I believe most people think of an allergic reaction as an unfortunate but brief inconvenience. I believe they probably think...reaction, medicine, recovery...simple & easy.
I know this because I formerly was one of those people who thought it was as simple as giving an epinephrine injection, going to the hospital and then easy street to the road to recovery....piece of cake.
Was I ever wrong.
As a result of being exposed to their nut allergens, I have watched my kids be suddenly unable to walk due to joint pain from inflammation, one experienced a collapsed trachea, two experienced chronic hives, all experienced major anxiety attacks, fears of eating, the list goes on. Whether these things resulted from anxiety, psychologically or physically, the result is the same - life altering.
Faith's most recent reaction a few weeks ago has resulted in chronic hives, asthma, fears, separation anxiety, food anxiety and resulting withdrawal from life and activities.
Our lives are most definitely interrupted to a degree I cannot begin to explain. My heart breaks for Faith's constant fear of eating and separation anxiety. Leaving for a quick trip to the grocery store is almost too much for Faith as she texts and sends me picture of her hives in fear that she is in the beginning of another anaphylactic reaction.
Two of my kids who experienced lingering health issues and fears also would not wear the clothes they had on during their allergic reactions. As if somehow the clothes played s role in the nightmare of Anaphylaxis.
If I did not have hope in God and believe that there will be better days, I don't know how I would get out of bed in the morning.
This is one of the messages I recently received when I was out for a quick trip to the pharmacy. I had turned my ringer off at church and forgot to turn it back on...
This is another reminder of why we must pursue our plan to start OIT at the earliest possible opportunity. Avoidance has failed us time and time again. When the time is right, full steam ahead!
Until then I continue to put my trust in God to see us through and to heal our kids one way or another.
:-( It's an important post for people who have not had to go through it, but I am so sorry to see your DD suffering. It's a terrible time. I hope her healing comes soon. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteWe've been lucky that we haven't had any long term effects from reactions, so far. Our hearts go out to your kids and family. We hope that your kids will not let their fear control them. We think of it this way, even though Superman has an issue with Kryptonite, it doesn't prevent him from being heroic and super. Hopefully they will not let their food allergies hold them back from doing their own super things!
ReplyDelete