Birthday Party Disaster
In 2nd grade at age 7 I attended an in class birthday party for a classmate. The treat was simple. Chocolate chip cookies. Not a problem because the whole class knew about my peanut allergy.
During the party I ate my cookie, it felt hard to swallow, like I was swallowing a Hershey kiss whole. After class my mom noticed I had developed a Minnie Mouse voice. Then I threw up. I was having a reaction to the cookie.
At home Mom gave me an oatmeal bath for my hives but my nasal passages had swollen shut. My mom immediately called the pediatrician's office and drove me across town for a shot of epinephrine. We had never attempted to use an Epi-Pen before.
It turns out I had accidentally received a peanut butter cookie, one of 3 that were substituted into the order of chocolate chip cookies.
After that day Mom and I learned how to administer an EpiPen. Today I give demonstrations on how to use one.
Word of advice, be prepared for birthday parties and consider a safe food as you never know what could happen
Oh, wow,
!
I bet that was scary for you and your mom! Were you aware you had a peanut allergy before that incident?
I love that you teach others how to safely use EpiPens now. What a fabulous way to pay it forward!
And your advice is spot on. I mean, no one wants to live in fear, but it makes sense to be extra cautious with birthday party snacks or situations (like bake sales and church potlucks) where cross contamination and the like is a very real possibility. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for sharing one of your allergy experiences with this community!
Best, Erin, Team Member.yes we knew about it since I was an infant. It was just an accident especially since it was just 3 peanut butter cookies mixed into the chocolate chip cookies , oh, boy. I am glad you and your family were aware of your allergies, but episodes like the one you experienced are definitely scary!
Again, I am glad you were okay!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
