and certain proteins which have strong associations with anaphylactic reactions.

If there was no reaction to those proteins with the strong association to anaphylaxis, we could move to a food challenge.

Hope!

I hypothesized that he hadn’t had any reactions because he had the mild type of allergy, and now we could identify it.

Two weeks later the call from the allergist’s nurse came…He only reacted to one protein, the one to which 90% of those who have had anaphylactic reactions were positive.

[Insert expletive]

We had been doing a good job of keeping him nut-free and would continue to do so.

It could be worse!

Epilogue

My younger son was tested and has no allergies. He enjoys nutty treats when we are out of the house and away from his big brother.

My husband and I continue to go on “peanut dates” which include Vietnamese food with oodles of peanuts and peanut sauce, followed by a movie wherein we consume peanut M&Ms like they are about to be discontinued.

We are due to return for testing this month. I have put it on hold to deal with other more pressing concerns, but it will be done sometime in early 2013. The allergy diagnosis was just the beginning of what I have now learned is called “the allergic march”. In future posts I will describe the asthma and anxiety that followed.

If you suspect a food allergy in your child, talk to your family doctor. Only a medical doctor can diagnose an allergy. Diagnosis includes a patient history, skin prick test, and possibly a blood test and/or food challenge test.

References and Resources

Anaphalaxis Canada anaphylaxis.ca

Allergy/Asthma Information Association  www.aaia.ca

Allergy Safe Communities www.allergysafecommunities.ca

CSACI (Canadian Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology) www.csaci.ca

CAAIF (Canadian Allergy, A

sthma & Immunology Foundation) www.allergyfoundation.ca

Ontario’s Sabrina’s Law www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=135&isCurrent=false&ParlSessionID=38:1

The Complete Peanut Allergy Handbook by Dr. Scott Sicherer (available through online retailers)

Liisa is mom to 2 boys, ages 5 and 7. She is a medical writer and a book lover. She blogs at FitforKid.net andLittleBookLovers.Wordpress.com.

Letters to Santa

Did you know the City of Ottawa Archives has events and workshops for kids?

Most people think of the Archives as a place for adults and academics but the staff at the archives is trying to change that. We want kids and their family to know that we are not just trying to preserve the memories of the City of Ottawa and the broader community, but trying to encourage and teach everyone how to do this for their own families.

In 2011 the archives moved to a brand new building, at 100 Tallwood drive, which provided the space for us to expand our programs and services.

We are now having our first holiday event.  Come to the archives and write your letter to Santa on December 2nd, 2012 from 10 am to 3 pm. The kids can also make crafts, decorate cookies and enjoy some holiday stories.  Bring the entire family. It’s free.

For more information about our programs look us up at ottawa.ca/archives or like us on Facebook.

Shopping & Sweets happens December 1: 10 reasons to attend

Shopping & Sweets will hit Ottawa once again this Saturday December 1st and in case you aren't too sure if it's the right event for you, keep reading! 10. Support Local Businesses – Small businesses need our support in order to keep doing the wonderful things they do. All of the businesses taking part in Shopping & Sweets 2012 are local small businesses. It is important to give them our support all year round, and especially during the holiday shopping season.

9. Great Event to Attend With Friends – Chatting, shopping, cupcakes…all fun things to do with friends. Give a friend you haven’t spent time with in a while a call and come on down!

8. Holiday Shopping – We have a large variety of vendors participating in our event, so there’s a very good chance you will be able to get many on your shopping list checked off! (and maybe even pick up a few things for yourself!)

7. Learn something new – We bet that by coming out to the Shopping & Sweets event that you will discover a new local business (or two…or more!) you didn’t even know existed! They may even offer something that you had been looking for. Who knows? Come on out to see what you will discover!

6. Goodie bags! – The first 50 shopper to arrive to Shopping & Sweets will receive a bag filled with coupons, promotions, samplers and great info from all of our participating retailers & service providers.

5. Prizes! – We have had some very generous businesses donate pretty amazing prizes in order to make things a little “sweeter” for you, the shopper. All items will make up our grand door prize. All you need to do is show up and fill out a ballot at our welcome table for your chance to win!

4. Baz’Art- Once again, we will be running our show at the same time as the annual Baz’Art show, an event designed to showcase local artists and artisans. Baz’Art will be taking place on the lower level of The Shenkman Arts Centre. Read more about Baz’Art.

3. Change of scenery– We all know what the malls and their parking lots are like at this time of year. Yikes. Shopping & Sweets will be taking place at the gorgeous Shenkman Arts Centre. Parking is plentiful and the building is beautiful, spacious and decorated for the holiday season. There will also be a Christmas Choir performing throughout the day. You’ll love the festive atmosphere.

2. Charity – 100% of the proceeds from our cupcake sales will go directly to our charities and in addition, all proceeds from table sales (after expenses) will also be donated. Win win for everyone involved!

Our chosen charities for 2012 are: The Caring and Sharing Exchange: Christmas Exchange Program, and the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre. These organizations helps families in need during the holidays and as we all know, this is the time of year that they need us the most.

1. Cupcakes – We are very excited to be working with Kim and Doreen, the two talented bakers behind the local Orleans business, Vanilla Gourmet Cupcakes. Take a look through their creations for a little taste of what you will be able to purchase at the event.

Hope to see you on Saturday December 1st!

Shoppers: Free Admission!

Date: December 1, 2012

Time: 11am - 3pm

Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, Orleans, ON

Christmas Old-Fashioned Style

By Angèle There are always a million things to do during the holiday season, but how much is really what matters to you? I know that for me, concentrating on the basics and creating traditions that my child (and her mother) look forward to every year is what matters. So if you’re looking for a simpler Christmas, even an old-fashioned Christmas, here’s a good place to start.

Heritage Villages Cumberland Museum (East of Orleans)

On a late Sunday afternoon last December, my daughter and I, along with friends, went to the Cumberland Museum to experience the Vintage Christmas Village of Lights.  We admired twinkle lights as we walked in the dark and sang carols on our horse-drawn wagon ride.  We then decorated gingerbread men in the old town hall (yes, we ate most of the icing straight from the bag), and admired the handmade decorations in the schoolhouse. Of course, after warming up with hot chocolate around the camp fire, we saw Santa in a very old, charming house. We left filled with Christmas spirit; it was an event to remember.

Needless to say, I plan on going back this year: http://www.ottawa.ca/en/rec_culture/museum_heritage/museums/cumberland/events/ http://www.facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families (two adults and unlimited children) $18.

Upper Canada Village (South of Ottawa, in Morrisburg) We haven’t been to Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night Festival yet, but if it’s anything like what we can do and see there during the summer, it will be impressive. Starting November 30th, we can go on a horse drawn wagon ride or on the lit up toy train, spot the Dickens characters and enjoy carollers in the old church or have a traditional Christmas dinner.  Or we can simply stand and stare at the twinkle lights for hours.

It’s definitely worth the drive from Ottawa. http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/activities/alight-at-night/

Angèle is a goofy mum to a daughter and a wife to an evil genius (retired, apparently). She’s also a social media strategist, a podcast host and a teacher in training.  In her other life, she’s a fan of fresh air, yoga, good friends, new places and keeping things simple.  She is the author of two blogs: More of Less (http://moreoflessblog.blogspot.ca/ ) and My C Word (http://mycword.blogspot.ca/ ).  PS. She often overshare. You’ve been warned.

6 Tips for Staying Healthy through the Holidays

by Jayda

The holiday season is upon us. The season of parties, celebrations, and get togethers. Many of these events involve food, lots of food. A time when we all fall, to some degree, off our respective wellness wagons. Here are 6 tips to help you stay within arms reach of that wagon.

1. Stay Active

Let’s be honest, we will all consume more calories/food/sugar than we should over the holidays. Keep moving. Continue your normal workout routine, or adopt a new one. Round up your friends and family and go out for brisk walk around the neighbourhood or play snow tag after that heavy meal. Aerobic exercise stimulates the release of appetite regulating hormones.

2. PRE-Eat At Home

Don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation of the dessert buffet being served at the holiday party. Eat a meal rich in whole foods at home before you go; you will be less inclined to make poor food choices driven by a ravenous appetite. Remember to eat breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will set the tone for your day. Additionally, feed the kids one of their favourite meal before attending holiday parties. This a great way to avoid behaviours related to hunger, in the case of  a delayed or late meals. Children are easily distracted at parties and may not eat to fullness so by pre-eating you can relax and enjoy your meal knowing that they had a wholesome meal at home and anything they eat at the party is a bonus.

3. Focus On Activities

Plan to meet friends and family for an activity in lieu of a meal. An afternoon of tobogganing or skating will take the focus off food and burn calories. Bonus! Too cold? Bust out the board games, get crafty or plan an indoor scavenger hunt. Host the activity between major meal times and serve a healthy snack or light meal.

4. 'THIS' then 'THAT'

When plating your food fill up on healthy, whole,  foods first then hit the dessert table. Consider incorporating all five flavours (pungent, sour, sweet, salty and bitter) when choosing foods. By satisfying all tastes, you are less likely to experience cravings after a meal.

5. Eat Mindfully

Eat with awareness, not just awareness of foods but rather awareness of the experience of eating. Mindful of the smell and taste of your meal. How does the food make you feel? Savour it. Enjoy it. Don’t forget to breathe. Take your time eating. Take a deep breathe between bites. Allow your body to feel full before going for a second helping.

6.  Stay Hydrated

Drink water, lots of water. Water will dilute the effects of the alcoholic holiday beverages and help flush the extra sugar out of your system and curb those cravings.

What do you do to stay healthy during the holiday season?

Jayda Siggers is a Mom of 2 ( JWS, 6 and LLS, 4), a nutritionist, a coach at Clean Plate Cleanse, a master mediator living under a co-dictatorship, whole food advocate, trying to live a little greener everyday.