tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44303229682842855662024-03-14T01:38:11.960-07:004000 milligramsLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-16376586640829502902013-01-29T23:24:00.001-08:002013-01-29T23:27:33.564-08:00Unbelievable Skin Test Results<div>
I found out that I had severe allergies without even touching peanuts. I was two years old in a mommy-and-me art class where there were a couple of stations with different art projects set up- one of which was a bird feeder made with peanut butter. My mom has always hated the smell of peanut butter so we were doing a project at a different station. But, there was a big bucket of soapy water in the middle of the room, and I would periodically run up and wash my hands in the bucket with everyone else - including those washing peanut butter off of their hands. I ended up with huge welt-like hives all over my face and arms. Luckily, the reaction was minor and my pediatrician knew immediately that this meant I had food allergies.</div>
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Hives have always been the very first indicator of a reaction for me. Throughout my entire life, I was painstakingly careful not to touch any surface that someone else could have touched after coming in contact with peanuts (lunch tables, movie theater seats, you name it.) To tell you the truth, the weirdest, scariest moment of this entire study was probably getting peanut butter on my hands for first time. </div>
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I recently had a doctor's appointment for my first updated skin and blood tests since beginning the trial. I was seriously blown away by the results.<br />
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This was my skin test result before starting the study:</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Note: </span><span style="text-align: left;">The inner-most circle is the actual hive itself, while the circle drawn around it is the area of redness that surrounds a hive. </span></div>
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And is my most recent skin test result:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UR6AHDU0qxk/UQjD1sRUe-I/AAAAAAAAALg/FJyM55n00Lg/s1600/IMG_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UR6AHDU0qxk/UQjD1sRUe-I/AAAAAAAAALg/FJyM55n00Lg/s320/IMG_1249.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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In the picture above, peanut protein was tested on the last circle marked "P," while the first is the positive histamine control and second is negative control. I cannot even begin to explain my shock at these results. I literally did not have a hive. Like, at all. The circe drawn merely indicates a relatively small patch of redness that resulted. </div>
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This means the skin test came back negative. As for the blood test, I find out the results when I have my next blood test on February 4th. </div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-53499789571269040212013-01-29T22:48:00.000-08:002013-01-29T22:48:04.521-08:00Adventurous Meals Though I love to travel, going on vacation was always daunting, especially when traveling to foreign countries. The best part about experiencing a new culture is trying out the cuisine, and it was something I was rarely able to take part in. <div>
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However, my family recently went to Peru. The trip was incredible, and it was the first time I was able travel without dreading dinner every night. I didn't have to order "safe" items from the menu, or explain that my food couldn't be cross-contaminated with peanuts in broken Spanish. I ate adventurously, trying everything from guinea pig to a delicacy made with a kind of worm. Without the SAFAR study, I never would have been able to go on this kind of vacation - it would've been far too risky. </div>
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But now, I'm looking forward to my next adventure. </div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-29405879904265945562012-10-21T17:53:00.001-07:002012-10-21T17:53:41.210-07:00Peanut Flour Chocolate Crinkle Cookies<br />
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Throughout this experience I have tried multiple methods of eating peanut protein - all of which I find pretty revolting.</div>
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Peanut butter proved to be an irritant to my throat and esophagus, and actual peanuts were pretty hard on my stomach. But my wonderful mother started experimenting with baking peanut flour into cookies.</div>
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First, we tried shortbread cookies. Now, I have absolutely no idea why I thought this would be a good idea but I definitely would not recommend it. They tasted like dog treats, and to no one's surprise, the dog ended up devouring all of them one afternoon when no one was home. </div>
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Then my mom tried using peanut flour in a chocolate cookie recipe my experience has improved ten fold. Not only does this method completely mask the taste, but I'm hardly having any symptoms. The specific peanut flour we chose has a relatively high protein content, and relatively low oil content, and has less flavor than the other choices. The recipe makes 24 cookies with 1000 milligrams of peanut protein in each cookie. The cookies have only 1000 milligrams because for now that's all I need to eat, and because we wanted to minimize the peanut-y taste. </div>
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Peanut Flour Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe:</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Confectioners' Sugar: 1/2 cup</div>
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<a href="http://www.byrdmill.com/content/5-lb-peanut-flour-dark-12" target="_blank">Byrd Mill Peanut Flour Dark Roast 12%</a>: 1/2 cup (24 grams of peanut protein)</div>
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All Purpose Flour: 1 1/6 cup </div>
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Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (we use Hershey's) </div>
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Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons</div>
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Salt: 1/4 teaspoon</div>
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Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), at room temperature</div>
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Sugar: 1 1/4 cups </div>
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Large eggs: 2</div>
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Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease 2 baking sheets with butter</div>
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2. Put the confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl and set aside</div>
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3. In another medium bowl, stir together flour, peanut flour, cocoa powder, and salt</div>
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4. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes, until creamy</div>
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5. Add 1 egg and beat on medium speed until blended. Add the other egg and vanilla and beat until blended</div>
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6. Turn off the mixer and add the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just blended</div>
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7. Using a tablespoon, scoop up a rounded spoonful of dough and roll the dough into a ball</div>
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8. Roll the ball in the confectioners' sugar until covered. Place the balls on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart</div>
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9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crackled and puffed</div>
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10. Cool on cooling rack for 15 minutes</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-45533981677331505682012-10-21T17:25:00.002-07:002012-10-21T17:25:32.708-07:00Update<div>
A few weeks ago I got sick once again, and had a pretty severe reaction that ended in using my EpiPens. Additionally, my seasonal allergies are at their worst in October, which has most likely contributed to my difficulties. Since my reaction, I haven't been able to handle 16 peanuts and many nights have ended in stomach aches and throwing up, even after cutting my dose in half. </div>
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So, Dr. Nadeau decided it would be best if I went down from 4000 milligrams (16 peanuts) to 1000 milligrams (4 peanuts) at least until this allergy season is over. Throughout this and next month, I'll be slowly increasing my dose. </div>
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On the other hand, my parents and I have discusses the possibility that I may not ever be able to handle 4000 milligrams without symptoms. But even if I end up only able to eat four peanuts, I think that is still a pretty remarkable success. The goal for me was never to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, but just to be able to be able to eat without having to worry about cross contamination. </div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-58727503761763873662012-07-02T21:52:00.003-07:002012-07-02T21:52:36.858-07:00Giving Back- 4000milligrams.org<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6isqx0gwvM/T_J6Z-F952I/AAAAAAAAAKo/A9OvSNhPKcY/s1600/1338035800.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6isqx0gwvM/T_J6Z-F952I/AAAAAAAAAKo/A9OvSNhPKcY/s400/1338035800.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Seeing the food you're allergic
to is like the way other people see a poisonous snake or a tarantula. If you
have food allergies, you know what I'm talking about. It's fight or flight.
That fleeting moment of sheer panic that makes your stomach drop and your heart
kick into overdrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">For as long as I can remember,
Epi Pens have been my security blanket. I can't remember a time when they
weren't either in my bag or glued to my hand. They made eating things, touching
things, and smelling things less intimidating. It was like the earthquake
kit on the shelf in the front hall closet. Even if I never used them, just
knowing they were always there gave confidence to live my life without being
afraid of food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">But on August 8th I wont need
them anymore. And as liberating as it's going to be, I have to admit that it
is, psychologically, a scary thing to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">And I realize that there are many
who suffer from food allergies that cannot afford to have Epi-Pens. So I've
decide to raise money for the two causes that have truly changed my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">My first initiative is to raise
money for Epi Pens for children who don't have health insurance or whose health
insurance does not cover Epi Pens. The money will be donated directly to Dr.
Nadeau's patients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">My second goal is to raise money
for Xolair. Xolair has enabled me to complete the study in just 6 months with
fewer reactions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Please visit <a href="http://www.4000milligrams.org/"><span style="color: #0022e4;">www.4000milligrams.org</span></a> to
donate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Thank you for your help!</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-51816721632798671982012-07-02T20:58:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:46:22.568-07:00You'd rather have what?"Wait why do you need your own cup?"<br />
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I realized this was the first time I was going to have to explain my allergies to a guy I didn't know. And I had absolutely no idea what to say.<br />
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"I... just can't share anything with anyone right now!"<br />
"Why?"<br />
"I'm...sick. I have mono."<br />
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The words came out before I even realized their implication. Saying "I have mono" is NOT something you want to tell a cute guy at a party.<br />
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"Wait... do you really?"<br />
"Um no just kidding. I actually... I actually just have a peanut allergy so I can't really share stuff with people. I think I'd rather have mono though.."<br />
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I waited for him to react. To walk away or something. Only he didn't.<br />
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"Oh. Haha nah that's way better than mono. Trust me you don't wanna have mono."<br />
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After that night, I wondered why my allergies seemed like such a big deal, and why I hated telling people so much. I realized that it was the worst kind of attention you could possibly get. A hot spotlight of vulnerability. Acknowledging my allergies made me feel weak and awkward, both traits that normally don't apply to me.<br />
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Vulnerability is a funny thing. It consumes you. It eats away at you until your self-esteem is centered around that one quality that makes you feel like you're different. After a while there's no "putting it into perspective" because every time you have to refuse a piece of birthday cake or order out at a restaurant or carry Epi-Pens, it's this constant, gnawing reminder that you're inadequate.<br />
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Now, all this might seem incredibly dramatic. And it is. But it took me a while to realize that. Having allergies was only a bad thing because I convinced myself it was a big deal. Cute Guy certainly didn't seem to think it mattered. I think I was so wrapped up in the fact that having allergies set me apart from my peers that I forgot to look at the big picture. That in the end, it just means you can't eat some stuff. That it doesn't define you at all.<br />
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The further I am into this study, the more removed I feel from my allergies. It has less and less of a looming presence in my life. It's easier to look my allergies for what they really are when they're not a constant source of anxiety. Just like with anything, food allergies are only a big deal when you act like they are. And when you think about it, seriously, having mono would be a lot worse.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-70294337572879970432012-07-02T20:34:00.003-07:002012-07-02T20:34:40.457-07:00Last Xolair Shot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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ouch!</div>
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My "Dose Diary" where I record any symptoms I've had </div>
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This is my last doctors appointment until I "graduate" from the study in August. I'm getting more and more excited!</div>
<span id="goog_2037490117"></span><span id="goog_2037490118"></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-29540955976538883692012-07-02T20:26:00.002-07:002012-07-02T21:48:23.411-07:00Trying Something New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My friends eat it with a spoon. And I have to say I understand why. Jif Peanut Butter is actually kind of good, especially on apples. For the past three weeks I've eaten a slice of apple with one tablespoon of peanut butter on it every night. </div>
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But eating something I've been avoiding my whole life is going to take some getting used to.<br />
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Sometimes, when I'm making myself my dose and I get peanut butter butter on my hands, there's this brief moment of panic until I remember I'm not going to die.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-89732278733219607312012-07-02T20:05:00.002-07:002012-07-02T20:05:49.707-07:004000 Milligrams!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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4th Xolair Shot</div>
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4000 Milligrams of peanut butter!</div>
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I've finally reached 4000 milligrams- the amount that I will most likely stay at for the rest of my life (and as you might have guessed from the title of this blog- the ultimate goal). </div>
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Needless to say, it was definitely an important milestone! However, August 8th will be the actual last day of the study. On that day, I will probably eat double this amount (8000 milligrams). I'm not entirely sure what will happen that day, but I will be sure to keep you posted. </div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-8957993994030074372012-07-02T19:47:00.002-07:002012-07-02T19:47:09.839-07:00I Just Don't Like Peanut Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My very first Reese's Peanut Butter Cup</div>
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The face pretty much says it all. </div>
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"You mean you've <i>never </i>tried a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup?" </div>
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It was something I'd grown up hearing. For some reason, even though most people were well aware that I was severely allergic to peanuts, this fact always came as an utter shock. My life was apparently incomplete because I'd never had the pleasure of tasting the holy grail of peanut butter and chocolate. </div>
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So when I tried Reese's for the first time, I had high expectations to say the least. </div>
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But it just... didn't taste that good. And the truth is, I have nothing against Reese's, I just don't like peanut butter. I don't like the taste, and because when I eat it I still have mild reactions (like coughing, itchy throat, stomach ache, etc) I definitely don't like the way it makes me feel. </div>
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I imagine it's like tasting coffee for the first time. Peanut butter is an acquired taste, only it doesn't seem that way because most people are introduced to it at a young age. </div>
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So hopefully it'll grow on me. Because I'll be eating it every single day for the rest of my life. </div>
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-4969518709280247542012-07-02T19:26:00.002-07:002012-07-02T19:26:56.809-07:00It Started With a ColdI was up to 2000 milligrams, eating about 10 peanut M&M's per night, when I had my first and only severe reaction thus far during the study.<br />
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I was almost done with junior year, and I was sick. Nothing too bad, just a common cold. But unfortunately, neither my parents nor I saw the warning that clearly states to cut your dose in half if you get sick. So I had my dose that night as usual. </div>
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Shortly after, I got a stomach ache (I usually refer to this as "the stomach ache" because for me, the type of pain is entirely specific to a food allergy reaction), only it was worse than usual. Soon after, I started having chest pains and it became difficult to breathe. At this point my parents called the nurses. I had already "pre-dosed" with Zyrtec, but they suggested that I take Pepcid (an antacid) to help with the stomach pain. Only then I threw up. A lot. </div>
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So the nurse we were talking to decided that the best course of action would be to use an Epi-Pen. Now, I've used my Epi-Pens probably a dozen times, but I had never had a reaction that was so severe. </div>
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After not dosing at all for the next two days, my dose was cut in half for two weeks until escalate to where I had previously been. We also added two Pepcid to my pre-dose. </div>
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I began throwing up on a regular basis, though never actually after having my dose. Oddly enough it usually happened when I was hungry, like in the morning or after school. The throwing up went on pretty much throughout May and June, and at it's worst, I was throwing up three times a day. Dr. Nadeau said she'd never seen any reaction so severe. </div>
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So we went to see a G.I specialist, who suggested that after the reaction, throwing up became sort of an involuntary reaction. It was like my body had learned a bad habit. After all, I was essentially poisoning myself with a substance that would have previously killed me. It's possible that I've developed something called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease" target="_blank">Gastroesophageal reflux disease</a> (GERD), which is a very rare side effect from the study. However, I began taking Prevacid, and the symptoms nearly stopped. I still occasionally (and very randomly) throw up, but not nearly as often as before.<br />
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And to think, if only we'd read the directions. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-60644272548314163382012-07-02T19:25:00.003-07:002012-07-02T19:25:46.568-07:002000 Milligrams - Half Way There!<br />
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My first peanut M&Ms</div>
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I've officially had my first taste of real peanuts! The verdict? They were okay. But honestly, I don't think I was missing out on much. </div>
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On May 15th I started eating 10 peanut M&Ms a night, and continued to eat them for two weeks. </div>
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-22822416410181477172012-07-02T19:24:00.002-07:002012-07-02T19:24:26.816-07:00Peanut Powder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1250 Milligrams of Peanut Flour</div>
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so pretty!</div>
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Until I reached 2000 milligrams, I took my dose in the form of peanut flour, as it enables the most accurate measurement. It's doesn't have a distinct taste, just a texture, and I usually put it in a smoothie. But after two weeks of strawberry, banana and chalk smoothie, I think I'm done with smoothies for a while. </div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-65540884493238900182012-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:002012-07-02T19:24:40.133-07:001250 Milligrams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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3rd shot of Xolair</div>
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Drawing blood</div>
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Eating 625 milligrams of peanut flour! That's equivalent to about 2.6 peanuts</div>
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Dr. Nadeau making sure i can continue dosing despite a mild reaction</div>
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1250 milligrams!</div>
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My dose escalation sheet</div>
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After I received my third shot of Xolair, I was able to continue dosing past the 5 milligrams I reached in the double blind challenge. </div>
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Much like the challenges, I spent the day in the hospital continuing to escalate the amount of peanut flour every hour or so. </div>
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By the end of the day I had reached 1250 milligrams. In just 8 hours it seemed as though I had gone from being able to eat 1/40th of a peanut, to eating the equivalent of 5 whole peanuts! For the next two weeks I will be eating 1250 milligrams of peanut flour each night. </div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-65439131911382821192012-05-15T17:39:00.000-07:002012-05-15T17:39:16.643-07:00What does Xolair do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSGqIkCVRA/T7L3Kjo-BcI/AAAAAAAAAGk/uZp-4cwqzzs/s1600/DSC_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSGqIkCVRA/T7L3Kjo-BcI/AAAAAAAAAGk/uZp-4cwqzzs/s320/DSC_0946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Treatment with the drug Xolair has been vital in the study I'm participating in, as it will allow me to finish the study (and reach 4000 milligrams) in just six months as opposed to years. <div>
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Xolair is considered an investigational drug (meaning it hasn't been approved by the FDA) for the treatment of food allergies in children and adults. </div>
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Xolair itself is an antibody that helps to block IgE, which is an allergy antibody produced by the human body's immune system and is responsible for allergies and allergic symptoms. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-9838487569951584932012-04-05T21:36:00.000-07:002012-04-05T21:36:36.797-07:00Wishful Thinking<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">I supposed it never really bothered me that I couldn’t eat certain things. I always assumed it would be something I’d have to deal with for the rest of my life, and I figured I might as well get used to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">So I had a rather resigned attitude towards the Halloween candy, the granola bars, the unmarked deserts sitting beneath glass windows at cafes. My approach towards food I couldn’t eat was never longing, never bitter, just accepting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">When friends would say “if you can ever eat peanuts, you should definitely try…” I would nod politely, and act as if it were a helpful suggestion, but I never let myself actually think about the possibility of such a thing. It seemed futile, naive, absurd even. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">But ever since I’ve discovered that my condition is not permanent, just an ephemeral burden I won’t have to put up with for much longer, I look at food in an entirely different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">For one, I want things that I can’t have much more than I used to. I don’t have to accept the fact that I’ll never be able to eat those cookies from Safeway everyone raves about as long as I live. So I just let myself think about just how good they’ll taste, exactly what the texture will be like, knowing that for once the prospect of eating them is realistic, viable, almost tangible.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Then there’s also this sense of triumph. This feeling that for once, it doesn’t even matter if I can’t eat certain things because soon enough I’ll be able to eat anything and everything. In a weird way I feel like I’ve won. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In just 15 days, when I have my third Xolair shot and can actually start eating increasing amounts of peanut flour, I will be able to eat a whole world of food that is currently off-limits. Personally, I’m most excited not for food that actually contains peanuts, but for food that may contain peanuts (you’d be surprised at just how many companies are careless when it comes to cross contamination and segregation of allergens). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Recently I've been playing the What-Will-I-Be-Able-To-Eat game with friends whenever we talk about the study. This list, we’ve realized, is actually quite long. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">It seems I’m so close I can taste it. All of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-35065968978858086232012-04-05T21:02:00.000-07:002012-04-05T21:02:36.156-07:00Xolair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzjNgOsreL8/T1gB7y2MZ-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/ixE98G7aKd0/s1600/DSC_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzjNgOsreL8/T1gB7y2MZ-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/ixE98G7aKd0/s320/DSC_0924.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 shots of Xolair, 150 milligrams in each arm</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTzlrtCcRNY/T1gB-535msI/AAAAAAAAAFs/84mGEApmdw4/s1600/DSC_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTzlrtCcRNY/T1gB-535msI/AAAAAAAAAFs/84mGEApmdw4/s320/DSC_0926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY7LvS8CcLk/T1gCCDK86tI/AAAAAAAAAF0/qt4kgVsFIW4/s1600/DSC_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY7LvS8CcLk/T1gCCDK86tI/AAAAAAAAAF0/qt4kgVsFIW4/s320/DSC_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i17SAQ4TKhs/T1gCEgUm7VI/AAAAAAAAAF8/zXmV037562s/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i17SAQ4TKhs/T1gCEgUm7VI/AAAAAAAAAF8/zXmV037562s/s320/DSC_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ouch. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcp3wrDdyAs/T1gCHCyA6RI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Is8h5yhqEk0/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcp3wrDdyAs/T1gCHCyA6RI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Is8h5yhqEk0/s320/DSC_0937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mx3oTKrHbgk/T1gCKCHBfDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/gElTDnzCuu4/s1600/DSC_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mx3oTKrHbgk/T1gCKCHBfDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/gElTDnzCuu4/s320/DSC_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5c48x-1enU/T1gCN6f02rI/AAAAAAAAAGU/32GTI7GGs7M/s1600/DSC_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5c48x-1enU/T1gCN6f02rI/AAAAAAAAAGU/32GTI7GGs7M/s320/DSC_0948.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHFnoxIVVMA/T1gCP9q8nzI/AAAAAAAAAGc/OIr5S_DhV-0/s1600/DSC_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHFnoxIVVMA/T1gCP9q8nzI/AAAAAAAAAGc/OIr5S_DhV-0/s320/DSC_0950.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Observation for 30 minutes after getting the shots</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Wednesday, February 24th, I received my first shot of Xolair (Omalizumab). Considering the study I'm participating in is "The Xolair Study," it was a pretty important first step in the desensitization therapy. Last week, on March 23rd, I received my second. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those who suffer from food allergies produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) when exposed to the allergens they are sensitive to. Xolair acts as an anti-IgE, and in this way will help protect me when I'm exposed to peanuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm scheduled to get 300 milligrams of Xolair every four weeks for six months. On the 16th week, after my third shot, I will have built up enough anti-IgE in my body to be able to start eating more peanut flour than I am currently able to eat. On April 20th, I will receive the third shot. On that day, just like during the double blind challenges, I will be given increasing doses of peanut flour until I react. During my double-blind challenges, I reacted at 6 milligrams. However, with my third shot of Xolair, Dr. Nadeau hopes that I won't react until I reach at least 1000 milligrams. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for the pain factor, the shots didn't hurt nearly as badly as I thought they would. After numerous warning from nurses that Xolair is a lot more viscous than other shots, and would take longer to be injected, I was definitely nervous. Luckily, they weren't that painful at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-71873719927880279732012-02-27T17:48:00.001-08:002012-02-27T17:55:33.955-08:00Cashew Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89gET1xYBN0/T0ww-BF9fDI/AAAAAAAAAE0/NVMN7HiEEWk/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89gET1xYBN0/T0ww-BF9fDI/AAAAAAAAAE0/NVMN7HiEEWk/s320/DSC_0885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Skin test panel for tree nuts</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOpGcgjaJ7s/T0wxAIomtnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lTzbia9Yn4M/s1600/DSC_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOpGcgjaJ7s/T0wxAIomtnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lTzbia9Yn4M/s320/DSC_0886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgfHOatvNvU/T0wxCILcwyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/53nYgtfOKVI/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgfHOatvNvU/T0wxCILcwyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/53nYgtfOKVI/s320/DSC_0893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No reaction to any tree nuts</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1S5t79IW0/T0wxD6keIfI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Z0Gk97UqWUg/s1600/DSC_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1S5t79IW0/T0wxD6keIfI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Z0Gk97UqWUg/s320/DSC_0896.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">half of a cashew </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwi8Sv9InUE/T0wxGnEPuaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/l63xRmOTXJU/s1600/DSC_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwi8Sv9InUE/T0wxGnEPuaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/l63xRmOTXJU/s320/DSC_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Negative results! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISg3YOxTujM/T0wxJIAsOlI/AAAAAAAAAFU/MCdzk0_MYeI/s1600/DSC_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISg3YOxTujM/T0wxJIAsOlI/AAAAAAAAAFU/MCdzk0_MYeI/s320/DSC_0917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because I made it to 100 mgs and "tested out" of cashews for the SAFAR study, we wanted to see how far I could exceed that 100 mgs. We started off with a skin test and I tested completely negative for all tree nuts, including cashews. By the end of the day I had eaten around 3 cashews with no reaction. Looks like my study will only include peanuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All four food challenges are officially over, and to begin actual desensitization, I will receive the first of three injections of the drug Xolair this coming Wednesday. I can't wait to start!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-3377195383380246012012-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:002012-02-14T17:42:25.109-08:00Third Double Blind Food Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwMWtMkQ_Ds/TzsBjeILd4I/AAAAAAAAADU/UYn_Oe12fQg/s1600/DSC_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwMWtMkQ_Ds/TzsBjeILd4I/AAAAAAAAADU/UYn_Oe12fQg/s320/DSC_0789.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> <br />
6 milligrams (where I previously reacted)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3XX4u_fTvQ/TzsBpjYLADI/AAAAAAAAADc/0IOJ6WIT-Sg/s1600/DSC_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3XX4u_fTvQ/TzsBpjYLADI/AAAAAAAAADc/0IOJ6WIT-Sg/s320/DSC_0786.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> medication<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGI7yEWgGk/TzsBwC6pIcI/AAAAAAAAADk/HAo69VATanU/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGI7yEWgGk/TzsBwC6pIcI/AAAAAAAAADk/HAo69VATanU/s320/DSC_0797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Empty dose-containers<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h80aFUum4c/TzsBzOB8s2I/AAAAAAAAADs/pJXPE0T7wrI/s1600/DSC_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h80aFUum4c/TzsBzOB8s2I/AAAAAAAAADs/pJXPE0T7wrI/s320/DSC_0808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ3uo6NZg_g/TzsB2BsN3lI/AAAAAAAAAD0/i8T-Vq0_TNk/s1600/DSC_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ3uo6NZg_g/TzsB2BsN3lI/AAAAAAAAAD0/i8T-Vq0_TNk/s320/DSC_0798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">100 milligrams! (The maximum dose)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y94NP0Df8x8/TzsB4RRVKCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Q0OwGV39qtY/s1600/DSC_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y94NP0Df8x8/TzsB4RRVKCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Q0OwGV39qtY/s320/DSC_0813.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unblinding </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_DuwqN7PBg/TzsB66PUwiI/AAAAAAAAAEE/oWaT01_Bq3E/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_DuwqN7PBg/TzsB66PUwiI/AAAAAAAAAEE/oWaT01_Bq3E/s320/DSC_0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frC0abDvExk/TzsB9NwSAkI/AAAAAAAAAEM/3FqQEk-BElQ/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frC0abDvExk/TzsB9NwSAkI/AAAAAAAAAEM/3FqQEk-BElQ/s320/DSC_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiEiLRERX9g/TzsCcaLLBPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/DyE57sRt7qU/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiEiLRERX9g/TzsCcaLLBPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/DyE57sRt7qU/s320/Picture+1.png" width="211" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdSVcdTnKGE/TzsCgiKsWaI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Vk3qLr8Cv9k/s1600/DSC_0822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdSVcdTnKGE/TzsCgiKsWaI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Vk3qLr8Cv9k/s320/DSC_0822.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dr. Nadeau and I after my challenge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the third food challenge, I made it to 100 milligrams, meaning that I "tested out" of that particular mystery nut. Whatever it was though, wouldn't remain a mystery for long. At the end of the day, we were unblinded. The first challenge had been peanuts (duh), the second was a placebo, and the third was cashew. So that means that only peanut will actually be officially part the study. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though I tested out of cashews, Dr. Nadeau suggested that I be challenged with whole cashews to see if I could eat more than 100 milligrams. I'll be posting pictures of that challenge later this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-59721750134904818742012-01-21T17:07:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:07:11.378-08:00Second Double Blind Food Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOodjmXnOJM/TxtaA9HclZI/AAAAAAAAABk/GYP749WCn20/s1600/DSC_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOodjmXnOJM/TxtaA9HclZI/AAAAAAAAABk/GYP749WCn20/s320/DSC_0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0.1 milligrams of mystery nut flour</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woJYB1_B8EY/TxtaTFl-yWI/AAAAAAAAABs/ykvYu7vj-Bg/s1600/DSC_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woJYB1_B8EY/TxtaTFl-yWI/AAAAAAAAABs/ykvYu7vj-Bg/s320/DSC_0705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mixing </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0w6CFiySis/TxtaZgmSi3I/AAAAAAAAAB0/J-ax8qk9nIw/s1600/DSC_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0w6CFiySis/TxtaZgmSi3I/AAAAAAAAAB0/J-ax8qk9nIw/s320/DSC_0714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AP U.S History all day, every day... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySTe4_0BdNk/TxtacBvCT2I/AAAAAAAAAB8/0aOVL4qSy-k/s1600/DSC_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySTe4_0BdNk/TxtacBvCT2I/AAAAAAAAAB8/0aOVL4qSy-k/s320/DSC_0709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 milligrams of mystery nut flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(where I reacted during my first challenge)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBUhSNU7qA/TxtazcJG2FI/AAAAAAAAACE/VsILSabkBrQ/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBUhSNU7qA/TxtazcJG2FI/AAAAAAAAACE/VsILSabkBrQ/s320/DSC_0716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Filling out a dose escalation sheet</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNEeKXC8qi8/Txta4Isp6KI/AAAAAAAAACM/dv4v8ABG9tc/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNEeKXC8qi8/Txta4Isp6KI/AAAAAAAAACM/dv4v8ABG9tc/s320/DSC_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some questions they ask me after each dose about my eyes, nose, throat, stomach, etc </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On January 10th, I had my second double blind challenge. This time, it went a lot more smoothly and I had no reaction. The method for escalating my doses was as follows (the same dose escalation I experience at every double blind challenge): </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">0.1 milligrams at 9:00 am - no reaction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1.6 milligrams at 9:15 am - no reaction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 milligrams at 9:45 am - no reaction </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">25 milligrams at 10:30 am - no reaction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">50 milligrams at 11:30 am - no reaction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">100 milligrams at 12:30 pm - no reaction </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12:30 pm - 2:30 pm - observation, no reaction </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the end of the day I had ingested 100 milligrams of mystery nut flour or placebo. I'm guessing this was the placebo. I'll find out during my last challenge which is this Tuesday the 24th. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-30316850134215893642012-01-21T15:53:00.000-08:002012-01-21T16:31:29.886-08:00First Double Blind Food Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1edqw9PYAZQ/TxtAppsMzAI/AAAAAAAAAA0/lf9q-_gtZto/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1edqw9PYAZQ/TxtAppsMzAI/AAAAAAAAAA0/lf9q-_gtZto/s320/IMG_2623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> Scratch testing for walnut, peanut, almond, cashew,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> pinenut, and a control.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jP_X_ccTP2Q/TxtA4acMFNI/AAAAAAAAAA8/jWhTJ5cM_YY/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jP_X_ccTP2Q/TxtA4acMFNI/AAAAAAAAAA8/jWhTJ5cM_YY/s320/IMG_2632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Peanuts beginning to react... one of the most uncomfortable<br />
things ever, and so itchy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIaTv0K2i1w/TxtBJYHujVI/AAAAAAAAABE/sxhvlwF7pVI/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIaTv0K2i1w/TxtBJYHujVI/AAAAAAAAABE/sxhvlwF7pVI/s320/IMG_2640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trying to distract myself with Tumblr, as usual. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6ouKI4ZzZs/TxtBUvE9TcI/AAAAAAAAABM/E3C9qmAMUuc/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6ouKI4ZzZs/TxtBUvE9TcI/AAAAAAAAABM/E3C9qmAMUuc/s320/IMG_2641.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Transferring the ink outlines (drawn around each reaction)<br />
on my back to paper as proof of what I reacted to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJJs6Kr4pKk/TxtBYj_hVII/AAAAAAAAABU/Df96VPRK76s/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJJs6Kr4pKk/TxtBYj_hVII/AAAAAAAAABU/Df96VPRK76s/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blood draw! So fun. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2jwydlKJk0/TxtBsBQgT-I/AAAAAAAAABc/gq7ovS1ePaE/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2jwydlKJk0/TxtBsBQgT-I/AAAAAAAAABc/gq7ovS1ePaE/s320/IMG_2662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0.1 milligrams of mystery nut flour, mixed into applesauce</div> <br />
My first double blind challenge began after the staff compared which allergens I was most topically sensitive to previous blood work results. As we could predict from my life thus far, peanuts were the most reactive. Though I had never had a real problem with other tree nuts, because cashews are close in their genetic makeup to peanuts, Dr. Nadeau and her team decided to add cashews to my therapy as well.<br />
<br />
The term "double blind" means that neither the doctors, nurses or the patients know exactly which nut flour I'll be eating on that particular day. The lab technician prepares a concoction consisting of rice flour and whichever nut flour I'll be tested for mixed into either chocolate pudding or apple sauce. Rumor had it the apple sauce masked the taste better, so I opted for that.<br />
<br />
Before I can actually start the desensitization therapy, I have to go through three of these double blind challenges. One for peanuts, one for cashews, and one placebo (in which I'll just be ingesting rice flour). This is to eliminate any possible psychological reaction to knowing what I'm eating. The double blinds will help set my initial threshold level, or the minimum amount of nut flour I can eat before I have a reaction. Later when the desensitization therapy begins, this is the dose on which I will start to build my tolerance. Doctors started with 0.1 milligram, increased to 1.6 milligrams after 15 minutes when they were sure I was not reacting, and then moved to 6 milligrams after another 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Shortly after my third dose however, I started feeling not so great. It wasn't exactly sharp pains in my stomach, but I was just uncomfortable. The doctors noticed a change in my complexion as well, and that was when they halted the challenge. I was given Zyrtec and Pepcid, both antihistamines to make sure the reaction didn't escalate. After being kept for observation for another couple of hours, I finally went home after a 6 hour day at Stanford Hospital.<br />
<br />
If I had to guess, I would say that this challenge was probably peanuts. Everybody will be "unblinded" after the third challenge, so we'll see if I'm right.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430322968284285566.post-46051187758234943422012-01-14T16:37:00.000-08:002012-01-16T16:59:22.482-08:00The Beginning<div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">My name is Lauren, and I am currently a 16 year old junior in high school. As someone who has suffered from severe food allergies to peanuts and other legumes, I jumped at the chance to be a part of an experimental treatment that will be a life changing experience for me and others participating in the study. </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Living with food allergies is a lot like playing a game of Russian Roulette every time you eat. No matter how careful I am, or how many precautions I take, there is always a chance of accidentally ingesting something that could kill me. Going to restaurants entails a series of interrogations: Does the waiter understand the severity of the problem? Will they accurately convey my concerns to the kitchen staff? Will they understand how to accurately read ingredient lists and allergen warnings? </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Sharing someone's drink is completely off limits. That Reese's Peanut Butter Cup they ate 3 hours ago? Peanut protein is still viable in their saliva. </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">But in just 6 months, all the hassle, all the fear, all the anxiety won't be a part of my life anymore. In just 6 months, all the things everyone gets to take for granted, like where or what they eat, I'll be able to take for granted too. Through the efforts of Stanford Alliance for Food Allergy Research (SAFAR) under the leadership of Kari Nadeau, MD, PHD at Stanford University, I will be able to tolerate 4000 or more milligrams of peanuts. The average peanut is about 240 milligrams, while I begin to react at 6, equivalent to only a few grains of sand. </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">This blog will be dedicated to my experiences throughout this study. </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br />
</span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03675182944697143300noreply@blogger.com0