Allergies

Sean had his 15 month check up yesterday.
19 lb. 6 oz., 29 inches
Sometimes both Thomas and I go but this time it was just me. Thomas is usually the one to ask questions and he thoroughly enjoys discussing things with the doctor. I simply answer the nurse's questions and go along with the routine of poking and squishing and looking in holes. Thomas texted me before Sean's appointment and reminded me to ask about allergies.
Back story: For Sean's first birthday my SIL made a wonderful cake, see....

Sean had a good ol time smashing into... er... well, poking at the cake.

Shortly after his eyes began to turn red and he was rubbing them. Isn't it the cutest thing when babies rub their eyes, and isn't it amazing that they know to use the backs of their hands to rub. Anyway, redness appeared around his mouth. We did wash his face and hands as soon as we finished with cake time.

A few moms and I discussed what it could be. My SIL said she used egg in the icing so we assumed that was what caused the rash.

    Then the day after his party I wanted to take a picture of Sean with the mini cupcakes that were for guests. So I set the mini cupcake in front of him and he barely touched it with his finger and the same thing happened, less severe redness though. But is egg in all icing? This cupcake was made by a bakery and not my SIL. He did rub his face some, I'm assuming because it was itchy? There was another occasion when we fed him scrambled eggs and he broke out also. That time we had benadryl on hand. But each time it went away fairly quickly (10-15min) and Sean never complained. I don't have any experience with allergies, nor does Thomas. So, this is all foreign to me.

Back to the doctor's appointment. I told the doc that Sean still seems to be allergic to eggs. So he decided it's best to get a prescription for an epinephrine pen. I would have been clueless as to what he was talking about if it weren't for Allison! (hi Allison!) She is crazy allergic, she's not crazy, her allergies are =) to seafood and other stuff, right? Well, I remember her telling us about how if she ever had a severe reaction that the epi pen must but thrust into her thigh, no need for de-pantsing, thank goodness, just jam the needle in her thigh. So, thankfully I felt semi informed about this whole epi pen thing and agreed with the doctor it would be best to have one on hand. Now onto the shots, well, minus the flu shot. I had no idea there were eggs in the flu vaccine! crazy. It is specifically asked on the sheet, you have to sign before receiving the shot, if the recipient is allergic to eggs. So he got two shots. Bragging Notice: He did not cry one tear. Yeah, he fussed and whined a bit, but no tears shed! Oh and while I'm at it...without fail, every time the doctor examines Sean on the table, poking and bending him to make sure his joints work well I guess, he mentions how strong his legs are, that they're solid muscle. The nurses that have given him shots over this past year also always say he has strong legs. =) I guess all those squats Thomas has him do are paying off. 

    Long story short (too late), we now have an epinephrine pen, actually 2, for Sean in case a severe reaction occurs. Both doctor and pharmacist told me to seek help right after administering the epidural. And of course that's what the pamphlet that comes with the pen says. And I know that all it does it buy time, open up airways, until professional medical attention can be initiated. They even include a training device. A pen with out the drug or needle. Which is such a great idea so we're not afraid to give the injection and we know exactly how it works. Thomas did training with emergency medical response, road in ambulances, back in the military days so he's not afraid of needles and all that emergency situation stuff. Bragging Notice: Thomas performed the Heimlich maneuver on a women at a previous job and was awarded a certificate! go Thomas, I'm in good hands!

While it is possible for Sean to outgrow the allergy we're avoiding eggs and egg products for the time being.