So, now that our son has a spot in a clinical trial for peanut desensitization, I have started to talk to people about it and search out other parents who are participating. Parents seem to fall into two categories when I see them talk about clinical trials:
Category 1 - Let's Go!
I guess,I fall in this category. We all seem to be folks who think, hey...my kid can have a reaction at any time, why not get them in this study to see if it will help and if they have a reaction, they are right there in a hospital when it happens. Let's get them fixed if we can or at least taped up enough to play!
Category 2 - My child is not a lab rat!
These parents are ones who are not willing to let their child be part of a science experiment. They might try the treatment when it is approved, but they are not ready now and not ready to take any extra risk. I have found that most of these folks have seen their child have a very serious reaction and just aren't willing to chance it. I understand completely and sometimes, I question my decision too!
However, at night before I go to sleep, I think about how not only will my son have a chance at being able to lead a more normal life without a fear of a reaction, but that his participation will also help all those other kids and adults out there with food allergies. So, although there is a risk, there is a risk every time my son takes a bit of anything, so I feel as though this is a carefully calculated risk and right now, one I am willing to take to facilitate his long-term health.
I hope that one day in this blog I will be able to write a post called "Treatment approved and available at local allergists' offices worldwide".
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