Monday, March 17, 2008

Advice Giving

Per a recent comment by another blogger I finally realized why I felt uncomfortable with the publication of my blog in Readers Digest. It was the assertion that I was offering advice on food allergies. In fact I think it says "Get real food allergy advice" and lists three blog addresses including mine. I want to say I have never thought of this blog as a way to give advice. In general I try not to give advice about anything unless asked. Saying I could give advice implies I am an expert. The only thing I am an expert on is managing my OWN children's food allergies (and even I slip up on that sometimes.)

However, I have learned so much from other people's experiences and that is what I want my blog to convey. My own, my sons', our experiences in dealing with food allergies everyday. And I use the word everyday to convey that we don't get a vacation from food allergies. We can't have just a little of an allergic food, we can't take off Christmas or birthdays to have special allergen laden treats. Our food allergies are managed everyday, one day at a time. I want to share our experiences and hope that others learn something from them. But for the record, I don't give advice:)

6 comments:

Debbie and Boys said...

I feel grateful for your respect of others and not wanting to push advise. I hope you don't think I'm pushing anything. I don't mind giving you any information. Soon I will be posting what I've learned about allergy ellimination as one of blog. There is a lot I've learned so I won't cover everything, but the method of treatment is Nambudripad's Allergy Ellimination Technique, or NAET. The website is www.naet.com I too was very skeptical; it took me 10 months to try it, but when I did I was so amazed by how simple it works, yes even with anaphlaxis situations. The providers are usually chiroprators with specific training with diagnosis and treating allergies. It is very safe, non-invasive, relatively inexpensive (I'd pay far more than did all over again just to have the benefits we've had) As for being skeptical, I totally understand, but check out the website for a provider and just call one up and ask them questions. If you get that far let me know. My kids were not that severe but our doctor has treated many kids with it, and has had dramatic results. Its worth checking out.
I look forward to hearing from you, and I'll notify you when I post on NAET. Thanks for writing back!

2Forgetful said...

Just by sharing your story you are helping others understand what it's like to have a food allergic child. My kids don't have any known allergies but several of my friends' kids do. It's helpful to hear about what's going on in your day to day life because I feel like it makes me a better friend to other parents with food allergies. Keep up the great blogging and I'll be sure never to tell anyone that you give advice. :-)

sybil said...

I read about your blog in Reader's Digest. My kids don't have food allergies but they have extreme food restriction. They have something called PKU and cannot eat anything containing protien. They will not have extreme reactions like your children but will never outgrow it either. My son's name is Max as well so it was particularly neat to read your blog. I hope your children are able to grow out of their most extreme allergies~! Best of luck~!

Scener said...

Often, we don't read blogs for advice (that's what doctors are for). When I turn to blogs, I just want to read about the personal experiences of others who are dealing with similar issues as we are. Sometimes, just knowing that you are not the only one dealing with multiple food allergies already makes it much lighter.

-Ruth

Debbie and Boys said...

I didn't answer your question. No my childrens allergies were not life threatening, yet. We elliminated dairy completely for almost two years. The doctors advised we try introducing it again. His reactions became worse than before. He broke out in hives and severe rash all over his body. After testing we discovered between my 3 boys and me we have had egg, calcium, all sugars including lactose, B vitamins, C vitamins, animal fats, nuts, grains,food coloring and weed, pollen, and grass. These were not all, but most of them. I literally mean this- we have elliminated ALL of these allergies. NO REACTIONS WHEN EATING THEM. Actually our lives have all dramatically improved as a result of NAET. Its worth looking at seriously as an option. My guilt as a mother has been replaced with a feeling of gratitude and that there are answers even when told there are not. NAET has been practiced for nearly 30 years. They have not seen anyone who has successfully elliminated an allergy, develop the allergy again. (sorry for such long comments)

*TAMI* said...

It certainly must have been a surprise to see you were in the Reader's Digest. I have a child with severe multiple food allergies, and I suspect my nursing baby does too. It's nice to hear someone else dealing with the same problems as I am, and how you are handling things at school etc. (My boy is only 21/2 so we have a few more years).Thank you for sharing your life!