Welcome to the Peanut Allergy

In April, Brennan had an allergy attack. The doctor has recommended all our boys get allergy screened at three years of age based upon Chris’s history of severe food allergies. Brennan’s attack made it apparent we may have an allergy issue on our hands.

I finally took him for blood work to have the allergy screen on Monday. Brennan handled the process like a champ and afterwards asked me with great seriousness, “Momma, why do those people have to suck so much of my blood out of my arm?” I explained we were having him tested for allergies and our doctor would call us with the results in a few days.

Our doctor called us this morning. Brennan tested as severely allergic to peanuts, as well as a whole host of other things, including dogs. I have to pick up an epi-pen today. I was directed to carry it with us at all times. I was told to get rid of anything and everything in our house with nuts. I also made an appointment with a specialist for further testing for our B.

I know there are worse things. I know. But my heart still broke a bit for Brennan, and the restrictions and care he will now have to put into his food choices and his life. He will have to be in a peanut-free room at school. He will have to be warned and warned again about safe snacks. And he is always at risk for an attack – a scary, horrifying thing for me to even think about, particularly if it happens when I am not there. I can’t guarantee that every bite he takes is peanut free. I can’t protect him from all of this. This scares the hell out of me.