Staying positive 2/6/14

There's no denying that its very upsetting to be told that you or your child is going to have to live with a condition that's going to make life incredibly difficult. Yes some children do grow out of some allergies, and who knows, one day there may be a cure. But for now you are stuck with it and you need to allow yourself time to deal with this fact.

 

There is a grieving stage, complete with the unexpected cravings for all the foods that you cant eat. There's the "why me" stage which will re occur periodically. For me, I had a close friend you listened to me rant and rave for six years before she too was diagnosed with coeliac disease .

 

One of the hardest things is to accept what you cant change, but that is just the first step. Don't blame yourself for your or your child's allergy, its no-ones fault. You could be a victim of bad genes, environment or simply bad luck. Dwelling on things that cant be changed is never a good strategy, especially if they are in the past or beyond your control.

Here are a few tips to help you cope:

1. Get positive and practical.
2. put your emergency plans in place.
3. set aside time to plan for the changes that food hyper sensitivity brings with it.
4. Ask for what you need and be firm. Ask for the hamburger without the bun, ask for the ice cream scoop to be washed properly after it has been in the nut filled ice cream.
5. Be realistic about what you expect from others. They wont understand the lengths you have to go to however if you help to educate them, you will get results.
6. Be vigilant, never stop checking. Don't make assumptions. That chocolate bar you buy regularly may suddenly now be produced on a manufacturing line with nut products.

Last but not least, there is only one of you and you only have two hands. Look after yourself first to be able to help others second.

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