So DD has a number or allergies, some worse than others. Over Thanksgiving, we made it clear what she was allergic to in hopes that there would make sure there was food there she could eat and we would be informed of anything containing something she is allergic to. Instead, they went a head and prepared a meal containing foods that she can't eat and didn't let us know. My first clue was when she broke out in hives from head to toe and began vomiting. Now how did they make such a critical mistake? Because they don't believe in food allergies. This particular side of the family belongs to a religion that doesn't believe in modern medicine or allergies in general. We are not allowing DD to eat at their home again until we make them understand the seriousness of her food allergies. Has anyone dealt with someone like this and can give some advice on how to make them understand?
Re: dealing with a relative who doesn't believe in food allergies?
Anovulatory cycles, increased Synthroid Diagnosed Sep 2010
1 Clomid/Ovidrel BFN May 2011
Natural cycle Aug 2011 BFP M/C 4 Weeks
1 IUI Sept 2011 BFP M/c 7 weeks
Provera Dec 2011 BFP M/C 3 Weeks
IVF March 2012 BFP m/c 4weeks 5 days (IL, Prednisone)
IVF#2w/DS July 2012 MEGA FAILURE BFN (IL, Dexamethasone)
Diagnosed No real HLA Match, DQ Beta Triad, High TNF, Low NK Cells
Oct 2012 Natural Cycle m/c 4wks (Lovenox, Prednisone)
Went to Beer Center- high tnf, low lad, implantation failure
Jan 2013 BFP
Humira,LIT,Prednisone, Lovenox, IVIG, Baby Aspirin
Miracle Born August 2013 Premature
Yours doesn't have to be a sad story
That aside, unfortunately, you can't assume others will accommodate your DD's allergies, or understand the severity of them - no matter their background. When DD1 was diagnosed with her allergies, it became clear certain friends/family took the matter seriously and wanted to learn about her allergies. Other family members took time and repeated discussions to get on the same page.
My mom and IL's make food for our DD's, but we go over the ingredients ahead of time, and they keep packaging so I can double check the labels first. I also always bring snacks whenever we leave the house, so our girls have something I know they can eat, in the event there isn't safe food for them at whatever event we are going to.
As an allergy parent, you now have the role of educating family, friends, caregivers, and teachers about your LO's allergies and how to manage them. You'll find some people are very supportive and accommodating, while others will brush off the issue.
Being the food police sucks sometimes, but it's our job - and only ours- to make sure we ask questions about ingredients and ensure our kiddos are safe. It's something we have to remain vigilant about as long as they have allergies.
I hope your family comes around. But know that you're not alone. Unfortunately this is a common problem for allergy parents.
DD1: allergic to eggs & dairy
c/p 4/1/11
DD2: milk and soy protein intolerant, allergic to eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, bananas
MSPI Moms Check-In Blog
This. I always bring something that I know DD can eat. I don't usually let her eat food prepared by someone else unless I can check the ingredients.