Optimistic Neurosis

We've entered a new phase in the journey with Easton's allergic reactions. I'll call it, "Optimistic neurosis" because even as we've seen a reduction in reactions (due to finally accurately identifying allergens, by the grace of God, and strictly avoiding all but a small number of safe foods, see http://keepcalmandcarryepinephrine.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html for more info), the risk is always there. The risk of exposure. the risk of hives. of vomiting. of his throat swelling shut. of developmental setback. of death. And that risk never goes away. Going ANYWHERE is an act of calculated bravery. I know, I know, I sound crazy, hence the "neurosis" part, but as I recently read in an article in New York Times magazine, "The difference between a severe food allergy and any other possibly fatal disease is, essentially, one of responsibility. People with a food allergy can't fill a simple prescription or put their faith in a surgeon's hands; the only way they can safeguard themselves is through total avoidance. For parents of children with a food allergy, the responsibility is even greater. It is the kind of pressure that makes it hard for anyone to trust that at a certain point they have done enough."

"Have I done enough?" It's the question that makes me scrub the table surface three, four, five times before I let him sit down to eat. It's why I order my Thai food without peanuts and still don't eat it until after he's gone to bed and then I brush my teeth and wash my hands...twice. It's why we are transitioning our household items to home made, so we can be confident of each ingredient (he is allergic to a plant chemical often used as a preservative). Because studies have consistently shown that outside of clinical desensitization, which is not an option for Easton at this point, strict avoidance provides the highest likelihood of reducing the severity of reactions. Contrary to the misperception that avoidance makes reactions stronger, each exposure actually increases the likelihood that the next reaction will be severe and even deadly. Strict avoidance can even benefit the immune system and allow it to heal, increasing the chances of "outgrowing" the allergy. 

And believe it or not, the crazy helps quell the fear. Knowing that we have done everything within our power to keep him safe helps us rest in God's sovereignty over all the "what if"s. We do all we can to keep our child alive and healthy, just like every other loving parent. Easton just came with unique challenges, and every day now requires the thoughtful calculation that other parents might give to something like...letting their child go to camp. It requires planning, research, an emergency plan, and lots of prayer for peace and safety. 

For now, here we are... working hard to help him heal using an integrative approach with both traditional medicine and natural treatments, and we are hopeful that his life will not always be so challenging. And we are seeing improvement! He is growing and developing happily. He is not plagued with itching, diarrhea and sleeplessness, and he is never far from an epinephrine injector or a cup of slow simmered bone broth. 

{Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.} 2 Thessalonians 3:16