Dr. Oz talks about food allergies

A little bit of hope!

At Brody's last check-up with the allergist, we discussed the possibility of Brody being able to tolerate baked-in egg given the fact that his RAST numbers for egg have been consistently dropping over the past few years. Studies have shown that many egg allergic individuals are able to consume foods containing extensively heated egg. The reason for this is that the higher temperatures used for these baked goods destroy the egg proteins enough that the allergic antibodies are not able to recognize them.

So we are very excited to announce that in April of this year Brody will be undergoing an in-office food challenge for baked-in egg. And if he passes that test with flying colors, he may also test for raw egg! I have a very good feeling that the baked-in egg challenge will go very smoothly with no reactions. The thought of once again being able to bake cakes, muffins, and cookies with eggs as an ingredient actually makes me giddy! Please send us good vibes for the April challenge!!!

New Auto-Injector Now Available

Sciele Pharma, Inc., has introduced a new auto-injector for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Adrenaclick is a single-dose epinephrine auto-injector and will be available as a single unit or a convenient two-pack. It is available in two dosing options (0.15 mg and 0.3 mg).

Check out the website to see a picture of the new Adrenaclick and to learn more about it!
http://www.adrenaclick.com/



*****************************************************

Peatnut Free Planet

Anyone who attended the November support group meeting had the opportunity to pick up some samples that Peanut Free Planet was kind enough to send us, including packets of Sunbutter, Doctor Kracker spelt crackers, and Honey Nutz which are honey roasted soy nuts. After visiting the website I was very pleased to find a one-stop shop which carried such a large variety of allergy friendly manufacturers and products. It was also nice to see that they strive to go the extra mile to reassure customers that they are getting a personalized shopping experience such as being able to shop by specific allergens, brands, or even price. And of course all products available from PFP are manufactured in facilities that are peanut free and tree nut free!

This would be an excellent site to keep in mind with holidays fast approaching!
http://www.peanutfreeplanet.com/


Here's what another member of our group had to say about Peanut Free Planet:

"Peanut Free Planet is a terrific company. Ordering from them is a breeze and I am never dissatisfied. Twice a year my friends and I group an order together and easily place it online. It is a joy to find such a plethora of peanut and nut free items that look and more importantly TASTE the same as the nut contaminated ones we have locally. Our favorite is the Quaker Oats chocolate chip granola bars. Others are the mass number of candy bars that are allergy friendly, too. Peanut Free Planet is one of the only places I can order Kit Kat candy bars for my daughter...and they are peanut/nut free, which is what she needs. My non-allergic son can go to the local store and eat any candy bar off the shelf. My daughter can't. What is so 'big' about a sugary, sweet candy bar? To me, not that much... but to my daughter, it's everything. Just to have the same as all the other kids, especially her brother.
Just to be the same, that is where I fell in love with PFP! They have the exact same allergy-friendly items that I need. Last year my daughter got a Kit Kat in her stocking, she knew right away....Santa shopped at Peanut Free Planet!"

Happy Halloween 2009!

This year for Halloween Brody was Ninja Boy (of course) with his trusty sidekick the Kungfu Pup and Josh dressed up as Dr. Josh, Pediatric Allergist!


Notice the black belt...don't cross the Kungfu Pup!


We had a great time at the annual Food-Free Fall Carnival put on by the Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin!

The Blizzard Wizard and Tinkerbell stopped over to say "Hi"!

Movin' On Up (Karate Style!)

Earlier this month Brody participated in a promotion test and earned his brown belt in Karate! It's amazing to think how far he has come over the past 3-4 years and how dedicated and determined he still is to earn his black belt. Brody has always been the kind of person who sets his mind on something and won't stop until he achieves that goal.

Congratulations Brody! We are so proud of you!!

Brody's favorite part of the graduation ceremony was breaking a board. Watch the action in this video!

Preparing to Spar!

Sparring Mr. Griffey

Brody and Mrs. Hyke

Brody with his former instructors, Mr. Griffey and Ms. Genrich

Brown Belt Ninja Boy!

**************************************************

Coupons, Discounts, & Special Offers

Many children (or adults) with food allergies also have environmental and/or seasonal allergies, asthma, and eczema. Which usually translates into lots of different medications! For example, both of my sons and myself suffer from all of the above ailments, so between the three of us we use about 20 prescription medications consisting of inhalers, nasal sprays, antihistamines, medicated creams/lotions/ointments, etc...which really puts a dent in the wallet. However, I have found that many medication websites offer great money-saving coupons! So next time you're given a prescription, be sure to check the affiliated website for special offers before heading to the pharmacy!

Here are the special offers that I have found so far. If you know of any others, please leave a comment!

~Nasal Sprays~

Nasonex:
https://www.nasonex.com/nasx/application?namespace=coupon&event=coupon&event_input=
Save up to $15 per refill.

Veramyst:
https://www.veramyst.com/optin/savings.jsp
Up to $25 off your prescription and refills. Can use up to 6 coupons per year.

~Inhalers~

Ventolin:
http://www.ventolin.com/coupon_special_offers.jsp
Offer limited to 4 prescription refills per year.

Advair:
https://www.advair.com/asthma/coupons-and-special-offers/coupons-and-special-offers.jsp
The coupon states it is for the Advair Discus (which contains a milk ingredient!), but I have verified with the company that the coupon is also good towards the Advair HFA inhaler. This coupon can be used monthly.

Xopenex:
https://secure.xopenex.com/xopenexPromos/xopenex-offer.cfm
Not a coupon for the actual medication, but sign up here for a free Xopenex inhaler holder.


Proventil:
https://www.proventilhfa.com/phfa/application?namespace=coupon&event=coupon&web_program_id=00000304
$15 instant savings coupon

~Antihistamines~

Zyrtec:
http://www.zyrtec.com/econsumer/zyrtec/utility.view?body=/zyrtec/pages/special_offers.jsp
$2 and $4 coupons


Xyzal:
http://www.xyzal.com/patient_resources/freetrialoffer.aspx
5 day free trial prescription

Allegra:

http://www.allegra.com/rebate.aspx

$24 rebate

Claritin:
http://www.claritin.com/claritin/offers/index.jspa
$2 coupons


~Autoinjectable Epinephrine~

Twinject:
http://www.twinject.com/allergy-treatment-resources/injector-rebate.asp
$20 rebate

~Antileukotriene~

Singulair:
http://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/singulair/consumer/r/for_adults/savings_offer_for_singulair/index.jsp Save up to $20.


************************************************