posted 08-02-2001 11:01 PM ET (US)        

My daughter is allergic to so many things. I need to be able to take care of her in an emergency. She's been in the hospital 8 times in 22 months. So brave, so unfair. She's allergic to eggs, wheat, casein, milk, chocolate, oranges, dust, shellfish, and nuts.

On Tuesday night, a friend over for dinner gave her a pistachio nut. 2 minuets latter, she’s crying like crazy, in 5 she’s beginning to blow up. 2 teaspoons of Benadryl, in the car and to the hospital. 130 mph in a 40 (SAAB 95 turbo), passed EVERYONE. She’s passing out with wife in back seat. Wife and I afraid to give epinephrine. Dumb. We could have killed her. Nearly did.

Hospital in 7 min (takes me 22-30 in morn when going to work). Instant shot of epinephrine. IV steroids. Poor kid. Dr. Took us aside after it was over and laid it out for us: If we even think she has been given something she’s allergic to, 1) epinephrine, 2) 911, 3) Benedryl.

I think my wife and I were/are afraid to administer the drugs. My wife is in almost denial about Jackie’s allergies, and in her usual fashion, tries to over-compensate by controlling other aspects of Jackie’s life. Don’t read that as bad, because she’s a great mother, its just to show how deep her/my frustration goes at trying to deal with the allergies, while at the same time allowing Jackie to have as normal a life as possible.

Well, I thought it was time you knew something more personal about me. Plus, I needed to talk, and all are asleep in my house tonight.

My boats name is Jacqueline. Next year, when I get her painted, and put on lhg’s decals, she’ll be <script>Jacqueline’s</script><bold>Whaler</bold>.

Is anybody else an EMT?

Anyone with allergic kids?

posted 08-02-2001 11:36 PM ET (US)            

Would you recommend certian courses to help me care for my daughter? I have seen a 40 hour class on Pediactric ALS. I'm not sure of any others.

posted 08-02-2001 11:42 PM ET (US)         

I feel for you. I can also understand how you daughter must feel. For me it is bee stings. Almost killed me at 5. I carry an epi-pen with me a lot of times now.

Seems like more kids are getting allergic to common stuff anymore.

The training won't hurt. I still remember the stuff I got as Scout (Eagle I might add). It came in handy the day I saved a girl's life when she got hit by a car and lost an arm.

posted 08-02-2001 11:49 PM ET (US)            

It seems like about half of the parents I talk to have a child with allergy probs. And if you look at the stats on asathma (American Heart and Lung), it is really alarming!

posted 08-03-2001 06:05 AM ET (US)            

There is an intern in my office who rides an ambulance in the city for Fordam U. He told me that an EMT on an ambulance call could not have administered the epi to my daughter. He said that you need a higher level of certification to "perscribe," ie: paramedic.

Is this true? If so, then when I call 911 the next time ackie has a reaction, what are they actualy capable of doing for her?

posted 08-03-2001 08:46 AM ET (US)         

I know this was kinda gruesome, but it does show that one never knows when first aid training can come in handy.

posted 08-03-2001 09:15 AM ET (US)            

Before my daughter was born, I was compleatly focused on my careear, worked 12-14 hour days, weekends, etc. I wanted to go as far as I could. I succeded, but what a hollow victory. Now I could not care less. since Jackie was born, I have taken a much less stressful job, a 40% pay cut, and work 40 hrs a week. I spend my time either with Jackie, in the woodshop, or working on the boat.

posted 08-03-2001 05:19 PM ET (US)            

Bigshot, I am a pretty non-confrontational guy, so you wont see me juming into the fray too often. Sufice to say that I am glad you have found a support group here on the forum. To be honest with with you, when I started posting in Jan, it seemed like responses were slow in comming, and I took it somewhat personally. A forum member emailed me on the side and told me not to worry about it, that if I gave it time, things would change. And they have.

I think your quick replies make new members feel more welcome, and that has to be good. I really don't like reading the testy kind of stuff that went on in the squall post for instance. Don't think it was your fault, I just don't like reading it. I just don't have time for that nonsense in my life, so I filter it out.

PS, I usually go to Fla in the winter for vacation (Naples and Melbourne). If your near either one let me know. I'd like to ride on some of those boats!

Bob, Man you are so right! I have not slept well in nights. I should have given the epi right away. I knew it was right, but I hesitated. I think due to lack of training/confidence in medical decision. I'm going to correct that!

You know, my wife wants to move to better school district. I never thought about it, but now am concerned about Hospital proximity/quality, Ambulance response times, staffing etc. Its certianly another way to look at things.

posted 08-03-2001 09:33 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for your thoughts for my Jackie! I'm getting pretty psyched about the class,.. its going to be good.

A really good friend of mine is the Youngest ever Asst Fire Chief in CT. His name is Matt Grech. He worked for me when I was flying high in the careear. Now, he is one of my best friends. Great guy. He comes up on weekends to help me work on my Whaler. When my wife, who has never seen the boat, asked him about it, he said "It needs a lot of love, but it is indeed a boat." Now how's that for friendship for you? He's the Asst Chief of the Long Ridge Fire Dept, in Stamford CT.

It's funney, I never asked him about his medical training. I'll ask him tomorrow.

I'm glad to hear that EMT's with the new rating can administer perscribed medicines. That makes some sense!

posted 08-03-2001 09:47 PM ET (US)            

I missed your post by mistake. I really glad to hear that there is hope. I'm very afraid for her. she is on inhaled steroids until further notice, and when ever she has a reaction, she goes on preloane(sp). all the other inhalers, beneydril, zantac and maalox. She weighs 25 pounds! ?Thats a lot of drugs for 25 pounds, even if she does have her fathers stamina.

I sure would like to hear more about how you worked through the allergies durring your childhood, and thanks for giving me some hope for an allergy free future for Jackie!

posted 08-04-2001 02:23 PM ET (US)         

whaledoc,

posted 08-04-2001 11:49 PM ET (US)            

Can you tell me about the side-effects of steroids? Or point me to a real resource? The medicne you mentioned, Prelone, is the one she goes on when she has a serious attack, plus inhaled sterioids durring spring and fall allergy seasons, along with albuteral to open the airways.

I'm so worried about hurting her future, because we can't get her allergies under control now.

Thanks.

Hey Bigshot, what about the boat ride?

posted 08-05-2001 03:16 PM ET (US)            

I didn’t get a chance to read this post all the way through until now. As I type this my 10-day-old son sleeps. My perspective on life changed in an instance. Work is no longer important and I am thinking of looking for a job closer to home, which will most likely pay much less but will allow me to spend more time with my family.

Ex Navy myself (West Coast) , only 4 years and out GSM2 (E-5) - Never forgot the training. First aid and keeping a cool head. I remember the epi pens that used to be in the mk5 gas mask kits, just ram it into leg in case needed, Direct Pressure and elevation, ABC’s. Military Training and conditioning stays with you your whole life.
I think I need to take a first aid course and freshen my memory after reading this.

posted 08-05-2001 10:26 PM ET (US)            

No doubt. When whats his name (now on the scrap heap of history) drew that line of death back in the late 80's, we stepped across for weeks. Trained for weeks to prepare, sucked rubber FOREVER! Fire in the .., Hot run in the .., HE on the deck, Went port and starboard for 3 weeks, we were on EVERYTING. Got the Battle E that cruise.

You know, I hated the BS when I was in, and didn't really appriciate what a great gig I had. I miss it now.

posted 08-06-2001 10:30 PM ET (US)            

Thanks so much for sending the info! I'm taking tomorrow off to go work on the boat, so I won't get to look at it till Wednesday (I think you sent it to my work address, which is what I used when I registerd. Real mail is larry.sherman@home.com). I'll go look at webmd tonight!

You know, this forum has really been a great experience. I feel like I'm not alone, and I really appriciate all the support each of you has given me.

posted 08-07-2001 10:09 AM ET (US)            

The current EMT-B program will teach you to assist in the administration of certain drugs which are prescribed to a patient. One of these is epinepherine by autoinjector (epi-pens). The process is simple and in your case, with your daughters allergies, it is essential for you to learn this process even before you get to class in October. Your doctor should be able to help you out in this regard.

posted 08-07-2001 10:45 AM ET (US)            

I do know how to do it, its just hard to overcome years of Dr's telling you not to administer medication unless absolutly necessary, and with the epi, administer it if ther is even a doubt!

posted 05-10-2002 03:24 AM ET (US)            

I became an ER doc because of something bad that happened to me -- and if I can go back to college after being out for 10 years and become a doctor, I believe anyone can if they want to. I'm a big fan of 'adult learning.' (no jokes please)

Congrats on your certification, and if you like it, don't be afraid to learn more, you can never know too much -- and the more you know, about disease, injury, drugs...the less fear you will have. You'll certainly be more useful on any boat!

You and your wife need to get a pediatric epi-pen for you daugter, and make sure that they are available everywhere she goes -- EVERYWHERE. Each car, the boat, vacation, relatives house. Your doctor can prescribe these, and they are FOOLPROOF. Don't be afraid to use them. Think of them like fire extinguishers. Seriously.

Second, the most likely problem you will have is unanticipated exposures to nuts (or other allergens) -- the reason they don't give them out on planes anymore is that they would find their way into the meals by accident and then someone with a bad allergy would unknowingly eat one and, well, you know the rest. Both you, and your daughter as soon as she's old enough, will need to recognize the signs of anaphalaxis early -- tingling lips, tongue, stuffy nose, itching eyes, wheezing and difficulty breathing -- because you want to identify reactions and treat them early, because they can get worse and tend to be faster evolving as one gets older. The epi and a trip to the hospital are the cure, and we are much happier to see someone who used the epipen earlier (even if they think they 'jumped the gun') because they do so much better.

posted 05-10-2002 08:33 AM ET (US)            

The best benefit was the added sense of security of having that extended family. The members look after each other and that extended to my family as well. The kids knew the fire and police and would not hesitate to turn to them if needed. In return, the fire and police also knew them and kept an eye out for them. That may be even more important now that they are older (12-16).

posted 05-10-2002 08:42 AM ET (US)         

Having the skills to save a life are worthless unless one has the proper equipment and protection for himself.

posted 05-10-2002 04:56 PM ET (US)            

Congratulations on making the grade. It gives me a warm sense of pride in seeing the students that I (and my wife) work with in our volunteer EMT education program here in New Jersey take their state exam and pass it. This year it was even better. My son was in the class. He got his EMT-B certification before he got his driver's license. He likes the EMT better I think.

posted 05-12-2002 11:43 AM ET (US)            

I've spent the last 13+ years in EMS. 11 yrs as a paramedic. I grew up in a house with a mom who was a fragile diabetic and a dad who was not around. I was 11 when he left and it fell on me to care for her.

(little wonder why I do this for a living)

any way...The helpless feeling I had when I didn't know what to do was the driving force behind my taking the EMT class. So I can understand where you coming from with your daughter. Thats why I can't suggest enough to practice what you learned in class and you will feel more comfortable with your skills as an EMT.

My thoughts are with you and your family.