At what age can we expect that our children can self-administer their Epi-pen? My son will be 8 on February 2. He understands that the Epi-pen goes into his leg and that it must be held there for 10 seconds. But does he truly understand what is going on? Do I need him to truly understand? In November his class had to do a picture and description of what they were thankful for. My son, sweet boy that he is, said he was thankful for his family because if he has a reaction to peanuts they will “save” him. Something to that effect. He then drew a picture of me giving him the Epi-pen in his leg. It actually chokes me up to think about it. My poor boy, having to think that his family may some day have to save him.
When he sees the allergist in April I’m going to see what her opinions are on maturity level. I’m sure it depends on the child but there must be some ballpark age that kids “get it”. What do you think?
February 22, 2011 at 11:16 pm |
Hi! I am a 25 year old with a peanut allergy. Although I would say that I grasped the use of the Epi-Pen by age 8 I don’t think I really expected myself to be the one to give the injection if the need arose until later. I think my willpower as an 8 year old (or even 10 year old) would not be strong enough to hold the needle in for 10 seconds. My mom visited my elementary school teachers at the beginning of each year and taught them how to use the Epi-Pen just in case. Even after that point, I have always made sure I am surrounded by people that know where I keep my Epi-Pen and how to use it. Through college, it was my roommates and now it is my husband and several of my coworkers. I would like to think I would be able to do it if necessary but I don’t want to take any chances.
When I get a dual pack of Epi-Pens I have gotten a “practice” Epi-Pen that I would think would be excellent for your son to practice with. Have you seen those?