Lucy's Story

Lucy had bad eczema from when she was just a few months old. At around three months old, it was so bad we were hospitalised to help manage it. At this point, Lucy had various blood tests, which showed us she had IgE allergies to dairy, eggs and nuts. From this early point in her life, we have had to face managing not only severe eczema but also potentially life-threatening allergies.

In the Easter time of 2023, just before Lucy’s fifth birthday, we noticed that she was becoming increasingly symptomatic with lots of flare-ups of her eczema and worrying respiratory symptoms. One day, her coughing and breathing became so bad that despite knowing she had not eaten anything she was allergic to, we assumed she was experiencing anaphylaxis and administered her Epi Pens whilst calling for an ambulance. This was absolutely terrifying for us all.

During this trip to A&E and subsequent review by her allergy team, Lucy underwent more blood tests, which showed she had developed allergies to dust mites, tree pollen and grass pollen. This had been what caused her most recent symptoms and culminated in this severe respiratory reaction which she had experienced. Another big life adjustment was needed.

Once we received Lucy’s new diagnosis, we were given a lot of support from her allergy team. After reading a lot about how we could help alleviate Lucy’s symptoms alongside some regular medication, including antihistamine and steroid inhalers, we set to work. What we did know was that we could control the dust levels in our house.

The first month after receiving Lucy’s diagnosis was an expensive one! We bought a new vacuum cleaner with the best suction and Hepa filter we could find. We bought new bedding, all of which was ‘anti-allergy’, and we invested in the best cleaning products for dust removal, such as dusters, floor mops, etc. We were fortunate to already have wooden floorings throughout most of our house. We bought an air purifier for Lucy’s bedroom and a steam cleaner. This was not only a one-off cost but something that needs updating reasonably frequently alongside filters for vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, etc. We have chosen to have the additional cost of a cleaner, but that was purely to allow us to have family time that didn’t involve endless weekend cleaning.

Our cleaning regime is strict. Our cleaner comes every two weeks to help ‘deep clean’. On top of this, we dust and hoover twice a week. We wash bedding every week, and Lucy’s cuddly toys are on regular rotation through the freezer; she is limited to four in her bed at any one time. Clothing is always washed on a hot wash, and as we can’t dry clothes outside due to her pollen allergy, we have to use a heated airer or a tumble dryer, which seems like a never-ending task.

Throughout Lucy’s allergy journey, we have always tried to remain positive and focused on all the amazing things she is able to do. She is such a little superstar who always sees the best in life and grabs it with both hands.

As parents, it is not always easy. The relentlessness of maintaining an environment for your child to be safe in can be exhausting. Some days, I just don’t want to vacuum again. But I do because of the guilt and stress of when she has a flare-up. You go around in circles wondering if you could have done something to stop or prevent. It is exhausting.

We are so fortunate to have really supportive friends and family who have always been there for us and Lucy throughout her allergy journey. Her dust mite allergy, of course, adds an additional component to when we want to visit or stay away with friends and family. They sometimes feel the pressure to ensure a higher cleaning standard and will worry about dusting and vacuuming before we arrive. We will often have to be more aware of Lucy’s symptoms when at someone else’s house or on holiday, and she may require additional antihistamines or topical treatment if her symptoms flare. When going on holiday, I usually bring some additional cleaning supplies, and we always travel with Lucy’s own bedding to minimise flare-ups.

My hope is that her allergies will reduce as she grows, and we believe this is still possible. However, if they don’t, my hope is that she grows up in a society that understands her and what she needs. I hope she is always shown compassion and care and never feels like an inconvenience.