Much more than you realize...

After reading an article this morning about a girl who died from anaphylactic shock brought on by a tiny trace of peanut, it reminded that most people don't quite understand the severity of it all.

We are now maintaining a diet free from many allergens.  It is as follows:

• Milk/Dairy (life threatening to B; myself, J & Z avoid as well due to intolerance)
• Wheat/Gluten (intolerance)
• Peanuts (potentially life threatening; won't go near it)
• Most Tree Nuts (B has life threatening reaction to pistachios and it is best for him to avoid them all because of cross contamination risks)
• Soy (intolerance)
• Egg (intolerance)
• Yeast (intolerance)
• Citrus (only myself & Z; it comes through his system via breastmilk and burns his bottom)
• Tomato (only myself & Z; it comes through his system via breastmilk and burns his bottom)
• Strawberries (only myself & Z; it comes through his system via breastmilk and burns his bottom)

Now this may sound like quite a challenge and to be honest - it can be.

I think we are getting along okay now that we have adjusted.  We pretty much can't leave the house without having to pack plenty of food to go along.

We mostly avoid social gatherings where there will be food present just because the risk is too great for a reaction.  It is so hard for most people to understand that and there have been hurt feelings over it.  Oh well.  It is my responsibility to protect my child (just like any parent should) from potentially threatening situations.  I will do that to the full extent possible.

The article about the little girl who died as a result of a food allergic reaction can be read here:
http://www.allergykids.com/blog/emilys-story-a-food-allergy-angel/

It is heartbreaking to know that this could have easily been avoided.