As a parent of a child with severe food allergies, you're always on high alert, constantly checking labels, ingredients, and possible cross-contamination. But sometimes, no matter how careful you are, allergies can sneak up on you—especially when you least expect it. One of the scariest moments of my life was when Dude had his first anaphylactic reaction to fish. The memory is still vivid in my mind, and I wanted to share this story to help other parents understand just how unpredictable food allergies can be.
The Day It Happened
Dude was around two years old at the time. He had already been diagnosed with multiple food allergies, so we were very careful about what he ate. Interestingly, he had tested negative for fish allergies, which was a small relief considering how many foods he was already allergic to. We're not a big fish-eating family, so it took us a while to introduce it into his diet.
I remember the day so clearly—it was Good Friday, and we were getting ready to go to church. I gave him a small piece of fish to try for the first time (f you live in the Midwest, eating fish on Fridays during Lent is a thing if you're Christian. It's a BIG thing.) Almost immediately after eating it, Dude said his tongue felt weird. We didn’t think much of it at first—there were no other symptoms, and he seemed okay. Besides, he had tested negative for fish allergies, so we figured maybe it was just a texture thing.
But about 10 minutes later, as we were in the car on our way to church, he began to cry. I turned around to check on him, and my heart dropped. His face was swollen, his eyes and nose were watering, his skin was blotchy. We were just minutes away from the ER, which, thank God, was on the way to the church.
A Race to the ER
We pulled into the ER parking lot, and I rushed Dude inside. His face was swelling by the second, and I knew we didn’t have much time. In a panic, I grabbed the Epipen, which we had never used before, and administered it right there on the registration desk.
It was dramatic—more than you would ever expect—but when it’s your child’s life on the line, you act. The ER staff quickly took him back, and they started him on IV steroids and antihistamines. The reaction was thankfully controlled without needing to admit him, but those few minutes felt like an eternity.
Lessons Learned
After this incident, we knew fish would be added to the growing list of allergies. Even though he had tested negative, his body reacted in a life-threatening way. This was a huge lesson for me as a parent navigating food allergies: Allergy tests aren't foolproof, and introducing new foods always requires caution.
The experience also highlighted the importance of being prepared. Without that Epipen, the outcome could have been much worse. Since that day, we've never gone anywhere without his Epipen close by, and we’ve made sure anyone who takes care of him is trained in how to use it. Now that he is almost 17, he always has one on him.
Food Allergy Trauma
As a mom, the trauma of that day lingers. I can still picture his swollen face, hear his cries, and feel the rush of adrenaline as I ran into the ER. Watching your child go through something so frightening changes you. You become hyper-vigilant, more anxious, and worried about every bite they take. It's exhausting and stressful, and it takes a toll on your mental health.
But it also makes you more resilient. You learn to handle emergencies, to advocate for your child’s safety, and to manage the anxiety that comes with raising a kid with food allergies. This experience, like so many others we’ve faced, taught me how to remain calm under pressure and how to prioritize Dude's well-being in every situation.
EMDR Therapy and Food Allergy Trauma
For parents like me who are constantly navigating the emotional rollercoaster of managing food allergies, the stress and anxiety can accumulate over time. EMDR Intensive Therapy can help process the trauma of these experiences, offering relief from the ongoing worry and hypervigilance. At Olson Counseling Services, I offer EMDR Intensives that are designed to target these specific challenges, allowing you to work through the trauma and find a sense of peace.
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Dude's First Anaphylactic Reaction: A Mother's Story
Dude’s first anaphylactic reaction to fish, which he had tested negative for, was a traumatic experience that required quick action with an Epipen.
Food allergy tests aren’t foolproof, and it’s important to introduce new foods with caution.
Managing food allergies is emotionally draining for parents, but tools like EMDR Therapy can help process the trauma and alleviate some of the anxiety.
FAQs
Can my child have a reaction to something they tested negative for?
Yes, allergy tests are not always accurate. Children can still react to foods they tested negative for, which is why caution is always advised when introducing new foods.
What is the best way to handle a first allergic reaction?
Always have an Epipen on hand and know how to use it. In the event of a serious reaction, administer the Epipen immediately and seek emergency medical care.
How can EMDR help parents of children with food allergies?
EMDR Therapy can help parents process the trauma and anxiety that often accompany managing a child's severe food allergies, offering relief and emotional healing.
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