Newly Diagnosed

Most newly diagnosed individuals or families undergo a tremendous learning curve.  For many the term anaphylaxis is unknown and where to begin to seek assistance and information is also unknown.  A diagnosis of being at risk of anaphylaxis may leave a person feeling a variety of emotions including but not limited to:  anxiety, anger, frustration, denial, isolation and a sense of being overwhelmed.  These are normal emotional responses and if you have experienced one or more of these it is important to remember that you are not alone.

If you or a family member has been newly diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy (food or non-food related), there are some steps you can take to help:

  1. ALWAYS CARRY YOUR AUTO-INJECTOR
  2. Consult with an allergist
  3. Educate yourself on the allergy – including alternative names for the allergen and what products are a potential risk
  4. Educate yourself about anaphylaxis – what is it, how to recognize the signs and how to respond in an emergency
  5. Develop an anaphylaxis emergency plan and ensure everyone that needs to be aware is made aware (family, friends, daycare, schools, etc.)
  6. Learn what cross contamination is and how to minimize the risks while at home, work, school or play
  7. Consult with others who share similar experiences (such as a support group) in order to share information, resources and support
  8. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The mandate of the Metro Vancouver Anaphylaxis Group is to bring parents and individuals together to share experiences, resources, information and support.  The Group members can gain a sense of normalcy and belonging which members often report they lose a sense of because those in their lives cannot truly understand the day to day aspects of living with or caring for someone with a life-threatening allergy unless it affects them directly.

For example:  A member commented that her friend did not understand why she would not allow her child to eat the oatmeal raison cookies that were prepared, despite the insistence that all of the products used did not contain any peanuts in them.   For the friend that prepared the cookies she was offended at this and felt that she was not trusted to take her friend’s child’s life-threatening allergy to peanuts seriously.  When questioned exactly what products were used it was revealed that the raisins were from the bulk food department.  In addition, the same utensils, countertop and baking sheet that were used in the recent past for making peanut butter cookies were used to make these oatmeal raison ones.  For the parent, this was an issue of cross contamination (the bulk raisons could have easily been contaminated from a container or scooper) and the baking utensils and pans could also be cross contaminated with peanut products.  This scenario left the parent feeling frustrated and with a sense that her friend did not understand her situation.  On the other hand, the friend with the good intentions also felt frustrated.  This is just one example that members of the Group often encounter with friends and family members.

To assist in managing life-threatening allergies and to minimize the risk for exposure to the allergen, it is important for everyone involved in the life of someone at risk of anaphylaxis to be aware of the risk factors, including cross contamination.  Ultimately, for children the parent(s) must become the child’s advocate and for adults they must advocate for their safety themselves.

If you are newly diagnosed and in need of supportive assistance, the Metro Vancouver Anaphylaxis Group welcomes your contact.