What I learned from His 2nd Anaphylaxis Attack

Whew! That was the most agonizing post to date (...Die from an 1/8th tsp…). I never wrote that down and it really made a slew of emotions re-surface. So, my next post, was a breather poem. I had to put a little space in there before this post.

In Brandt’s second anaphylactic attack, there were different symptoms that weren’t present in the first. The next day, I wrote down what I had observed. And from that day on, it has become Brandt’s symptoms list.

The steps I followed in this reaction were patterned by the first. Although, I had to watch and wait for something to happen. And, when it did, I was supposed to be ready for it.  There were other factors to consider: the time lapse from the first to the second, and there wasn’t really a symptom I could pick up on from the initial attack.

Guess What I Did Wrong?

1. I didn’t “shadow” effectively when the allergen was present.
2. I didn’t call 911 right away.
3. I didn’t carry the right Epipen. (You read that correctly, read on to find out why.)

What I Did Right

1. I notified the mother before the playdate about Brandt’s anaphylaxis.
2. I called my pediatrician and had access to some medical help.
3. I observed and recorded key points for future use.
4. I asked paramedics and ER doctors many questions.

My Almost-Deadly Mistake

Since then, I have always made sure I carry an Epipen (2 pack, in case 1 doesn’t work). I had mistakenly put in a trainer and was walking around with it in my bag! Aaarghh!

I had unassumingly, focused only on how to use the epi, and that it came in a 2pk. I never fully read the box, I thought it was a functioning Epi. I was gravely wrong. Trust me when I tell you, that I don’t take anything for granted after finding that out. (I still get goosebumps thinking…)

I have friends of allergic kids, that tell me they left their doctor’s office without being shown how to use an Epipen!

Basically, you should always ask questions. Even if you ask your pediatrician one question, ask your allergist that same question. Then, compare the answers. You’ll learn so much more, so much faster. And, you’ll get a feel for what each doctor’s perspective will bring to your support group.

More Changes

In any setting, I make sure that anyone in proximity to Brandt has cleared and cleaned the allergen in question. Sometimes, I walk up to people with a baby wipe or hand sanitizer.

Also, I call 911 first. It all rests on time. If you have made the call early enough, you might have enough time. And of course, you must remember the 4 minute window with the Epipen.

The Bare Truth

Now, you have seen my ugly scar. I hope you can benefit from it. Unfortunately, in food allergies, the learning curve isn’t accommodating. In the beginning, you will always feel behind the eight ball.

Then, you will find some relief in being around like people and accessing information. It’s a long journey, depending on your comfort zone. But, you will get there. As, I have. This has shown me how much we have grown as an allergic family.

Read I Could Die from an 1/8th teaspoon of Milk