Michiko was out in the yard just now. She and her daddy were digging into the compost heap. This year we are experimenting with square foot gardening. But for the deer, our resident groundhog, and other rodents which we have some difficulty keeping out (we have fences, wire cages and bird nets), we are pleased with our two plots of 4X4s. We have even begun to harvest some outer cabbage leaves, and lettuce!

Well, while in the back yard, she spied some puffball mushrooms and was very excited. I think she kicked into one while holding her breath. Then very gently, she brought one into the kitchen to show it to me.  She told me to hold it carefully and not to break it. I placed it on the kitchen table, intending to take a picture of it for her monthly newsletter.  Then her daddy came to the kitchen and washed his hands vigorously. I reminded her to wash her hands since she had been out in the yard. Well, not long after that, she came into the kitchen yelling that her hands were very itchy. I examined them and indeed they had swelled and looked angry, hot and red. I wondered if the soap she had used caused it. That soap was home-made by her aunt Marianne. I recalled that Marianne occasionally used walnut oil in her soaps (my daughter is allergic to walnut). But Michiko had used that soap daily for several weeks now, and with no complaints. And I was quite sure it did not contain walnut oil.  It then occured to me that there could have been a reaction between what she had touched earlier (the puffball mushroom) and the soap. I don't know. I just don't know. 

My heart simply beat so fast when I saw those hands. I was just so upset. I quickly squirted some cortisone cream on the redness and instructed her to rub her hands briskly. I also gave her 1 teaspoon of Zrytec. Argh, I noticed it expired last month!

Just because she hasn't had a reaction in a while I have been a bit complacent. Sure, her eczema continues to be a persistent challenge and her eyes occasionally get red and itchy, but we have not seen other reactions in a while. It is a reminder to me that I cannot rest and be relax. I must be alert at all times and at least make sure her medications are up to date. So tomorrow I will need to get new prescription for her Zrytec and her epi-pen. The latter has also just expired.

Living with allergies is just no fun.

I hate it!

It stresses me so much! 

But thank God for His abiding presence...

Thank God that we have Him to turn to just when we think we cannot take another episode or reminder of our children's allergies...

Thank God that He cares and He understands. He knows our weaknesses and remembers we are dust...

Meanwhile I pray for myself and others who are in the same boat, that God will give us wisdom as we help our children with their allergy-related challenges....

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Posted by Mitsuko

Hi Miiko, so sorry to hear your daughter's little hands had gotten so badly itchy and all... I understand how frustrating it could be when we see them suffering and plus, we have no clue how that came about! I hope the reaction calmed down very soon. Also I understand how you feel stressed about ALWAYS having to be on the alert - there are so many uncontrollable factors as parents, to keep our kids safe, but we, those dealing with allergies definitely have more in our hands. We do have stress in our lives - how we handle it, how we manage it, how we face and deal with it, is what counts. I will be praying for your and your family as well. Let's keep (or at least try) to keep our heart light - and fear nothing. May you be protected.
I am trying to get over a bad cold where I almost completely lost my voice - at least the middle-high voice. Will continue to be in touch with you - Mitsuko

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Posted by takingthechallenge

I am so sorry to read of your daughter's allergic reaction. Allergies that are severe are certainly scary things to deal with. I hope she's feeling better now.

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Posted by MominIreland

I enjoyed reading your blog today! :)

Barbara

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