It's so much harder with allergies

"It's so much harder with allergies"

That's what my 12 year old son said this morning.  

I was preparing them to go to the movies by themselves whilst I popped into work for a couple of hours (just a couple of minutes walk from the theatre).

They packed snack packs to eat and took water bottles.  I asked Dan if he knew what to do in case Emma had a reaction.  He got a real concerned look on his face.  I know the chances of her having a reaction were minimal, the food I packed was all safe for her, but you can never be 100% sure that there hasn't been a slight cross contamination somewhere.   You can never guarantee  that people next to you aren't eating choc-nut icecreams (double bad for Emma) or just munching away on nuts.  I know the risk of anaphylaxis to this kind of exposure is minimal, but there is always a chance. You can never be 100% sure of her safety, never.

I went through the emergency process with him.  If she complains she cant breathe get her out of the theatre at once, give her the inhaler, lie her down, call me, check for hives and swelling, give the anapen if needed, get someone to call an ambulance.  He went through how to give her the anapen.  

After his initial shock at maybe having to deal with an allergic reaction, I was amazed at how much he actually knew.  

Emma was really frightened at the thought of having a reaction when I wasn't there and offered not to eat during the movie!  She did have some biscuits (least risk) in the end, but saved her crackers and lollies until I picked them up.  And she didn't have a reaction.

But it brings it home, the constant worry of having a reaction.  

Something as simple as a trip to the movies turns into something so much more.

12 year old's know things that most kids their age don't even have to think about.  But they are growing up.  They are cutting those apron strings.  They want to do things by themselves like their friends do.

And it is so much harder with allergies...

Thanks for Reading

Barbs x.

Determination

Who would have thought that three kids born to the same parents would be so very different.

My youngest never ceases to amaze me with her shear grit and determination to finish a task.

Today she wanted me to do a jigsaw with her, but I was kinda busy so I challenged her to do it all by herself.

Even though she got frustrated at times, she worked at it and completed it.  

Yup, she is so different from her siblings.

Barbs x.

DISCHARGED!!!!!

Last week Emma went for her check up with Dr Purvis, her dermatologist.  This wonderful doctor is responsible for the Emma we now have.  Her ability to the recognise the severity of Emma's eczema and skin infections and suggest and encourage us to try a new treatment of immunosuppressant drugs has changed not only her life, but ours as well.  We no longer have a child whose whole life revolves around scratching until she bleeds and all the behaviours that go along with that.  We have a child whose skin is as good as it will get - it isn't perfect, it's still dry and always will be.  But the thought that we have won our battle against eczema is phenomenal.  Dr Purvis doesn't need to see Emma again.  I will always be eternally grateful to her and I encourage anyone with skin conditions to see her.

Before

After

Yup, it was worth it.

Thanks for reading.

Barbs x.

Blog Lovin'

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A bit behind the times, I know, but you can now find me on Blog Lovin'....

ANZAC WEEKEND....

ANZAC day is pretty important to our family.  My mother-in-law was in the WRAC's in England during WW2, her father lost a leg in the first World War war. My parents were youngsters during the Second World War in England and have many stories to tell of a time which to us is incomprehensible. My brother served in the Australian Army for about 20 years I guess.  We live in Devonport, home to the NZ Navy and know many, many navy families.

This year we attended the Devonport parade and service and then today took a walk around North Head, through some of the tunnels and checking out some of the guns and thinking of those who gave their life for us.

 

We Will Remember Them.

Thanks for reading

Barbs x.