Peanut allergy has become more common

By Jane Han

It hurts to write this, but I found out this week that one of my twin girls has a peanut allergy.

I thought peanut allergies were something other kids had, not mine. So when the doctor was giving me detailed instructions on how to administer the EpiPen, a pre-filled needle I must inject into my child’s thigh in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction, I was still thinking in my head, “Why am I listening to this?”

For some reason, I just never thought I’d be a peanut-allergy mom.

I knew it was becoming more common these days and have seen how tough it is on kids and parents. It just never occurred to me that my own daughter would not be able to enjoy a good old, simple yet delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I was already bummed knowing that the girls are allergic to eggs, so the peanut addition really made me wonder — did I do something wrong?

My husband and I both do not have any allergies, so it can’t be hereditary. So I took a moment to take a quick flashback of all the things I ate during pregnancy — Pretty much everything, except raw seafood.

I did a ton of research online and, to my relief, there is no proven relation between peanut allergy and pregnancy diet. I mean, even if there was, there’s no way to turn back the clock, but let’s just say it’s something I needed to know for my peace of mind and, deep inside, as a selfish validation that it was not the one to blame.

So, once I got over the initial denial period, I was faced with the big question: What do I do now? That is, if there even is anything I can do.

I first needed to know exactly how serious a peanut allergy is for a child.

The doctor explained to me all the different kinds of reactions I should expect, but only one word stuck to my head — “death.” As in dead. Gone. Forever.

OK, I’m not a health professional, but all I know is that if the word “death” is going to be in the same sentence as my daughter, I’m going to take every single possible precaution I need to take to protect her.

So I got rid of any and all form of nuts I have at home, including mixed nuts, pistachios, almonds and peanut butter. I was told that most instances of allergic reaction occur as a result of accidental intake and cross-contamination, so getting rid of everything nuts would be the best way to minimize the risk.

The doctor also warned me not to do a few other things. Off the top of my head, I remember two things — buying baked goods from bakeries and coffee shops, and eating out — probably because I enjoy doing those two things so much.

A peanut allergy, it turns out, involves a lot of sacrifice, not only by the person allergic to peanuts but all those around.

Now I understand why more and more U.S. schools are banning birthday cupcakes and inspecting students’ lunchboxes. It’s not because they want to play nanny, but it’s to protect the kids who have no choice but to avoid food that may end up killing them.

As I continue to do more research and think of ways to help my little one, my mind is filled with so many fleeting thoughts.

The first nine months of motherhood was largely about celebration and joy, but as days go by and the girls get bigger, I’m learning and living a whole new level of being a mom. Most importantly, thinking about the pain other children and their families go through.

After all, to some, this is just a measly peanut allergy. There are kids out there who are coping with allergies and illnesses so serious that every day is a struggle.

Once I put things into perspective, it didn’t take long for me to be thankful for all the food little Baby A can eat, instead of dwelling over her not being able to eat nuts.

And who knows? About 20 percent of babies overcome peanut allergies, so hopefully my girl will be one of the lucky ones.

Mom can only pray.