I was first diagnosed with a peanut allergy as a small child. Growing up I had numerous accidental exposures that led to varied reactions including swollen lips, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. Many people with young children with food allergies often ask if I have ever had to use my EpiPen. I always tell them no, but I probably should have. I have only had one reaction as an adult due to strict avoidance but I did not like the limitations my food allergy had on my life.
I would occasionally receive a letter in the mail for a food allergy study but they were always for children. At age 31, I wasn’t sure if there was anything for me. After learning of Oral Immunotherapy through Facebook, my wife scheduled a consultation appointment with a recommended allergist. The consultation appointment affirmed my desire to give OIT a try.
I began peanut OIT at the Bernstein Allergy Group with Dr. Justin Greiwe in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 15, 2016 with a very uneventful first day of rapid desensitization. I felt confident in knowing I was already on my way to freedom. We traveled two or three times each month for appointments while on the liquid solution. Once I began dosing with peanut powder and then whole peanuts, I increased my dose almost every week. Making the long seven hour drive round trip every week became our family’s norm. My wife and two sons traveled with me to most appointments.
I am excited to say that I graduated from peanut OIT on July 29, 2016 only six and a half months after starting the process. During this time I experienced only a few mild reactions from dosing. One time my ear and cheeks became red while in the doctor’s office after increasing my liquid dose, another time I did not mix the peanut powder into my chocolate pudding good enough and a pocket of powder made my mouth feel odd, and then there were times my stomach felt just a little off when I didn’t eat as much as I should have when dosing. All of the issues were mild and did not require medication of any kind. I did take allergy medicine as needed for seasonal allergies but this was unrelated to OIT. No matter the time of day, my doctor was always ready to take my call and give me guidance if I accidentally skipped a dose or if I was becoming sick with a cold and needed to know how to handle my dosing schedule. The entire process went by quickly without any setbacks. I am thankful for the support from my wife that encouraged me to do this and was by my side the whole way through.
Here are a few concerns you may have as an adult considering OIT:
If you are an adult with food allergies you may be thinking how missing work once every week or every other week could even be a possibility. I am a public school teacher and I had my doubts at the beginning too. I spoke with my principal and superintendent and both were very understanding. I wrote several substitute teaching plans this past school year and used many sick days, but it was worth it! Some allergist offices even offer Saturday appointments.
Scheduling appointments are not the only scheduling issue for some adults. Many of us strive for a healthy lifestyle that involves exercise. The two hour observation period after dosing limits exercising right after dosing. I was able to continue my usual routine of going to the gym early in the morning then heading to work. I would take my morning dose once I arrived at work. After the two hour observation period, I was as active as I wanted to be. I take my evening dose at night after kids go to bed then stay up a little longer watching a television show or doing things around the house. The observation period was not an issue whatsoever. OIT has made my life simpler, not more difficult.
Another concern for adults is knowing the taste and the realities of ingesting their allergen, but still overcoming the fear in order to desensitize their body. I was concerned about this as well. This is what you can expect with dosing. The liquid doses started out so diluted that I was unable to detect a peanut taste until the solution became more concentrated. The powder was easily masked in pudding or other solids until the amount of powder grew to larger amounts. When I increased to whole peanuts I first mixed the nuts with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, then later I masked the peanut taste with pretzels, Nutella, or granola. I am getting use to the taste of peanuts. Since completing OIT, I purchased my first Snickers bar and ate the entire thing! I probably will not eat another one, but I now have freedom to eat one if i choose and any other candy bars that were once off limits due to cross contamination. I know it is possible to overcome the fear because I have.
If you are an adult with food allergies I encourage you to schedule a consultation appointment. Read the success stories, ask questions, and go for it! #OITworks #RelaxGoNuts
