Carrying EpiPens
Having to carry EpiPens with you everywhere you go can be daunting. While I (knock on wood) have never had to use one before, I am very aware of the fact that I may have to at some point. This makes preparation so important. I have practiced with a trainer epi (one that does not have a needle or medicine) to know how to administer it if needed, to the point that I could probably do it asleep. My siblings, parents, and some grandparents have been taught how to use them in case my mom or I needed one and could not give it to ourselves. I think that preparation is a HUGE part of having confidence if you ever need to use one and can relieve some stress in the moment.
As someone with a severe food allergy (especially one that usually takes a while to react from, as with AGS), it is very important that I have my EpiPens with me all the time. It is also imperative that I carry two with me all time. I want to emphasize this because sometimes one epi is not enough! So be sure to carry two with you all the time!
When I was newly diagnosed, it was hard to get into the habit of remembering to take them with me everywhere. Here are some tips for remembering your epic:
Get a case in which to put your EpiPens and any other allergy medicines, such as Allegra, Pepcid, Zyrtec, etc., that you might need. I put a sheet of information about AGS for doctors and instructions on my reaction response plan in the case, as well, in case anyone needs it.
Get a small “essentials” bag (for me it’s a Lululemon crossbody bag — yep, I’m a teenage girl🤪) that you put all your stuff you need all the time in. For me, that’s my EpiPens, wallet, chapstick, etc. And then just know that wherever you are going, whatever bag you’re taking, whether it’s a school backpack or soccer bag, you’ll be sure to throw the smaller “essentials” bag in. Or if there’s nothing else you need, just take the essentials bag!
If you need extra help getting in the groove of bringing your epis, put a Post-It note on the door you always leave through as a reminder to bring it, or just ask someone you live with, like a family member to remind you when you’re leaving.
Remember, it is so crucial to remember your Epipens with you at all times, even if you will not be eating! (Allergic reactions from Alpha Gal can happen anywhere from about three seconds to six hours after allergen exposure.) I have been known to get halfway somewhere, realize I forgot the epis, and turn around to get it. It is that important!
Lastly, make sure other people know where your EpiPens are in case you are not able to give it to yourself. At home, my siblings and parents know that the Epipens live in the laundry room, and they are all educated on how to use it. At school and other places you go regularly, be sure that people know where your epic will be. For instance, at soccer, my coaches know I have Epipens in my bag if I ever need them. Being sure that other people know how to help you in a scary situation can make all the difference!