isabelladangelo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
isabelladangelo) wrote2008-05-20 12:12 pm
isabelladangelo) wrote2008-05-20 12:12 pm
That allergy debate on ravelry
First some background on what the heck I'm allergic too and what happens...
My most severe allergies are Tomatos, Buckwheat, and a couple of chemicals. The chemicals are the worst because they far harder to avoid. I can avoid eatting Pizza or 12 grain bread. I cannot avoid Crabtree and Evelyn in the mall. I also have trouble avoiding cleaning products at various workspaces and schools. It's only certain chemicals and I can smell them before I get too close.
There is also that whole "raw silk" thing. I cannot be near worm spit. If it's not processed silk (charmesue, dupioni, stuff like that are fine), I cannot be near it.
If I get near these things, the first thing that happens is I'll start to itch, turn red, my throat will start to swell...I'll stop breathing and get hives...followed by a full body swell. Although, the one time they changed the soap at one old work place, my skin just peeled off my hands and my knucles all bleed. (I had my hands wrapped up for a few days) However, I think the soap one was rather unique since it wasn't the smell, it was the actual substance.
But yes, I have problems with smells of certain things and I should carry around my epi pen where ever I go.
Now, given all that, do I expect other places to bend over backwards to accomidate me? Do I expect others to not wear certain things because I can't be around them? I use to. However, I know now it's a heck of a lot easier for me just to take a couple of steps back, explain the problem, and excuse myself. Taking yourself out of the situation is so much easier than forcing those around you to change. Now, some people change because they happen to like to be around you. That's great! But it's not something that should be demanded.
This goes to the heart of the "no peanuts at school" debate. Should all the other children "suffer" because one kid can't be around peanuts? Should all the other parents be extra vigilant because of one kid out of possible 400? Honestly, no. If a kid is THAT allergic, home school them! Have them eat elsewhere if it's possible to seperate the child from the lunch room. Get the one child to change, not the other 399. It's easier on everyone and far safer. By putting your child into a public school like that, thinking the school, the other parents, and the other children have everything covered for one kid is completely idiotic. It's also putting your child at risk. Don't do it. Trust yourself and your child and that's it. You might get the help of a teacher but don't expect it. It might be easier in a private school than a public school, however, in these cases where even the slightest hint of a smell can cause an allergic reaction, home schooling is the best option.
No, I wasn't home schooled...but then again, most of my allergies developed in my teens. By college, I did have to work out class schedules with professors and have assignments emailed to me because I could not attend a class after the cleaning crew came through. (Luckily, they only cleaned once a month!) Take responsibility for your child, don't force that responsibility on to everyone else.
My most severe allergies are Tomatos, Buckwheat, and a couple of chemicals. The chemicals are the worst because they far harder to avoid. I can avoid eatting Pizza or 12 grain bread. I cannot avoid Crabtree and Evelyn in the mall. I also have trouble avoiding cleaning products at various workspaces and schools. It's only certain chemicals and I can smell them before I get too close.
There is also that whole "raw silk" thing. I cannot be near worm spit. If it's not processed silk (charmesue, dupioni, stuff like that are fine), I cannot be near it.
If I get near these things, the first thing that happens is I'll start to itch, turn red, my throat will start to swell...I'll stop breathing and get hives...followed by a full body swell. Although, the one time they changed the soap at one old work place, my skin just peeled off my hands and my knucles all bleed. (I had my hands wrapped up for a few days) However, I think the soap one was rather unique since it wasn't the smell, it was the actual substance.
But yes, I have problems with smells of certain things and I should carry around my epi pen where ever I go.
Now, given all that, do I expect other places to bend over backwards to accomidate me? Do I expect others to not wear certain things because I can't be around them? I use to. However, I know now it's a heck of a lot easier for me just to take a couple of steps back, explain the problem, and excuse myself. Taking yourself out of the situation is so much easier than forcing those around you to change. Now, some people change because they happen to like to be around you. That's great! But it's not something that should be demanded.
This goes to the heart of the "no peanuts at school" debate. Should all the other children "suffer" because one kid can't be around peanuts? Should all the other parents be extra vigilant because of one kid out of possible 400? Honestly, no. If a kid is THAT allergic, home school them! Have them eat elsewhere if it's possible to seperate the child from the lunch room. Get the one child to change, not the other 399. It's easier on everyone and far safer. By putting your child into a public school like that, thinking the school, the other parents, and the other children have everything covered for one kid is completely idiotic. It's also putting your child at risk. Don't do it. Trust yourself and your child and that's it. You might get the help of a teacher but don't expect it. It might be easier in a private school than a public school, however, in these cases where even the slightest hint of a smell can cause an allergic reaction, home schooling is the best option.
No, I wasn't home schooled...but then again, most of my allergies developed in my teens. By college, I did have to work out class schedules with professors and have assignments emailed to me because I could not attend a class after the cleaning crew came through. (Luckily, they only cleaned once a month!) Take responsibility for your child, don't force that responsibility on to everyone else.
no subject
"Do you mind if I smoke?"
"I don't know; do you mind if I throw up all over you?"
I generally don't wear much perfume at all because I have such issues with scents. :-( Interesting thing, smoked cheddar is one of the food triggers that I have for migraines -- but if I can smell it without getting a headache, I can eat it. If I get a headache from smelling it, I don't dare eat it!