I started off weighing each daily dose meticulously
sleeves rolled up, let's do this
We came away after our one day stay in the hospital with papers explaining our protocol going forward, and instructions as to how to execute it correctly. Our next visit to Lille for peanuts would be in six months' time.
Abi's protocol was to consume a certain size of a 'Curly' crisp (a European savoury puffed snack made of corn and ground peanuts), starting with a half each day. (This was based on her oral challenge in clinic.) Our protocol increased at the beginning of certain months, e.g. month two, month three, and these increases were to be administered at home.
Again, I stress, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. Our protocol was designed under expert medical supervision.
One of the very many 'Curly' packs we crammed into our suitcase before returning home
up-dosing
Up-dosing will be so routine for the allergy clinicians but, for me as her anxious mother, my heart sits right in my mouth every single up-dosing day.
Month one passed by with nothing much to report: 'My throat's a bit lumpy,' was a common comment. We tried mitigating the effect with yoghurt and I kept (and still keep) a log of each dose and feedback. Then I noticed, after three weeks, the daily lumpiness had gone. Could this actually be working...?
Then I noticed, after three weeks, the daily lumpiness had gone. Could this actually be working...?
And so on to month two: an increased dose. Again, the scratchiness / lumpiness returned for a few days, but notably less so. We carried on.
Month three began with a further increase. This time with no throat irritation. Abi was now eating one Curly a day (weighed meticulously by Yours Truly. Obvs.)
We were now approaching November 2021 and, guess what, it was time to get back out to Lille! Nothing to do with peanuts. Next stop - almonds and pistachios!
Next stop - almonds and pistachios!
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