Like my fellow food allergy bloggers, I sometimes receive questions from readers or followers that are really difficult to answer. 2 recent questions continue to puzzle me.
1. Allergies to food dyes. Does anyone have experience with allergies to food dyes? If so, did you or your loved one grow out of that food allergy? Lynda Mitchell of KFA reminded me--and it is a very good point--that there are artificial and natural food dyes to consider as well.
2. Food allergies as a factor in visitation schedule in divorce. What to do if one parent has a documented substance abuse problem and has refused to learn about food allergy management and how to avoid reactions? The parent in question temporarily has been granted unsupervised short day visits, is not in treatment for substance abuse, and is seeking overnight visits. Very scary! What resources (in Massachusetts) are available to protect the food allergic child?
If you have any helpful information on either of these questions, please comment below or send an email to jenniferATfoodallergybuzz.com.
1 comment:
A comment on the second situation -- food allergies and divorce. I am not a lawyer, but am a Mom of a food-allergic child and did go through a divorce. It sounds like there is a lot going on here -- so definitely get a good lawyer. Keep a detailed diary of visitations and problems that occur. If the visits have been court-ordered, you must go along with them so the question then becomes how to manage (without losing your mind). If your children are old enough teach them what to do. How to call you -- how to call 911, how and when to use epi-pen, etc. If you can, stay close to where they are when the visits occur until you feel more comfortable. And manage the food your child eats (even when he/she is away). If they are going out to eat find out where -- call ahead, check menus, find something your child can eat then be very specific with your spouse about what to order and how (write it down). Send snacks. If going overnight or for weekends, either send food, or make a list of exactly what to get. I hope this helps. The basic idea is to manage it the same way you would if your child were staying with grandparents or a friend.
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