I received this email from a reader and thought my response might also be helpful to others who are just beginning their journey with new food dietary restrictions:
I wonder if you can share…do you have true food allergies? Anaphylaxis? Or Food sensitivity to the foods you list above? I’m curious as our lives have changed because of anaphylaxis…that I’m just curious how your body / life has changed anaphylaxis or other reactions. Look forward to your comments / sharing your experiences.
Thanks,
L
My own personal discovery in changes in my body and diet came with a sudden onset of hives on my face, most especially around my eye area. I had never had any food allergies before and this started in my early 30s, after I stopped nursing my first child. My face would break out in red, swollen, itchy hives then the skin irritation would recede to a darker color after a few days/weeks (usually once I had eliminated the food allergen). This went on for weeks until I finally went to a professional Allergist who tested me positive with various food and plant allergies (gluten and corn among them).
It took months for me to come to terms that I could not just decrease the amounts of food allergens, but would have to eliminate them completely from my diet. Only when I strictly eliminated all the known allergens did my outbreaks stop entirely. With research, time, patience and reaching out to others (especially in the gluten-free community) was I able to feel comfortable with cooking at home and dining out with food allergies.
So for me, I do not experience anaphylaxis, but instead allergic reaction on my skin. I can only imagine how scary to have more serious affects and the extreme diligence and care involved in protecting oneself from other more life-threatening reactions. I do have close friends who’s children have severe nut allergies. They must train all caretakers (babysitters, school teachers, family) on how to react upon sudden reaction to an allergen, such as nuts. Education (for the child and caretakers) is necessary at all times, whether at home, at school, or perhaps even at birthday parties or play dates in order to keep the child safe and allergy free (or, in worst case, how to treat child in an emergency episode).
How have you all coped with new changes in lifestyle and diet and what advice can you give?
Hi there! I had an anaphylactic attack 30 months back, met Death, survived and have been surviving for 30 months now. I have diagnosed as Salicylate Sensitive and now have broadened to other chemicals as well. Diet wise, it is very restrictive and I have been taking it one day at a time. Here is my story in detail:
http://therighttobealive.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-i-met-death.html
I wish you all the best and take care,
Evelyn