Our safe haven no longer feels safe.............

As a mother, the last thing you want is for your child to be in danger or any type of discomfort.  We as a family thought we had Asher's allergens all figured out.  We live a very strict lifestyle with ZERO allergens in our home and when I do take Ash somewhere, I am super careful and vigilant. Well, four times in the last week and a half, Asher has gotten hives around his eyes and forehead and swollen, puffy eyes at while AT HOME. This is a precursor to his anaphylaxis.  The crazy thing is that it seems to be something on me. Last night when I got home, I gave him my usual hugs and kisses and then BAM, hives around his eyes and his eyes were swelling.  As you can imagine, this is making me feel overcome with guilt and sadness. Just when I think I have it narrowed down, it happens again.  Today I will continue the task of reading labels on all of my hair products and cosmetics.  I have to find what is causing this.  We have an appointment for testing in December and are praying there aren't new allergens to add to the list.  Prayers welcome. I am trying to be strong for Asher, but I am terrified......

Vegan strawberry shortcake!!!

I have really missed this summery dessert these past few years.  I found some dairy free whipped topping that is safe for Ash. I am going to also try to make my own whipped topping from coconut milk.  This shortcake recipe is more like light biscuits, but it is super yummy.

What you will need:
4 cups Fresh strawberries, cut up and mixed with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, let sit for 30 minutes
I used Rich's Richwhip non dairy topping.  Its free of the top 8 allergens except for soy! You have to whip this yourself but it was well worth it! http://www.rich.com/product_info.cfm?catid=6159

Combine in a bowl with a wire whisk:
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

cut in with your fingers:
1/3 cup COLD dairy free shortening    Do this until is resembles a coarse meal. Then stir in 3/4 cup milk ( I use rice) until JUST combined.

Preheat oven to 425.  Shape the dough into a ball.  Knead for about 3 minutes and then roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.  Cut out circles ( I used a glass tumbler).  Place on parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake until light golden brown (12-15 mins).  Cool slightly and slice them.  Top with strawberries and whipped topping!                                                       "mmmmmm mama"

perspective.......

Tips for Food Allergies - A Child's Perspective

Posted May 12, 2011 by Gina Clowes | 3 Comments

Managing food allergies on a day-to-day basis is a huge undertaking. The learning curve is steep and there is no room for error. The emotional toll that this invisible condition takes on the child and the family can be even more difficult than managing the practical aspects.

When your child is given a diagnosis of a life-threatening food allergy, it changes how you do everything. For most of us, the world is divided between those who “get it” and those who “don’t get it”. Our child’s physical and emotional well-being depends on us putting others in the right category; the “get it” crowd.

My hope is that the list below will allow a glimpse into how our children experience the world and that friends and family will see the importance of protecting children with food allergies physically and emotionally.

Ten Things Children with Food Allergies Want You to Know
©2011 Gina Clowes

1. I long to be included.

I would like to look, act and eat like everyone else. I’d like to buy my lunch and sit wherever I want. I know I can’t, but I’m happy when someone cares enough to provide a safe potato chip, cookie, or Popsicle® for me. It’s nice when I can have something similar to what the other kids are eating and I love it when I can eat the same thing as everyone else. Whenever it’s possible, please think to include me!

2. I’m scared I could die from my food allergies.

I’ve heard my parents and teachers mention “life-threatening” food allergies and I remember having some reactions where I felt very sick and really scared. I saw how frightened my parents were too. Sometimes, I could use a little reassurance that I will be okay.

3. I feel like I’m the only one sometimes.

If you have a support group or know another way for me to meet other children who have food allergies, I would really like that. It would be nice to know that I’m not the only kid who has food allergies. Having another friend with food allergies in my classroom or to eat with me at lunch would help me too.

4. I get confused when grown-ups offer me food.

I know I’m supposed to be polite and listen to grown-ups, but my parents have told me I should only take food from them. When you offer food to me (especially candy), I’d like to take it but I’m unsure and don’t know what I should do.

5. If grown-ups kiss me, right after they’ve eaten something I’m allergic to, I’ll get itchy spots.

If your dog licks me, I’ll get itchy spots too. I don’t feel quite brave enough or know how to tell you this, but I’m hoping you will remember; if you’ve just eaten something that I’m allergic to and then kiss me, I may get hives. So please don’t kiss me right after you’ve eaten that particular food.

6. I’m embarrassed when people fuss over what I’m eating.

I know I have to eat my own safe food, but it’s easier for me when I’m not singled out. Sometimes, I feel very embarrassed when grown-ups ask me a lot of questions. More than anything, I just want to fit in.

7. I hear all adult conversations about my food allergies.

My ears perk up when I hear grown-ups mention my name or my food allergies. Please don’t pity me or act terrified because that will cause me to feel frightened. Food allergies are just one part of me. Instead, let me overhear you list all the wonderful things about me!

8. Sometimes I’m sad about having food allergies.

It’s hard to be the only kid in the class not having a birthday cupcake and having to eat something different from my box of “safe treats.” What makes it worse is knowing this will happen a lot throughout the year because there are 20 or more other birthdays in my class. I know it’s not the end of the world, but from my perspective, it’s pretty tough at times.

9. I’m watching you! You may think that I’m too little to notice, but I know when you forget my epinephrine auto-injector and return home to get it.

I watch you every time, when you’re reading the list of ingredients on my bag of candy. You are my role model and I’m learning how to manage my food allergies from you!

10. I will do about as well as you do.

My parents and other grown-ups “can-do” attitude will help me cope with the challenges of living with allergies and ensure that food allergies don’t stop me from being everything I was meant to be!

Adapted from the eBook Ten Things Children with Food Allergies Want You to Know.

©2011 Gina Clowes www.AllergyMoms.com

Random hives

Last night Ash had what we call "random" hives. We are not sure what caused them. He had them on his abdomen and one on his forehead.  They ONLY thing I can think of is that I had come home from work with some food residue. People are always eating peanut m&m's and things at work and then I have to touch what they touch, also I work @ a peds office with kids and have to touch their skin/hands etc...I don't know but I feel guilty. It only takes a tiny amount of egg or nut residue. When I get home I always take my scrubs off immediately and wash my hands and arms and I did last night but maybe I missed something. We were laying on the floor reading books and he just burst into small hives. They weren't red like some of the hives he gets. I guess it could have been something on someones shoe that had been in our house??! The thing about hives with Ash is that we never know if they will go down or it will turn into anaphylaxis. We just have to wait.    He is okay now. We gave benadryl and I kept him up late as I was too paranoid to let him sleep.  He did eat baked chicken breast for the first time last night but it was hours earlier.  We have been trying to get him to eat chicken for over a year and he would never swallow it. He did last night.  His chicken blood test came back negative... Who knows.  All I know is he is safe and at home with me now and that makes me happy :)   Thanks for reading!

Buckwheat pancakes!

Buckwheat is SO good for you and Gluten/wheat free!!! I make these pancakes for Ash and he loves them. Buckwheat is loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.  Buckwheat is rich in B vitamins and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It also has 8 essential amino acids and can have a relaxing effect due to high magnesium content. Why not make your pancakes healthy??

Here is what you need:
2 cups Buckwheat flour ( I use Hodgson Mill as it has not allergen contamination)
4 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons sugar  ( I use stevia in the raw to avoid the sugar)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons oil ( I use olive or grapeseed for added omegas)
2 cups soy milk (I use rice milk)

Mix dry ingredients together with a wire whisk.  Combine wet ingredients and then add to your dry.  MIx with whisk. Don't over mix, a few lumps is okay.  Heat  your griddle or pan and spray with non dairy cooking oil.  Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated pan and cook until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook until light brown.   ENJOY!  P.S.- these freeze really well!

Please vote!

Please ask your friends and family to vote in honor of children with food allergies! Your votes are needed to win a grant to educate families and offering family support - important pieces to keep children with food allergies safe and healthy. We can't do it without YOUR help in spreading the word! You can vote once a day every day through August 27th. Thanks! Click on the link below. Asher greatly appreciates it!!!  :)

 http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/1548

Grocery Cart Reaction :(

Took Ash to Hyvee today to get some of his things from the healthmart. I was so excited because I had coupons for some stuff and any little bit helps as his foods are so expensive.  Also, Asher loves going to the store. He is so friendly :)  I take antibacterial wipes to clean the cart off and I cleaned it good like I always do.  This will be his third grocery cart reaction. It hasn't happened for a while.  We made it through the second isle of the healthmart and he says "itchy mama" :( His little hands were bright red and bumpy and he was rubbing his eyes SO hard.  I looked for hives and didn't see any. But how itchy he was alarmed me enough. I gave him benadryl.  Thank god we didn't need EPI.  He is napping now and I am checking on him every 5 minutes.  Just a reminder that NOWHERE can be assumed safe and residue is everywhere. 

On a happy note, Ash pointed out the eggs from a distance and said "ACKY Mama!"  I said "Very good baby, we don't like eggs"  :)  He is learning!

Coupons!

Enjoy life!

http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/coupon/

 Sunbutter!

https://www1.vtrenz.net/imarkownerfiles/ownerassets/2215/SBcoupon2011.pdf

Thought I'd share :)

Tofu pumpkin cake

Don't let the tofu scare ya! This cake is the bomb! I love pumpkin flavored treats this one I can make with dairy free cream cheese frosting. YUM!  Now, if you aren't avoiding dairy and want to use regular cream cheese you can. It's fun feeding this to people and when they are done telling them it's made with tofu ;)
What you will need:

1/2 cup dairy free shortening ( I use good ol' crisco)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup SILKEN tofu
1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I like to use the good stuff)
3 cups cake flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup soy or rice milk

In a a bowl combine the shortening, sugars, tofu, pumpkin and vanilla on low until creamy.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt with a whisk. Preheat oven to 350 and spray your pan (s) with dairy free baking spray. You can use 2- 9 inch rounds or I have used a large rectangle pan.  Add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture, alternating with the milk and beat well.  Pour into prepared pans and bake for 25-35 minutes. Cool completely and frost with dairy free cream cheese frosting.

Dairy free cream cheese frosting

1/2 cup dairy free margarine ( I use blue bonet light, fleishmans unsalted or earth balance buttery sticks)
3/4 cup dairy free cream cheese
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Cream together the margarine, cream cheese, salt and vanilla until combined well.  Slowly add the sugar and mix on low for one minute, increase the speed to medium and beat 4-6 minutes until light and fluffy. Chill for about 30 minutes before using.   YUMMY!!! :)

Isolation

Yesterday was not a good day.  I woke feeling very isolated. All alone. Angry. Shut in and anxious. It is so hard not being able to go do things like everyone else. Its hard not being jealous or envying people that have the luxury to go wherever they want without the constant worry and preparation.  It is so hard not being able to go to anyone's house and just hang out.  Sometimes I feel like we are outcasts and I never want my son to feel that way when he is older. It is not a good feeling. We have tried to have "safe" play dates and they have ended in hives and very upset friends.  For a moment, try and imagine not being able to take  your child anywhere that dairy, nuts, peanut butter or eggs or foods made with them have been. This is friends houses, families houses, parks, restaurants, birthday parties, weddings, funeral luncheons (he had a reaction at one), play centers, the childrens museum, any public place really.  Ash begs to go byebye every morning but I simply don't have that many places to take him. I was taking him to the library but they have a vending machine and the last time we went there were 2 kids eating SNICKERS bars in the kid area. It's like really? Do you have to???  SO yesterday we went to my friends house to play in her yard. We don't go in her house at all because there is peanut residue from her father in law who eats peanuts even though she asked him not to.  grrrr.  We are playing and Ash is having a great time. My peanut and tree nut radar must have been on high.  There was a Walnut and Peanut shell in her  yard! Ash didn't touch them but instinctively reached down and picked it up. Then I almost panicked, thinking I am touching something that could kill my baby! ahhhh!  I handed it to my friend and she said she didn't want to touch it :)  We got rid of them and washed our hands.  Now, I know that these were in her yard from squirrels and it wasn't her fault at all, it just really bummed me out.  I was already feeling down. I am just thankful he did not have a reaction and he got to run and play and be a little boy :)   Some days are really bad, and I ask "what kind of a life is this" then other days aren't so bad and I am thankful Ash is healthy otherwise.  As Ash gets older, I hope that I can help him to understand this and that his contact allergies go down. 

Soy trial failed

So we decided to try soymilk to get Ash some more protein.  Rice milk has hardly any protien and he has been tolerating small amounts of foods with soy. Trial FAILED!!!!!  He is still covered in bumps (since yesterday) and saying "itchy mama"  :(  I had high hopes but at least I know now. I might try to pick up some of this rice protein powder at Open Harvest to add to stuff. I hope it is not contaminated with anything. This boy needs more protein. He does not eat meat and can't have nuts or beans.... wish us luck!

On another note, it's funny how "routine" reading labels has become..I find myself reading other peoples food labels at work and they look at me like I am crazy.  Next time you buy groceries, take note of the allergens...most foods are made in the same facility as dairy, eggs and nuts!  

I took a Speech class last quarter.  My final presentation was to be  a "problem-solution" speech.  I chose a topic that I am compassionate about. I also had great visual aids. At the end of my Speech I felt like I did my job as Asher's mama. People asked a lot of questions and I heard "I had no idea.....etc"  a lot.  I would like to share it with you. It has some alarming facts. 

Shannon Mueller

Public Speaking

June 8^th, 2011

Introduction

Hook:  More than 12 million Americans have food allergies.  Three million of those are

children.  According to CDC.gov, food allergies lead to 300,000 ER visits, 2,000

hospitalizations, and 150 deaths per year.   There is no cure for food allergies.  Strict avoidance

of food allergens and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to foods are

important measures to prevent serious health consequences. Even trace amounts of a food

allergen can cause a reaction.  Most people who’ve had an allergic reaction to something they ate

thought that it was safe.  Food allergies are life-altering for everyone involved and require

constant vigilance. Some people react to foods by simply touching them.  Food allergies can

cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.* This causes, hives, a severe drop in blood

pressure, and suffocation by  swelling of the throat.  * Early administration of epinephrine

(adrenaline) is crucial to successfully treating anaphylactic reactions.

Need:  People with food allergies, like my son, need all the help they can get when it comes

to staying safe and free from anaphylactic reactions.  Food is everywhere.  Rarely is a place

considered safe.  Food allergy sufferers rely on food manufacturers to list the top eight allergens

in their packaged foods.  The top eight allergens are dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree-nuts, wheat, soy,

fish and shellfish.  My son is allergic to all of these except fish.  As you can imagine,

feeding him can be very nerve-racking. He is so allergic that we can’t even have his allergens in

our home.  I rely on in-depth label reading when I buy foods for our family. According to

FDA.gov, the “Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act” was passed in 2004.

This requires that labels must clearly identify to top 8 food allergens in foods. This does NOT

however require manufacturers to list if a food MAY have come into contact with allergens.

This is called cross contamination.  Often times different foods are made in the same facility

as major food allergens and cross contamination is VERY likely. * To those with severe food

allergies, this is a BIG deal.  It only takes a trace amount of an allergen to trigger a reaction in

my son and so many others.  In a review of foods of randomly selected manufacturers, the FDA

found that 25 percent of sampled foods failed to list eggs or nuts as a potential allergens.  These

trace amounts of eggs and nuts can KILL someone with a severe allergy to them.  

Satisfaction:  There is a solution to this problem. The FDA needs to be convinced that this

is a need.  The FDA needs to pass this law that requires food manufacturers to list ALL potential

food allergens in foods, whether a part of the ingredients or inadvertently introduced to the food.

Visualization:  Imagine you have severe food allergies.  Imagine you’re trying a new cracker               

that should be safe, when suddenly you break out into hives and your throat closes up. Imagine

being the mother of a young child and being terrified to ever feed your child unless you

made it in your own kitchen.  Imagine rushing a loved one to the ER to save their life from

eating an undisclosed allergen that could easily be listed with a little additional ink. 

Conclusion:  Therefore we have seen that there is a need for a law to be passed to require that

all allergens are disclosed on foods.

In summary, I would like to remind you that a person doesn’t have to eat a whole peanut or drink

a whole glass of milk to suffer from a severe reaction. It only takes a speck.  People with food

allergies have the right to know if foods are made in the same facility as the top 8 allergens.

Action:  I would urge you to sign the petition at the back of the room. Getting this law passed

can and will save many lives.  

I wanted Ash to experience a doughnut so I attempted these dairy, egg and nut free beauties.  Never in a million years would I have ever guessed that I would make doughnuts from scratch! After all, I am the girl who used to live off of ramen noodles, fried egg sandwiches (ironically enough) and cereal.  These donuts turned out great and you would never guess they were allergen friendly. 

What you will need:

vegetable oil for frying

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 teaspoons vanilla

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons dairy free margarine (melted)

4 1/2-4 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt ( I use Kosher)

1 cup soy or rice milk

Heat oil in a large pot.  While the oil is heating, combine the applesauce, vanilla and 3/4 cup sugar. Add the margarine and mix well.  In a separate bowl, combine 4 1/2 c flour, baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg and salt with a whisk. Add the flour mixture and the rice milk alternately to the applesauce-margarine mixture.  Add more flour if needed to make a smooth and not too sticky dough.  Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured board (or counter) and knead for about 1 minute.  Roll it out into a 1/2 inch thick circle.  Dip a doughnut cutter (I used a drinking glass) into the flour and cut into the dough.  Remove trimmings and re-roll. Repeat the process.  Put a few doughnuts into the hot oil. Avoid over crowding.  Fry until they rise to the surface and turn them over.  They will be golden brown on both sides.  Lift them out with tongs and place them on paper towels.  Mix together 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll your doughnuts in the mixture. Shake off excess and enjoy!  (To make my doughnut holes I used a pill bottle)

With conviction

Well, I finally did it. Made time to start his blog. I need an outlet. I want to educate.  I want to share recipes. I want to comfort other Mom's going through this.  I want this to be real for people.  I want people to know that food allergies are serious.  I want people to know that if Asher eats an allergen he won't get a "tummy ache".  I need this.  So here it is! Oh, and I promise to include positive posts.  I will have my days where I want to rant...but we have good days too!  I am anxious to get this going. Follow me!  Thanks for reading.