Yesterday evening, after work, I stopped by a local superstore to pick up some household necessities -- trash bags, dishwasher soap and the like. The store is part of a large, Midwestern chain and located near my house, which makes it convenient for quick trips to get odds and ends. Having found what I had needed, I was on my way to the check-out counter when I noticed a designated healthy-living section midway down one aisle and decided to see what items were stocked. To my surprise, there was a respectable selection of gluten- and allergen-free products.
The prices for the products were fairly high, although comparable with other stores in the general vicinity that offer similar goods. Much to my delight, however, this store carries some Schär products, which currently aren't available at other local retailers. I love Schär crackers and haven't had them since my favorite gluten-free market and bakery closed a few years ago. A happy find! There also were a few other Schär-brand items, new to me, that I'm looking forward to trying.
I won't be shopping there regularly for my gluten-free groceries, but it's nice to know that I have another option -- one that's conveniently located if I suddenly run out of something I must have, and importantly, one that has products I can't easily get anywhere else.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Add One More Thing ...
Well, it turns out I have something called angioedema.
My trip to the new allergist went amazingly well. Quite frankly, it's how a visit to a doctor should go. During my appointment, I told Dr. A. about the recent problems I was having, swelling up and not being able to breathe after having come into contact with something (who knows what), as well as my history of asthma, allergy-testing, celiac disease and food allergies. And here's the amazing part: He actually listened.
So, after our conversation and a brief examination, Dr. A. explained that he believes I have a form of angioedema, either idiopathic or the rare hereditary type, and a blood test would help determine which one. He said that he didn't want to put me through more environmental allergy testing, as it probably would be inconclusive -- an approach that I very much appreciated.
Then we talked about preventative measures. First, I need to take an antihistamine for six to eight weeks to break the cycle, then wean myself off. I have to carry Benadryl and an EpiPen with me at all times, which is sort of a nuisance, but truly, I feel relieved. I have an explanation as to what I've been experiencing. It may not precise -- I still don't know what triggers these reactions -- but at least I know what to do when I have one. Importantly, I felt like someone heard and helped me.
After about a week, my blood test came back negative for acquired or hereditary angioedema, which is a good thing. With a diagnosis of idiopathic angioedema, it means that I won't necessarily know what causes the reactions I've been having, but at least I've been equipped to deal with the situation when something does happen. It's an answer of sorts and I'm OK with that.
My trip to the new allergist went amazingly well. Quite frankly, it's how a visit to a doctor should go. During my appointment, I told Dr. A. about the recent problems I was having, swelling up and not being able to breathe after having come into contact with something (who knows what), as well as my history of asthma, allergy-testing, celiac disease and food allergies. And here's the amazing part: He actually listened.
So, after our conversation and a brief examination, Dr. A. explained that he believes I have a form of angioedema, either idiopathic or the rare hereditary type, and a blood test would help determine which one. He said that he didn't want to put me through more environmental allergy testing, as it probably would be inconclusive -- an approach that I very much appreciated.
Then we talked about preventative measures. First, I need to take an antihistamine for six to eight weeks to break the cycle, then wean myself off. I have to carry Benadryl and an EpiPen with me at all times, which is sort of a nuisance, but truly, I feel relieved. I have an explanation as to what I've been experiencing. It may not precise -- I still don't know what triggers these reactions -- but at least I know what to do when I have one. Importantly, I felt like someone heard and helped me.
After about a week, my blood test came back negative for acquired or hereditary angioedema, which is a good thing. With a diagnosis of idiopathic angioedema, it means that I won't necessarily know what causes the reactions I've been having, but at least I've been equipped to deal with the situation when something does happen. It's an answer of sorts and I'm OK with that.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Upcoming Q&A Dinner
I was so excited when I learned about the premier Q&A Dinner to be held at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC). A collaborative effort between lisacooksallergenfree.com and the Cooking and Hospitality Institute, the evening will combine a culinary experience with information on living an allergen-free lifestyle. Touted as "a safe and sound night out for adults and children with food allergies," the event costs $50 per person and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sat., March 7, at CHIC's downtown Chicago location.
I've already got my tickets. Visit http://lisacooksallergenfree.com for more information or to register for the event.
I've already got my tickets. Visit http://lisacooksallergenfree.com for more information or to register for the event.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Speaking Up
Driving to the grocery store recently, I saw a bumper sticker that read, "Your Silence Will Not Protect You," and it really got me thinking. While I'm sure it's not what the author (Audre Lorde) originally intended, I mused about how applicable the concept is to those coping with food allergies/intolerances: We must speak up to make sure our needs are met.
Earlier this week, B. and I were out to dinner, and I had to send my food back. I had asked the waiter about the dairy content in the restaurant's mashed potatoes, and was told they would be fine for me. So I ordered green beans and mashed potatoes with my entree, clarifying that no dairy should be used for either. But when my plate arrived, the beans glistened with butter. I asked the server who delivered my plate (it wasn't my waiter) about it. He went back to the kitchen to check, and returned shortly, confirming there was dairy in both the vegetable and potato dishes. He promptly took my plate, and a little while later, my food came back, dairy-free, with a fresh entree, plain beans and mashed sweet potatoes. It was a great meal, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. But had I not said something, my experience that evening would have been entirely different.
Before I was diagnosed with celiac disease, when eating out, I would occasionally send food back if it was cold or wasn't prepared properly, and I might get a little anxious about it, not really wanting to make a fuss. That doesn't happen anymore. There are no qualms. If my food isn't right, I send it back without the least bit of hesitation. In the event that I do have to complain, I make every effort to be pleasant about it, but I will not eat something that I know will make me sick.
If I don't speak up for myself in situations like the other evening, who will? Granted, I have friends and family members who would gladly do so, but ultimately, it's my responsibility. After all, if I didn't, I'd be the one to deal with the consequences. To paraphrase Audre Lourde, remaining quiet just because it might be a little uncomfortable to speak up isn't going to protect me. And, in the long run, I'd be a whole lot more uncomfortable if I stayed silent.
Earlier this week, B. and I were out to dinner, and I had to send my food back. I had asked the waiter about the dairy content in the restaurant's mashed potatoes, and was told they would be fine for me. So I ordered green beans and mashed potatoes with my entree, clarifying that no dairy should be used for either. But when my plate arrived, the beans glistened with butter. I asked the server who delivered my plate (it wasn't my waiter) about it. He went back to the kitchen to check, and returned shortly, confirming there was dairy in both the vegetable and potato dishes. He promptly took my plate, and a little while later, my food came back, dairy-free, with a fresh entree, plain beans and mashed sweet potatoes. It was a great meal, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. But had I not said something, my experience that evening would have been entirely different.
Before I was diagnosed with celiac disease, when eating out, I would occasionally send food back if it was cold or wasn't prepared properly, and I might get a little anxious about it, not really wanting to make a fuss. That doesn't happen anymore. There are no qualms. If my food isn't right, I send it back without the least bit of hesitation. In the event that I do have to complain, I make every effort to be pleasant about it, but I will not eat something that I know will make me sick.
If I don't speak up for myself in situations like the other evening, who will? Granted, I have friends and family members who would gladly do so, but ultimately, it's my responsibility. After all, if I didn't, I'd be the one to deal with the consequences. To paraphrase Audre Lourde, remaining quiet just because it might be a little uncomfortable to speak up isn't going to protect me. And, in the long run, I'd be a whole lot more uncomfortable if I stayed silent.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Pantry Management
I'm a big believer in New Year's resolutions; they work for me -- I love the idea of starting fresh at the beginning of every year. I make about a dozen -- one for each month -- and I have the whole year to accomplish them. Some are typical (lose weight), some are fun (watch four new movies a month), some are practical (save more money). So, especially with the state of the economy, I've been watching my finances pretty closely, and one area where I tend to spend a lot is on groceries.
Most of us with special dietary needs just accept that our groceries cost more than normal. I figure that for my allergen-free foods I pay two to three times more. Standard wheat pasta, for example, costs approximately $1.50 a box, give or take; I've seen it on sale for $1 a box. For a bag of rice pasta, I pay about $3.79. For a loaf of bread (or a mix), I pay about $7. The last time I went to the store, typical loaves of bread ranged in cost from $2.39 to $4.59; they probably are available for more or less, too, depending on what you buy. When you consider that things do add up, there is a fairly big cost differential for the specialty foods. Having said that, I simply am glad that I have products I can eat, and I'll pay what I have to for them. However, I do make an effort to spend smartly, and I decided I can do a better job of managing my pantry.
I already regularly shop a local specialty chain, Fruitful Yield, that discounts 20 percent off of all its merchandise. It has a great gluten-free selection, and by shopping there for many of my gf items, I save a lot of money. Because it requires driving a distance, I go with a list of what I need. In this case, it helps to know how much of something I'll need in a week's or month's time, so I also save on gas by not having to make another trip.
I comparison-shop as well. I remember what my standard pantry items generally cost, so I can recognize a good price when I see it. For instance, I can purchase a jar of Purity Farms ghee at a couple different stores, but I happen to know that the best place to buy it is at Whole Foods, where I can get it for up to $2 less than other retailers.
Realizing how necessary it is to know what exactly I have on hand, my pantry itself now is completely organized. I can't change the cost of my food, but I certainly can make sure that I use what I have, so it doesn't go to waste. It's pretty painful to throw out an unopened product because it has long passed its expiration date. Talk about throwing money away. To combat that situation, I keep same products together, the way grocery stores do, with the ones needing to be used first at the ready. So, for example, my Rice Milk is organized by date, with the one expiring the soonest in front on the shelf.
It's important to monitor use-by dates. Many allergen-free products also are free from preservatives. I keep opened items, even mixes, flours and so on, in the refrigerator to extend their shelf-lives. Things like ghee, shortening and lard tend to be shelf-stable, even after opening; these I keep in the pantry. I just read the label for refrigeration needs and determine what would be best for each given product.
Another way I save money on groceries is to plan my menus weekly, keeping in mind what's on sale and what goes into each dish. It's a skill that I certainly haven't mastered perfectly yet, but I am making an effort. I also try to make sure that, if I open a product that has to be used within a certain time frame after opening, I build my meals around using what I'll have available. It's not fun throwing out half-used products, either.
As part of monitoring my finances, I'm keeping track of how much I save by using coupons or by buying on sale. In January, for grocery purchases alone, I saved more than $75. That may not seem like much until you consider that if I continue saving in the same vein for a year, carefully watching my grocery budget will net me a savings of $900, possibly more as I get better at clipping coupons and taking advantage of sales. Again, little savings do add up.
Something to keep in mind as tax-time approaches: groceries purchased for a diagnosed medical condition are tax-deductible. It's true. Check with the IRS or your tax accountant for more information. Keeping all those grocery receipts can pay off. I have my organized according to month in a divided receipt file.
In the coming months, there are some additional steps that I may take to get my pantry even more organized. I should explore buying directly from manufacturers rather than retailers and see how that would impact my monthly grocery bill. I've also thought about creating a spreadsheet for what's in my pantry and in my freezer, so I know exactly what I have and when everything expires. I don't know that I'm quite ready to tackle that yet, though. Maybe it'll be one of next year's resolutions.
Most of us with special dietary needs just accept that our groceries cost more than normal. I figure that for my allergen-free foods I pay two to three times more. Standard wheat pasta, for example, costs approximately $1.50 a box, give or take; I've seen it on sale for $1 a box. For a bag of rice pasta, I pay about $3.79. For a loaf of bread (or a mix), I pay about $7. The last time I went to the store, typical loaves of bread ranged in cost from $2.39 to $4.59; they probably are available for more or less, too, depending on what you buy. When you consider that things do add up, there is a fairly big cost differential for the specialty foods. Having said that, I simply am glad that I have products I can eat, and I'll pay what I have to for them. However, I do make an effort to spend smartly, and I decided I can do a better job of managing my pantry.
I already regularly shop a local specialty chain, Fruitful Yield, that discounts 20 percent off of all its merchandise. It has a great gluten-free selection, and by shopping there for many of my gf items, I save a lot of money. Because it requires driving a distance, I go with a list of what I need. In this case, it helps to know how much of something I'll need in a week's or month's time, so I also save on gas by not having to make another trip.
I comparison-shop as well. I remember what my standard pantry items generally cost, so I can recognize a good price when I see it. For instance, I can purchase a jar of Purity Farms ghee at a couple different stores, but I happen to know that the best place to buy it is at Whole Foods, where I can get it for up to $2 less than other retailers.
Realizing how necessary it is to know what exactly I have on hand, my pantry itself now is completely organized. I can't change the cost of my food, but I certainly can make sure that I use what I have, so it doesn't go to waste. It's pretty painful to throw out an unopened product because it has long passed its expiration date. Talk about throwing money away. To combat that situation, I keep same products together, the way grocery stores do, with the ones needing to be used first at the ready. So, for example, my Rice Milk is organized by date, with the one expiring the soonest in front on the shelf.
It's important to monitor use-by dates. Many allergen-free products also are free from preservatives. I keep opened items, even mixes, flours and so on, in the refrigerator to extend their shelf-lives. Things like ghee, shortening and lard tend to be shelf-stable, even after opening; these I keep in the pantry. I just read the label for refrigeration needs and determine what would be best for each given product.
Another way I save money on groceries is to plan my menus weekly, keeping in mind what's on sale and what goes into each dish. It's a skill that I certainly haven't mastered perfectly yet, but I am making an effort. I also try to make sure that, if I open a product that has to be used within a certain time frame after opening, I build my meals around using what I'll have available. It's not fun throwing out half-used products, either.
As part of monitoring my finances, I'm keeping track of how much I save by using coupons or by buying on sale. In January, for grocery purchases alone, I saved more than $75. That may not seem like much until you consider that if I continue saving in the same vein for a year, carefully watching my grocery budget will net me a savings of $900, possibly more as I get better at clipping coupons and taking advantage of sales. Again, little savings do add up.
Something to keep in mind as tax-time approaches: groceries purchased for a diagnosed medical condition are tax-deductible. It's true. Check with the IRS or your tax accountant for more information. Keeping all those grocery receipts can pay off. I have my organized according to month in a divided receipt file.
In the coming months, there are some additional steps that I may take to get my pantry even more organized. I should explore buying directly from manufacturers rather than retailers and see how that would impact my monthly grocery bill. I've also thought about creating a spreadsheet for what's in my pantry and in my freezer, so I know exactly what I have and when everything expires. I don't know that I'm quite ready to tackle that yet, though. Maybe it'll be one of next year's resolutions.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New Favorites
Here are a handful of products that recently made my must-have list.
First on the list: Ener-G Foods' bread crumbs (www.ener-g.com). A number of the recipes in my developing repertoire call for crumb coating, and this product does a fabulous job. The breading comes out crispy, and non-celiacs enjoy the end-result, too. They have quickly become a pantry staple.
I've been a fan of Orgran Outback Animals (www.orgran.com) for some time, but the company has released mini packs of these animal crackers in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. I love both varieties. With eight little packs per multipack, they make a great snacks, and would be suitable for lunches. (And at only 91 calories per serving, they don't kill my diet when I have to have a sugar fix!)
This was a last-minute purchase at the checkout counter, and certainly worthwhile. I'm always on the lookout for new products, so when I saw the NuGO Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Trail Mix bar (also dairy- and soy-free) by the register, I had to try it. Loved it! I now have a new pack-in-the-purse option. The company (www.nugonutrition.com) also has a couple other bars -- safe for me -- that I'm looking forward to trying.
First on the list: Ener-G Foods' bread crumbs (www.ener-g.com). A number of the recipes in my developing repertoire call for crumb coating, and this product does a fabulous job. The breading comes out crispy, and non-celiacs enjoy the end-result, too. They have quickly become a pantry staple.
I've been a fan of Orgran Outback Animals (www.orgran.com) for some time, but the company has released mini packs of these animal crackers in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. I love both varieties. With eight little packs per multipack, they make a great snacks, and would be suitable for lunches. (And at only 91 calories per serving, they don't kill my diet when I have to have a sugar fix!)
This was a last-minute purchase at the checkout counter, and certainly worthwhile. I'm always on the lookout for new products, so when I saw the NuGO Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Trail Mix bar (also dairy- and soy-free) by the register, I had to try it. Loved it! I now have a new pack-in-the-purse option. The company (www.nugonutrition.com) also has a couple other bars -- safe for me -- that I'm looking forward to trying.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Shopping for an Allergist
This past weekend I had another severe allergic reaction -- the second in three weeks.
I had rubbed the corner of my left eye -- it was a little itchy -- and that turned out to be a huge mistake. I can only assume there was something on my hand because my eyelid swelled, and although I thoroughly cleaned the irritated area, it stayed swollen. Soon after, I became congested and started having difficulty breathing. Long story short, I was on Benadryl for two days. To make matters worse, the next morning, I woke up aching all over -- lymph nodes were swollen all over my body, some of which still haven't quite gone down.
A few weeks ago, I had a similar experience. I touched something in my basement, I'm not sure exactly what, and within 15 minutes, my hand was inflamed -- swollen, itchy, red and hot. I became congested, started getting a funny headache, and my lips, tongue and eyelids started to swell. I immediately took a Benadryl, and it was another couple days before I was functioning normally.
I guess it's time to find an allergist and get an EpiPen. I'm not enthused about having to carry one, but it beats the alternative. I already carry Benadryl wherever I go, and on a scary practical level, at some point in the future, Benadryl may not work, and then I'd really be in a world of hurt.
I'm even less enthused about having to see an allergist. Let's just say that I haven't had positive experiences in the past.
A few years ago, I got tired of getting sick from something I ate, and not knowing what it was, so I made an appointment with the new allergist at a clinic I've used most of my life. I hoped to identify any other problematic foods and confirm what the elimination diet had shown.
He just conducted a RAST test, checking my blood sample for antibodies. On my second appointment, he informed me that he didn't think I had food allergies, nor celiac disease. He offered to have me make another appointment during which I could sit in his office for eight hours wherein I would be fed potential allergens and he could document my response(s). Uh, yah, I'll just pass on that. I didn't need him to validate me; I already know very well what happens when I consume certain foods, thank you very much. Migraine, rash, congestion, projectile vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, swollen lips and tongue, I certainly didn't need to go through any of that to prove anything to him. Moreover, my celiac disease diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, conducted by a seasoned gastroenterologist, not someone fresh out of residency, like him. Besides, there is a strong family occurrence of celiac disease -- my mom, brother, cousin and possibly other family members all have it, and as much as I wish it were otherwise, I have it, too.
I think what I resented most of all was how he treated me, essentially as if I were a hypochondriac seeking a certain diagnosis, primarily attention. I really felt like saying to him, "Do you really think I want to have this disease and other problems with food?" I wish I had. It's pretty demoralizing not to be believed. I went through that for years: Always tired or having headaches, I nevertheless seemed fine on paper; supposedly, there was nothing really wrong with me, so I was perceived as a hypochondriac.
Perhaps needless to say, I never went back. That was strike two for me with regard to allergists. I had done the whole allergy-testing bit when I was little -- needle-testing on the back and under the skin on my forearms, which determined I was strongly allergic to ragweed, as well as cats, dust and feathers. To help control my asthma, I did the subsequent two years of allergy shots, which did nothing but make my environmental allergies worse. A year of taking a teaspoon of honey my mom hid in my food, as well as many years of competitive swimming, did far more for managing my asthma than those weekly shots did.
Suffice it to say, I have a reason not to trust allergists, but I'm willing to concede that perhaps I haven't dealt with good ones, or at least those who can think beyond the bounds of antibody-testing. Today I am more optimistic that I can find someone who will be able to help me, and it helps that I'm more informed now.
About a year and a half ago, I had an allergic reaction similar to the one a few weeks ago. Then, I had touched the carpet in a local bookstore, balancing myself while trying to get a journal from a recessed bottom shelf. The same thing happened: Within a short time, I had a swollen, red, itchy hand; swollen lips; difficulty breathing. It scared me, particularly as I was preparing for a trip overseas, and I had no idea what actually had caused the reaction. It was at this point that I started carrying Benadryl with me at all times.
Looking for some peace of mind before my trip, I did some research online and made some interesting discoveries. I found that RAST testing doesn't always work, that not all allergies are IgE-caused, and that those with autoimmune disorders, like celiac disease, have a likelihood of developing T-cell allergies. In short, what a relief it was to find that there was an explanation for what I was experiencing!
All of this goes to say, you need to be your own advocate. You live in your skin, no one else does, so if you believe something is wrong, but are told there is nothing wrong with you, do your research and persist until you get the help you need. Doctors are not gods; they aren't always right.
I believe I've found an allergist with whom I'd like to make an appointment. He's also an immunologist, so I'm hoping he'll have experience dealing with someone like me. It's more than a little frustrating, not to mention scary, to have a reaction and not know the cause. I just hope he can help.
**************************
If you think you may have a problem with allergies or intolerance, here are a few links you might find helpful.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
www.foodallergy.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
www.aafa.org
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
www.aaaai.org
I had rubbed the corner of my left eye -- it was a little itchy -- and that turned out to be a huge mistake. I can only assume there was something on my hand because my eyelid swelled, and although I thoroughly cleaned the irritated area, it stayed swollen. Soon after, I became congested and started having difficulty breathing. Long story short, I was on Benadryl for two days. To make matters worse, the next morning, I woke up aching all over -- lymph nodes were swollen all over my body, some of which still haven't quite gone down.
A few weeks ago, I had a similar experience. I touched something in my basement, I'm not sure exactly what, and within 15 minutes, my hand was inflamed -- swollen, itchy, red and hot. I became congested, started getting a funny headache, and my lips, tongue and eyelids started to swell. I immediately took a Benadryl, and it was another couple days before I was functioning normally.
I guess it's time to find an allergist and get an EpiPen. I'm not enthused about having to carry one, but it beats the alternative. I already carry Benadryl wherever I go, and on a scary practical level, at some point in the future, Benadryl may not work, and then I'd really be in a world of hurt.
I'm even less enthused about having to see an allergist. Let's just say that I haven't had positive experiences in the past.
A few years ago, I got tired of getting sick from something I ate, and not knowing what it was, so I made an appointment with the new allergist at a clinic I've used most of my life. I hoped to identify any other problematic foods and confirm what the elimination diet had shown.
He just conducted a RAST test, checking my blood sample for antibodies. On my second appointment, he informed me that he didn't think I had food allergies, nor celiac disease. He offered to have me make another appointment during which I could sit in his office for eight hours wherein I would be fed potential allergens and he could document my response(s). Uh, yah, I'll just pass on that. I didn't need him to validate me; I already know very well what happens when I consume certain foods, thank you very much. Migraine, rash, congestion, projectile vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, swollen lips and tongue, I certainly didn't need to go through any of that to prove anything to him. Moreover, my celiac disease diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, conducted by a seasoned gastroenterologist, not someone fresh out of residency, like him. Besides, there is a strong family occurrence of celiac disease -- my mom, brother, cousin and possibly other family members all have it, and as much as I wish it were otherwise, I have it, too.
I think what I resented most of all was how he treated me, essentially as if I were a hypochondriac seeking a certain diagnosis, primarily attention. I really felt like saying to him, "Do you really think I want to have this disease and other problems with food?" I wish I had. It's pretty demoralizing not to be believed. I went through that for years: Always tired or having headaches, I nevertheless seemed fine on paper; supposedly, there was nothing really wrong with me, so I was perceived as a hypochondriac.
Perhaps needless to say, I never went back. That was strike two for me with regard to allergists. I had done the whole allergy-testing bit when I was little -- needle-testing on the back and under the skin on my forearms, which determined I was strongly allergic to ragweed, as well as cats, dust and feathers. To help control my asthma, I did the subsequent two years of allergy shots, which did nothing but make my environmental allergies worse. A year of taking a teaspoon of honey my mom hid in my food, as well as many years of competitive swimming, did far more for managing my asthma than those weekly shots did.
Suffice it to say, I have a reason not to trust allergists, but I'm willing to concede that perhaps I haven't dealt with good ones, or at least those who can think beyond the bounds of antibody-testing. Today I am more optimistic that I can find someone who will be able to help me, and it helps that I'm more informed now.
About a year and a half ago, I had an allergic reaction similar to the one a few weeks ago. Then, I had touched the carpet in a local bookstore, balancing myself while trying to get a journal from a recessed bottom shelf. The same thing happened: Within a short time, I had a swollen, red, itchy hand; swollen lips; difficulty breathing. It scared me, particularly as I was preparing for a trip overseas, and I had no idea what actually had caused the reaction. It was at this point that I started carrying Benadryl with me at all times.
Looking for some peace of mind before my trip, I did some research online and made some interesting discoveries. I found that RAST testing doesn't always work, that not all allergies are IgE-caused, and that those with autoimmune disorders, like celiac disease, have a likelihood of developing T-cell allergies. In short, what a relief it was to find that there was an explanation for what I was experiencing!
All of this goes to say, you need to be your own advocate. You live in your skin, no one else does, so if you believe something is wrong, but are told there is nothing wrong with you, do your research and persist until you get the help you need. Doctors are not gods; they aren't always right.
I believe I've found an allergist with whom I'd like to make an appointment. He's also an immunologist, so I'm hoping he'll have experience dealing with someone like me. It's more than a little frustrating, not to mention scary, to have a reaction and not know the cause. I just hope he can help.
**************************
If you think you may have a problem with allergies or intolerance, here are a few links you might find helpful.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
www.foodallergy.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
www.aafa.org
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
www.aaaai.org
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