Food Allergy Support

Welcome => Welcome and Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: admin rebekahc on July 21, 2011, 10:35:46 PM

FAS has upgraded our forum security. Some members may need to log in again. If you are unable to remember your login information, please email food.allergy.supt@flash.net and we will help you get back in. Thanks for your patience!

Title: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on July 21, 2011, 10:35:46 PM
This is the topic where you can introduce yourself and give a few details about your current situation and your (or your child's) allergies. (You may also jump right into posting in any of the other forums if you like.) 

We're very glad you're here. Welcome!

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hedgehog on September 19, 2011, 02:11:20 PM
Hi!!! I am here.  :bye:
 No need to introduce myself--you know me.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on September 19, 2011, 02:22:09 PM
Hi Hedgie!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Jessica on September 19, 2011, 03:07:28 PM
testing something...

ok did my test. And hi everyone.  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on September 19, 2011, 03:44:15 PM
Did you pass the test?

Hi everyone. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on September 19, 2011, 04:15:58 PM
Glad to be here!   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: my3guys on September 19, 2011, 04:20:18 PM
Me too :bye: Happy to have found everyone again!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SweetandSour on September 19, 2011, 04:22:25 PM
Glad everything is back up!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Janelle205 on September 19, 2011, 05:31:00 PM
Happy to see that folks are making it over!  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on September 19, 2011, 07:23:18 PM
Me, too!!   :bye:


Almost feeling like I can breathe again! 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Foxy on September 20, 2011, 12:26:13 AM



ugh! epic failure for me aka remmy!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LisaFromAustralia on September 20, 2011, 02:10:14 AM
Found you! Would have been quicker if I had read pm on old site 1st and got my temp password. All sorted now. About time I changed my password anyway;D
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: eragon on September 20, 2011, 03:34:45 AM
hope this post works.

hello!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on September 20, 2011, 06:28:21 AM
Wow!  Take a break for a short time and your "family" ups and moves away!!!

Thanks for leaving a trail!


 :rofl:


Ok, silliness aside, I'm guessing this was tons of work - so thank you to those that put in all the efforts, thoughts and time!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on September 20, 2011, 06:44:01 AM
 :bye:  glad everyone is finding there way.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: mom2AnH on September 20, 2011, 07:18:29 AM
 :bye:

Hi everybody! :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: kouturekat on September 20, 2011, 07:49:47 AM
My old username and password did not work, so I created a new one.  It has only taken me 12 years to do so! 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AllergyMum on September 20, 2011, 08:23:14 AM
Missed everyone, so glad to be here  :smooch:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on September 20, 2011, 10:30:50 AM
I'm going to explicitly state this here--


if I can verify WHO you are (and were at hyperboards) I am automatically moving your post count onto your new account HERE, but only if you are using the same username.

I don't want to "out" anyone if they truly DO want to 'start over' from scratch, that is, but familiar people and usernames should automatically keep the same post counts they had ad Hyperboards.

So if you sign up HERE with a new username... expect a PM from me about whether or not you would like your post count, and if I know that we HAVE a pre-registered account here for you, whether or not you're having trouble accessing it, would like help with that, etc.


To OPEN a fresh PM:


you have to scroll to the bottom of your "in box" to see the newest messages. (I think this is the default setting here.)


Hopefully this will help everyone!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Momcat on September 20, 2011, 11:52:54 AM
Hi, it's me... I just haven't moved my avatar pic.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on September 20, 2011, 12:58:25 PM
 :bye:  hi Momcat!


I personally like the avatar.  Is that Beaker's PI, Dr. Honeydew, by any chance? 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Momcat on September 20, 2011, 11:07:26 PM
Why, yes!  Bunsen Honeydew at your service.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on September 21, 2011, 12:57:26 PM
I'm going to explicitly state this here--


if I can verify WHO you are (and were at hyperboards) I am automatically moving your post count onto your new account HERE, but only if you are using the same username.

I don't want to "out" anyone if they truly DO want to 'start over' from scratch, that is, but familiar people and usernames should automatically keep the same post counts they had ad Hyperboards.

So if you sign up HERE with a new username... expect a PM from me about whether or not you would like your post count, and if I know that we HAVE a pre-registered account here for you, whether or not you're having trouble accessing it, would like help with that, etc.


To OPEN a fresh PM:


you have to scroll to the bottom of your "in box" to see the newest messages. (I think this is the default setting here.)


Hopefully this will help everyone!




To follow up on this--

if you sign up here with a new username (different from your regular one) and DON'T get a PM from me about your former username at Hyperboards... please PM me.   

  I can verify that someone HERE is the same as the person there-- but only if I have some idea which two usernames to compare.  I don't have any automated means of figuring out who is who, so unless I recognize who you "used to be" I don't really know where to look on the member list from hyperboards.  (Not that I necessarily think that I should be able to do that.  I think it's fine that I can't.)

There *are* about 1600 people registered there.   :thumbsup:



* To PM someone here--

because we don't (yet) have a way of turning off some of the more big-brotherish things that can be viewed in member profiles here, we have made it so that other members (and guests, of course) can't view everyone else's profiles-- only their own.

Therefore, clicking on a member profile won't be a method to use to send a PM for now.

Instead:

open up the tab on your header that says "My Messages" and select "send a message."  If you type in the first few letters of the member's username, the system will suggest names-- rather like autocorrect.

I think this is an AWESOME feature, because I an terrible at remembering exact spellings of usernames (ETA:  I 'an' also a terrible typist, for whatever that is worth... I could probably use autocorrectx elsewhere, too, it seems).

  I had a horrible time with the search feature at hyperboards when I was trying to PM someone, because it was so darned-- well, nitpicky.  Hmph.      This is MUCH easier for me to use.   :yes:

You can also change a LOT in how your PM box functions and how it appears to you personally-- creating sort lists, etc. is much nicer here, I think.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on September 21, 2011, 01:17:15 PM
Quote
I think this is an AWESOME feature, because I an terrible at remembering exact spellings of usernames (ETA:  I 'an' also a terrible typist, for whatever that is worth... I could probably use autocorrectx elsewhere, too, it seems).

To bad we don't have spellcheck......Oh wait....we do!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CL on September 24, 2011, 10:48:59 AM
I made it to the new site but now cannot figure out why my password won't work, nor can I figure out how to contact an administrator without signing in... help?

And also, wow !! I'm sure it took a lot of hard work to make this happen!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on September 24, 2011, 12:52:51 PM
Did you sign in to the old board?   You should have a pm with a temporary password there.  If not --- one of the admins here will see this and will be able to help you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on September 24, 2011, 01:10:53 PM
At the very bottom of the pages here, if you click Food Allergy Support Admin, you should be able to email us. Otherwise, please send a PM to one of us at the old site. Sorry you're having trouble!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: bdif2 on October 14, 2011, 10:31:28 AM
Hello! I just found out I am allergic to Eggs and I also have a Dairy allergy. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: mommabridget on October 14, 2011, 12:48:55 PM
Welcome bdif2!!

Jump on in - so glad ypu found us :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Jessica on October 14, 2011, 12:54:25 PM
Welcome bdif2. Sorry you had a reason to find us but glad you're here!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on October 14, 2011, 01:12:25 PM
Hi!  I'm sorry you've been diagnosed with allergies, but glad you found us!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on October 14, 2011, 01:14:42 PM
Welcome!!     Be sure to ask lots of questions.  Lots of people here with experience. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Mugsy on October 14, 2011, 07:05:06 PM
Hi. My 12 year old daughter is allergic to dairy and peanuts. We had thought she grew out of the dairy allergy but recent testing showed that isn't true. She was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis this month so we're going to go back to being much more careful with what she eats.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: mommabridget on October 14, 2011, 08:33:50 PM
Hi Mugsy!

So sorry you are adding back allergens, but glad you found us!  EE is a tough thing to manage.  I'll be honest, I've never fully understood it :hiding:  but there are folks here that do!

Welcome!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AllergyMum on October 15, 2011, 08:18:35 PM
Welcome bdif2 & Mugsy!  Glad you found us here
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Swifty on October 21, 2011, 10:11:26 PM
I'm Swifty and I have two wonderful kids.  Both are asthmatics, but their only trigger is viral infections so it's pretty easy to manage.  And both have food allergies.  I'm very fortunate that both are allergic to the same foods in general - both to peanuts and each to 3 tree nuts (not the same 3, but we just avoid them all and it's good).

I like to think I'm pretty educated on the topic of food allergies - we've been dealing with this for the past 6 years, and I'm a researcher at heart.  Plus I have a pretty cool doctor who likes to get technical with me!

My children also had eczema for years until I started making my own soaps.  We still use commercial detergent based shampoos, but for hands and bodies we use only my soaps and the eczema disappeared.  Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but who knows!  I now make (and sell for the cost of materials and shipping) custom soaps for people with allergies.  And I make lots for people without as well.  It's an amazing hobby if not a particularly profitable business!

We take the allergies in stride for the most part - but once in a while we get kinda sad about it, or frustrated.  But such is life.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Jessica on October 22, 2011, 03:27:02 PM
Welcome Swifty! I'd love to find out more about your soaps. I always want to try handmade soaps even though dove unscented works for us, but never have because of worry about nuts. Do you have a website?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: mommabridget on October 22, 2011, 05:57:52 PM
Welcome Swifty!  Your two are similar to my son.  Although, since he started desensitization, he has had 2 non-viral asthma incidents in the last 18 months.

WELCOME!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Vonvoncake on November 06, 2011, 07:00:12 PM
Hi:

Well, I think I'm really glad to have found you all. I'm Von and though I've had allergies all my life (grass, dogs, dust mites with just a nasal reaction, tomatoes, eggplant and something(s) yet to be determined), I have in the last two months had now two severe anaphylactic reaction to an unknown substance. The first happened over a month ago and was full on head to toe anaphylaxis with a trip to the ER. Scary, scary, scary. The other just happened a few hours ago and I think it was what they call gastrointestinal anaphylaxis, but I'm not sure. From what I've just read through my Benadryl fogged brain, it was.  At any rate, it was...unpleasant, which is maybe too mild of a word.

I've been diagnosed with IBS and now I'm starting to wonder if it is allergies instead. I didn't react to any of the foods they tested me for, basically what I had eaten the day of my reaction, but that was a limited list. I'll be calling my allergist tomorrow for a follow up to be sure.

My mundane life consists of working in sales, raising my two boys, keeping in touch with my daughter, who is an RN in MI, loving my husband and getting ready to go back to school. I live in a little town outside of Seattle and generally love my life.

That's me in a couple of paragraphs. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Von :happydance:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on November 07, 2011, 06:50:22 AM
Hi Von!  Sorry to hear what you are going through.

It is possible you are reacting to a minor ingredient, either not listed clearly, or if it's a processed food it may not list *may contains*.  I had a hard time ponpointing my allergens because at the time, most companies didn't list sesame seed as a *may contain* and I was regularly eating products that are produced on the same line.  You might want to try making all your own foods so you can know for certain exactly what you are eating.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on November 07, 2011, 08:29:52 AM
Hi Von!  I'm glad you found us - just sorry you needed to!  Hopefully you'll soon figure out what caused your reactions.  If you want to post a list of what you had eaten both times and also where you were/what you were doing, we'd be happy to help you play detective.

I hope you're feeling better today.  Do you have an epi pen?  You need to make sure you have one and make sure you know when to use it!  Benadryl will not stop an anaphylactic reaction.  Most anaphylaxis is self-resolving, but if you wait to find out it may be too late, that's why keeping epi on hand and using it is important!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Shanda A on November 08, 2011, 01:01:33 PM
Hello Everyone.  Its nice to find a place where we are all in the same boat.  My daughter who is now 6 years old is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, and eggs.  The list used to be longer but she has outgrown many things!  I know how hard and tie consuming and worrysome it is to have a child allergic to food.  That is why I am going to school to get my Masters in Nutrition.  I want to help parents with things that doctors and even nutritionists dont always help with or know about.  I have a blog:  shesnotnuts.blogspot.com/ ,  Its not the normal food allergy blog.  I talk about the health aspect of food allergies.  What nutrients kids are missing when you exclude a food group, different ideas for getting the kids the nutrients they need, and other health issues that other blogs dont address. So check that out and if you ever want to talk or have suggestions of things to learn about food allergies then let me know!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: foodallergywarrior on November 11, 2011, 01:27:00 PM
Hi Everyone,

My name is Janna and I have two children, one diagnosed with life threatening food allergies in 2005.  I've taken to writing on the subject lately and feel so honored to hear words of praise and encouragement from other food allergy families who share my family's experiences and perspective on the topic.

I want to thank "a friend" for supporting this board, inviting me to it, and supporting me individually as I transition from shamed, cowed, overcompensating, cupcake-baking food allergy mom to a food allergy advocate. It's not easy. Actually, it sucks!  We all know that for sure.  However, there is no choice in the matter.

Best to all,

Janna


As Moderator, I have edited out the full name of person who referred you and replaced it with "a friend"
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on November 11, 2011, 02:27:33 PM
 :bye:   Hi FAwarrier!!

It's great to have you with us here at FAS.  A very warm welcome to our new members.   :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: EBrady on November 12, 2011, 04:51:01 AM
And so, here I am in my regular josie-q-public form.   8-)

Waving Hi.  :bye:



It's time.



Cautious, careful people always casting about to preserve their reputation
or social standards never can bring about reform. Those who are really in earnest
are willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation,
and publicly and privately, in season and out,
avow their sympathies with despised ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.


~~ Susan B. Anthony, American civil rights leader, 1820-1906


Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Nel and Cam's Mom on November 12, 2011, 12:39:32 PM
Hello Everyone!  I'm new here, but have been dealing with the allergies for over a year.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: bearbear on November 13, 2011, 05:42:32 PM
Hi I'm new here. I have a 15month old with multiple food allergies and need help with what to feed him. We are at a loss. He is allergic to: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Rice, Bananas, Apples and Dog.
He eats Kix, Corn Chex, and some baby food and is on NeoCate JR for his millk source.
I'm glad to find this message board.
Thanks
Cindy
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on November 14, 2011, 08:57:43 AM
Hi and welcome to our new members!  We're glad you found us!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Janelle205 on November 14, 2011, 05:14:41 PM
Lots of new folks lately...Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: femb0t on November 17, 2011, 08:32:10 PM
Hi, everybody.  :bye: I'm new... obviously.

I'm almost 26 years old, and in the last 5-6 weeks have had episodes of anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and just annoying food allergy reactions.

Unfortunately, this is what I guess to be considered adult on-set.  I've always had oral allergy syndrome (bananas, mango, avocado, melons, eggplant) but it was never anything so severe like this.

Currently, I am have reactions to (including what I have listed): wheat, peanuts (any kind of nut at this point), chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, marijuana (found this out after a "hey I want to try this" moment -- anaphylactic shock was the result).  I have a grass allergy, but all that does is make me itchy.  Everything else is 100% systemic.  Lucky me.

I saw an allergist last Monday, but he told me I cannot have a blood test to confirm anything until I am 4 weeks without a reaction... this is seemingly impossible because as much as I try and avoid the foods I know will trigger me, I keep finding out new things that I can no longer eat.  After that appointment... my 4 weeks now starts as of today.  I made it 3 days without anything happening to me, then last night I did something stupid (ate a cherry out of a friend's drink at the bar) and that caused anaphylaxis, and then today I only had a little reaction from a piece of cake (not a nut-free facility).  I'm trying to avoid everything, but in a case like today, I get fed up and just eat it anyway... and then pop a Benedryl to avoid anything major.  Or that's the hope, anyway.

That's me in a nutshell.   :)  I'm excited to have found you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on November 18, 2011, 05:27:52 PM
Wow-- I'm sorry that you're going through such a rocky spot in figuring out successful avoidance.

I know that a lot of us have been where you are, though.  It does get better, but I will also say that until you DO know what you're actually allergic to, chances are pretty good that you're going to continue reacting to... well, to a lot of things that probably WON'T bother you once you get everything turned right side up again.   :heart:  That's the good news!

The bad news is the reality that you're living with right now-- food is the enemy, basically, and you probably have NO idea what is going to happen anytime you put something in your mouth, huh?  It's an awful feeling, isn't it??

A suggestion to get you through the next few weeks?

Consider ALL food but {basic staples that you've prepared yourself} to be off limits.  No matter what. 

FRESH, whole fruits (other than those you know you need to avoid), rice, potatoes, plain protein sources (chicken, pork, etc.).  Stay away from restaurant food, prepared foods of ANY kind, and pretty much anything that comes from a box or can.  I know that is really hard.  But feeling okay is completely worth it.  Trust me.  If you have developed an allergy to a common seed (like sesame or sunflower, both increasingly common allergies), food labels won't always tell you what you need to know to eat safely.  Think of your body's immune system and allergic response as being like a cup that can only hold so much before it overflows (and produces reactions).  As long as you keep having moderate-to-major reactions, you're basically pouring more stuff into a cup that needs to have time to evaporate and get empty... and then ANY little thing is going to be enough to push it into overflow mode.  That's why you might eventually find out that you are only really "allergic-allergic" to three or four foods-- but right now, you need to give your body time to calm down some and get that cup empty so that you and the doc can figure it out!   :yes:

A word about benadryl and food allergies.  BENADRYL WILL NOT STOP YOU FROM DYING OF ANAPHYLAXIS.  Seriously.  Sorry to alarm you-- but PLEASE check out the anaphylaxis grading chart on the main board, print a copy, and keep it with you as a reminder why you have to just say "no, thanks" to food you don't know pretty much everything about.  I'm very concerned for your safety.

I'm really glad you found us, too.  Hopefully life will get better-- and easier, too-- with time and once you and your doctor can figure out what is at the bottom of your new reactivity. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GigiHawk on November 19, 2011, 08:51:07 AM
Hi!
Self diagnosed gluten, dairy and egg food in-tolerances in January 2010, I've developed a whole new set of taste buds and a quest of healthier self. It's been a long road to this point of acceptance and starting to enjoy food again. I'm ready to venture into exploring hiking, climbing and backpacking. At the end of July '12, I'll be climbing Mt. Rainer.  In order to summit, I have to get into shape and lose some serious tires that have settled around my middle. Does anyone keep to a regular exercise program? I'd rather not join a gym so any programs/ideas would be great.

I'm a single parent of 1 teen and 3 young adults and work on the factory floor in logistics. Going back to school for business I don't want to be at the same job in 5 years, lol. I enjoy reading, the outdoors, a little sewing and coffee. Yes, coffee has its own category. c[_] Cooking for me is quite a challenge as my kids have none of these food issues. I can't tell you how many meals I've ruined for myself in the past. I'm ready to go beyond edible to delicious and portable.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: DiPG on November 29, 2011, 02:31:08 PM
Happy to be here!

Had allergies all my life...
3 years ago was diagnosed with Anaphylaxis to Sulfites, NSAIDS etc and Bee Stings
React to almost all Food Additives, Colours and preservatives...
Have experienced several Anaphylactic episodes that required a visit to the Emergency...
Carry Epi-Pen and am on several medications to keep me stable...

Looking forward to reading all the posts!
Take care!
  Di
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on November 30, 2011, 09:09:03 AM
Hi!  :bye:

So sorry to hear of all your serious reactions, but I'm really glad you found us!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AMommy2TwoBoys on December 16, 2011, 04:43:08 PM
Mom to a 17 y/o who's outgrown his asthma recently and suffers environmental allergies and a 5 y/o with a severe peanut allergy and many environmental allergies. I'm here because I was doing research on how to file a complaint about my son's school. He started Kindergarten this year and I don't feel they are doing enough to protect him from having an anaphylactic reaction in his classroom... after being assured they would do that and that an IHP/IEP would be better than a 504 Plan.
Kim
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Janelle205 on December 16, 2011, 07:47:42 PM
Welcome!

Sorry that you had to join us, but know that many of the Momma's here will have great advice for you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AMommy2TwoBoys on December 17, 2011, 03:30:03 AM
Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on December 17, 2011, 07:06:15 AM
Be sure to check our schools forum.  Lots of people here that can probably help you.  (I have 13 years between my second and third kids.   :))
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AMommy2TwoBoys on December 19, 2011, 03:11:07 AM
Thank you, I will.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: jennifer on January 08, 2012, 08:27:50 PM
hi everyone,  :)

I am happy o find this wonderful group! I have both a husband and 15 year old son with severe food allergies.
My son has multiple food allergies including dairy, egg, cashew pistachio, hazelnut sesame, shellfish...
he recently anaphlaxed during a hospital challenge test to sesame. horribly scary and depressing.
my husband just has fish allergies but we never know which fish.
alwasy looking for tips and ways to make life easier.  :heart:

Jennifer  :)

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on January 09, 2012, 06:52:43 AM
Hi Jennifer, welcome to the forum.  Sorry to hear about the challenge.

I also have an allergy to sesame seeds.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on January 09, 2012, 08:28:11 AM
 :bye: Welcome!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Beth Turner on January 11, 2012, 05:34:28 PM
Hi! I'm Beth. I have a 13yo dd with a LTFA to peanuts, and I have one to cucumber. (Unusual one, I know!) I actually just found this forum because I was googling to see if anything would come up about a report we made to the Office for Civil Rights a few years ago regarding my daughter and a charter school, and someone had posted something about it on your old site. That's a very long story so I'll save it for another topic!

Anyway, glad to be here. My dd is in 8th grade at Kunsberg (National Jewish Hospital's school) but we're looking for a high school for next year. Being at Kunsberg has allowed her to feel like a normal kid; it's going to be hard to go back to carrying her meds all the time, being conscious of not using the water fountains, washing hands often, etc and so on.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: creativebeth on January 11, 2012, 05:35:32 PM
Oops. Apparently I wasn't logged in.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 11, 2012, 10:35:02 PM
Welcome, Beth-- it's great to have you here with us!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rlschell on January 17, 2012, 07:10:38 PM
Hello everyone! As a new forum member, I’d like to share a bit about myself and see if other members can suggest ways to best address my concerns.

I feel like an oddball even among others with food allergies because I don’t have “typical” reactions. I have multiple food allergies that cause delayed reactions. Although I used IgG test results as a guideline, I confirmed everything by food challenges. My reactions usually show up within several to 12 hours after eating and may even take a couple of days to hit me. I get severe digestive upset, body aches, fatigue, headaches, canker sores, feverish feeling, sinus/ear problems and arthritis flare-ups. Basically, my whole body responds with systemic inflammation.

I’ve had this problem since I was about 20 (after several years on constant antibiotics) and I’m now 45. My life was often a fog of nausea, fatigue and achiness. I wasn’t diagnosed with food allergies until 2003 and then only to dairy. I gave up dairy and was somewhat better for a few years until I went downhill in 2010. The dairy allergy was just the tip of the iceberg and I didn't realize how sick I had become until I stopped eating many other foods. Now (since late 2011) I'm down to eating only non-reactive foods and feel much, much better. But I lead a very food-excluded life where I have to drag my “safe” food with me everywhere and avoid vacations and social events that center on foods.

To complicate matters slightly, I also have IBS. But I usually know what triggers that and can avoid or resolve problems quickly.

Aside from dealing with the alienation from our food-obsessed society, my other questions relate to if/when I will get better. My doctor thinks that if I give up the allergens for a few months, my guts will heal and I can occasionally eat stuff that I can't now. My fear is that I go back to being able to eat more and then gradually, or suddenly, slip back into serious illness that takes weeks to pull out of. The alternative is that I play it safe and live the rest of my life with a very limited diet. Please, tell me how this works for people in my situation? What is the chance that I will "recover" from adult-onset allergies that have become worse as I age?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on January 18, 2012, 08:28:13 AM
My sister outgrew adult on-set allergies, I didn't.

~~~

I am NOT a doctor, so take this as the opinion of a total stranger on the internet.   :)

Maybe some of those reactions are intolerances as opposed to allergies.  If so, I would think the doctor may be right....after giving your body time to recuperate, you may be able to tolerate some of them in limited amounts or on a rotating basis.

Allergies can cause non-traditional reactions, but sometimes it's not actually allergies.  kwim?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on January 18, 2012, 10:46:59 AM
Yes, I agree with Silver Lining.  If you're having symptoms of food intolerance very often it is possible to give your body a chance to rest and then gradually reintroduce your triggers.  However, and I can't stress this enough - if you have true allergies, you should NOT attempt to reintroduce foods without your doctor's advice and monitoring in the office while you do so.

Often those with food intolerances are able to use a rotation diet to keep symptoms at bay.  Generally, a rotation diet follows an every third day pattern.  So, if you are intolerant to chicken and tuna, you might have chicken on Monday and then again on Thursday.  You wouldn't want to have tuna on the same day as chicken so you could have it on Tuesday and Friday, etc.  Many times, this rotation diet and finding a toleration threshold allows those with food intolerances to reintroduce foods with little to no symptoms.

IgG testing is notoriously unreliable.  I would suggest finding a doctor familiar with ALCAT testing and their rotation diet.  I know several people who have had really good results isolating which substances are actually problematic for them and  using the rotation diet they provide to alleviate symptoms.

Quote
The ALCAT Test is NOT an "allergy" or IgE test. The ALCAT is the most effective and comprehensive sensitivity/intolerance test available. The ALCAT differs from other food allergy or intolerance tests as it accurately and objectively measures leukocyte cellular reactivity in whole blood, which is a final common pathway of all mechanisms. The test utilizes electronic, state of the art, hematological instrumentation. Standard allergy tests, such as skin testing or RAST are not accurate for delayed type reactions to foods and chemicals. They measure only a single mechanism, such as the effect of mast cell release of histamine or the presence of allergen specific IgE molecules. Delayed reactions to foods and chemicals are NOT IgE mediated.

The ALCAT Test also differs from standard IgG tests in that they rely exclusively on one immune pathway, serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). In fact, high food specific IgG titers are indicative only of exposure, not necessarily intolerance.

The ALCAT Test reproducibly measures the final common pathway of all pathogenic mechanism; whether immune, non-immune, or toxic. It is the only test shown to correlate with clinical symptoms by double blind oral challenges, the gold standard.

I don't normally put much (well, really any) faith into tests that claim to diagnose and/or treat all kinds of conditions.  However, several years ago my DD nearly died from an anaphylactic reaction to a food.  We never did figure out what caused the reaction.  Our allergist finally asked us to run the ALCAT test on her.  Not because our allergist believed a food intolerance triggered my DD's reaction, but because she hoped that we could prevent DD from having a near-death reaction if she ever encountered the allergen again.  Since we had no way to know which food to avoid, she felt that if we could reduce other types of irritation to her system that perhaps DD would not react as severely to her actual allergen.

Our experience with the ALCAT test and results was that it really did highlight some foods that caused DD intolerance-type reactions.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: cho1973 on January 19, 2012, 01:18:08 PM
Greetings to all.

I just found this board!

I'm Steve, a 38 year old male living in Central Virginia. In May of 2009 I awoke late at night with terrible stomach pain, numbness in my extremities, rapid heart rate followed by a plummeting pulse, difficulty breathing, and eventual near LOC. Some seven months and tend of thousands of dollars in medical tests later I discovered I was the latest member of the "allergic to mean thanks to a tick bite club". Fortunately I am in contact with one of the key researchers working on this allergy at the University of Virginia on a regular basis. I travel extensively for work which makes thinks tough but I've only had one reaction in the last year, thank God.

Anyway hoping for a useful exchange of information.

Moderator(s): Is there any possibility of a subtopic specific to the alpha-gal meat allergy?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on January 19, 2012, 01:29:43 PM
Welcome!   :bye:  I'm sorry for your unexpected and terrifying entre into anaphylaxis, but VERY glad that you found us here.  It's terrific that you have a good physician to help you.  That makes such a difference in one's quality of life and ability to manage well.

In answer to your question-- 

Probably, though you should know that you're one of the first people we've had on the boards with it, so it may not (yet) be very useful to have a section of your very own.  If you look down in the allergen-specific portion of the board, you can see that some topics are much more active than others, and the reason is generally to do with the number of members who are dealing with a particular allergen. 

Subjects like EE and non-food allergies do come up from time to time, and we very definitely discuss those things like asthma and eczema, seasonal allergies, etc.  But those are things that most of us have in common since we're a pretty atopic bunch. 

  There is an "other" category down at the bottom of the individual topic boards for allergen/allergy-specific threads.  My advice to you would be to ask whatever comes to mind up in the regular portions of the board (I know that we have one other member, perhaps even two, who have immediate family members who have developed tick-mammal alpha-Gal sensitivity, so it has been discussed before), and let moderators worry about whether or not it goes elsewhere.  In other words-- don't stand on formality-- ASK away.  If we don't know, we can at least offer some addtional perspectives and maybe help YOU to an insight or lead to a question for your doc.

  We generally leave threads in the general portion of the boards if they are likely to be of use to people with other allergies-- for example, posts about methods of cross-contamination in restaurants, tips on travel and food carriers, when to use Epi, dealing with unhelpful or hostile friends, family, or coworkers; that kind of thing.

For specific research articles, etc. you may want to start your own "clearinghouse" thread down in the "other" allergy category-- that way that stuff is easily accessible in one location over time, and we can all add to it when we find things that relate directly to alpha-Gal allergy.  That way, the thread(s) can easily be moved over to a new subtopic if it looks like there are a few members who would find it useful.

Does that help??   

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: cho1973 on January 19, 2012, 02:01:44 PM
Makes sense to me. I did a cursory search on the board and realized there wasn't much, if anything, being discussed about this particular allergy.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 19, 2012, 02:22:22 PM
Not yet, anyway.  But then again, eight years ago, there was only one or two sesame-allergic folks on the boards, too, and now there are a lot more of them.

 If you give us a chance, trust me, if it's allergy-related, we're avidly curious and enthusiastic about it!  We're mostly very eager to learn and help, and my husband (and other spouses) sometimes refer to this place as the 'fount of all knowledge' for pretty much anything, allergy-related or not.  LOL.

Be sure to search "tick mammal allergy" on the archive site-- I'm not sure where that older thread is, and I can't quite recall who it was that posted initially about it, but there WAS a pretty substantial thread on the subject less than two years back.

I'll see what I can dig up for you.  That thread had some recent research articles and such in it, too, as I recall.

Here it is: tick related meat allergy!



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: portia101 on February 07, 2012, 09:09:58 AM
I started reading the board, in one of its previous incarnations, in 1999.  I was looking for information on peanut allergy because a friend and colleague of mine passed away after an anaphylactic reaction some years previously and I wanted to know more about it.  I also have a DH who has had anaphylactic reactions to bee stings, requiring one emergency trip to the hospital. (He insists now that he has "outgrown" the allergy and no longer needs an epipen.) 

I was a member of the previous boards.  I was BigGreen on the last one but had  problems moving my screen  name over here. I'd have to call myself a lurker.    I never posted more than a handful of times on the other boards, mainly because I don't have any substantive information to contribute, but I have learned so much here and my DH and I have both modified our behavior as a result of the things I have learned here.  I am happy to be a member. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on February 07, 2012, 11:16:17 PM
Oh, I am so glad that you made it over with us.  I remember you very well from the, um... OLD old place, if that makes sense.    :smooch:

If you didn't have a lot of posts, we probably didn't automatically register your username here during the move-- so you can always change your screen name to the familiar... or we can get to know the new you, if you like.

 :bye: 

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: portia101 on February 08, 2012, 08:52:16 AM
I'll probably just stay portia.  It's easier. 

Thanks for the welcome :)

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Miranda on February 17, 2012, 11:11:53 AM
Hi, I am glad I found this message board, my 12 year old daughter last night ate a Kale Chip, flavored Zesty Nacho, I made a HUGE mistake and did not check ingredients, and these Kale Chips are seasoned with CASHEWS. Thank God my daughter survived.  It was very scary!!  I am trying to reach the manufacturer of these Kale Chips to let them know they MUST add the words CASHEW to the front of the bag.  I called 911 and they checked her vital signs, she just had swollen lips, itchy eyes, itchy throat, and vomiting.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on February 17, 2012, 11:22:13 AM
Welcome Miranda!

Wow, that must have been so frightening for you both!  I'm glad your DD is okay now!!

That sounds like a pretty serious reaction - two body systems were involved (skin and GI).  All they did was check her vitals?  No epi?  No hospital visit?

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Syankwitt on February 25, 2012, 11:37:36 AM
I have 2 children with anaphylaxis food allergies. Sesame seeds (all seeds) and all nuts. It's very difficult and scary because seeds are not usually listed. It's hard to eat out and as a parent I am always concerned about cross contamination. It  very difficult.  The kids are frustrated too.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on February 26, 2012, 11:08:39 AM
Hi Syankwitt, and welcome to the forum.

I have an allergy to sesame as well.  In Canada it is sometimes listed, but there are a lot of things I can't find safe at all....like hotdog and hamburger buns.

I don't eat in restaurants.  Just not worth the risk.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: marteki on March 05, 2012, 02:48:14 PM
Hi, my name is Marteki and I'm new here!

My 15-month old daughter has dairy and egg allergies. She had a blood test at 6 months after months of distress, and a skin prick test at 14 months to check if the allergies were still present. I get sulfite-induced migraines.

Hoping to learn from all of you and find some community here.  :-)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on March 06, 2012, 09:45:30 AM
Hi and welcome!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Punky on March 19, 2012, 06:02:12 PM
Glad I found this board (again). I've posted ocasionally on the old forum - usually for advice or to vent when we have a crisis!

It's nice to have the support of a group of parents and allergic kids out there going through the same issues that we are!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on March 19, 2012, 08:41:10 PM
Hi Punky.

glad you refound us. :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on March 20, 2012, 01:47:59 PM
Oh, me too!!  It's great to see you again.   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: JJ on March 27, 2012, 02:13:21 PM
Hi!  I am mom to my recently diagnosed peanut-allergic son.  He is twelve years old, so we were pretty surprised.  We actually though he was allergic to milk, but no...PEANUTS!  Haven't had to use the epi-pen yet, but plenty of reactions.  Making us quite nervous, especially since he's getting ready to go visit grandparents in another state for a month (without me).  Trying to get the low-down on every possible restaurant he might eat at while he's there.  Just glad to have a site where I can ask questions and learn something.  Thanks for having me.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on March 28, 2012, 08:46:44 AM
Hi and welcome!  I'm glad you found us, but really sorry you needed to!  It must be such a shock to discover PA at the age of 12 - quite the lifestyle change - but, I'll bet you're glad to know what to avoid.  Feel free to jump in with any questions, there are lots of us here who've been there done that for a while and can help you get started.

~Rebekah
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SpudBerry on March 31, 2012, 12:44:09 AM
Hi all - I'm BACK!  Anyone remember SpudBerry?  Otherwise known as the mother to twins - one allergic to peanuts since 13 months - one since 7 years old? 

They are now 12 years old - and going through adolescence it's just a lovely time  :tongue:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: yelloww on March 31, 2012, 09:34:52 AM
Welcome back! :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on April 02, 2012, 08:34:12 AM
Hi!   :bye:

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 02, 2012, 09:05:51 AM
Hi!  Nice to see you!  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Janelle205 on April 03, 2012, 04:00:59 PM
Welcome back! 

While I don't remember you, guessing from before my time, I'm glad to see you. :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: MsMissy on April 10, 2012, 07:36:00 PM
Hi im Melissa i have an insane list of food/chemical/medicinal allergies, i have Celiac (as do both my girls.) My youngest girl also has Austism, making it very difficult to get her to understand her food allergies. Everyone in my family is allergic to something and has another medical condition to go with it. I also have OCD (or is that normal when you have to be so very careful about every morsel of food you and your family eats?) :insane:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 11, 2012, 09:11:59 AM
Hi Melissa!  Sounds like you have your hands full - you'll fit right in here LOL!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: mommabridget on May 09, 2012, 06:03:35 AM
Welcome Melissa     :bye:

I think being a bit OCD is normal for me...and this crowd  :misspeak:

Glad you found us.  :D
Title: Re: Welcome!: Information to Get Started
Post by: jjjmom53 on May 16, 2012, 11:28:23 AM
Hi from MO. My husband had many allergies: aspirin, penicillin, NSADS, tree nuts, chocolate. Recently he had a severe reaction to sesame seeds. I am open to any heads up! He appears to be intolerant to lactose and wheat, also
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on May 16, 2012, 09:21:02 PM
Hi, and welcome to the forum.

There is an area all about seed allergies.  I recommend you look through it.

Seed Allergy

Sesame seeds are in a lot of pre-packaged foods, and not always listed for cross contamination. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Maranda on June 17, 2012, 09:03:32 PM
Hello everyone. My name is Maranda. I was recently diagnosed with allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, and gluten.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on June 18, 2012, 07:32:32 AM
Hi Maranda.   :bye:  Welcome to the forum. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AngieS on June 20, 2012, 08:52:48 PM
Hello, I recently stumbled across this page.  I have Celiac and my almost 3 yr ol DS is newly diagnosed with Eosiniphilic Esophagitus and is allergic to wheat, barley, dairy and peas.  We just did round 2 for endoscopy and found things are slightly better but that we are missing another allergin.  If any of you have kids with EoE or have EoE I would love to chat.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on June 21, 2012, 09:54:25 AM
Hi Angie  :)

There are several members here who deal with Celiac and also several who have EE or have a child with EE as well as all of us dealing with just allergies, so I'm sure you'll find plenty of information and support.  Feel free to jump in with any questions, etc.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SkyScorcher on June 29, 2012, 10:23:58 PM
Hello!  I'm SkyScorcher (or just Sky).  You probably all know my mom, CMDeux...  I have a pretty lengthy list of allergies, peanut being the most severe and milk sensitivity a minor nuisance.   :nocupcakes: I also have an egg allergy, but I'm going through... well, the closest word I can think of is "therapy," taking a daily dose of very little egg to build up tolerance.      :dunce:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on June 30, 2012, 12:01:32 AM
Hi Sky!  Glad to see you posting!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: becca on June 30, 2012, 07:51:01 AM
Welcome Sky! 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on June 30, 2012, 08:04:43 AM
Hi Sky, welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Ra3chel on July 01, 2012, 02:54:13 PM
Hi, Sky!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ajasfolks2 on July 02, 2012, 08:46:47 AM
Hello Sky & thank you for joining us here!

 :coolbeans:

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on July 02, 2012, 04:39:53 PM
A warm welcome to all of the new members!!!

Sky - a special hello  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: yelloww on July 02, 2012, 05:37:13 PM
Hi Sky!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: marylerouge on July 06, 2012, 03:33:29 PM
Hi! I just found out I have a sulfite allergy, and also many environmental/chemical allergies. I'm looking for more information about what to avoid and what I can eat. Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on July 08, 2012, 12:04:17 PM
Hi and welcome to the forum.  You should find some information about sulfite allergy in this part of the forum

Sulfite/Food Additive Sensitivities

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on July 09, 2012, 09:24:03 AM
 :bye:  Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: wnorm on July 25, 2012, 01:02:12 PM
Hi. I"m a 59 year-old woman with multiple allergies: all nuts and seeds, all raw fruit, some cooked fruit, many raw and cooked  vegetables, many spices,
penicillin, chloroquine, dust, seasonal allergies, latex, cats and dogs, etc. I have lactose  and sorbital intolerance, as well as collagenous colitis (a lesser known IBD). As a result I have to be very careful about eating out, cosmetic products, clothing,etc. I'm really thrilled to have discovered your site.
All I can say to those who are recently diagnosed with allergies: Hang in there!  Try to be creative. Bake your own bread. Ask a lot of questions. Just be careful.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on July 25, 2012, 05:01:51 PM
Welcome.   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: forvictoria on July 26, 2012, 10:09:27 AM
Hi everyone,
I am female and was recently diagnosed with a shellfish allergy. I am also on a beta blocker for High Blood pressure which I was told by my allergist that beta blockers  significantly increases my risk of having a severe reaction and a possibilty of the beta blocker preventing the epi pen to work effectively, if needed.

Needless to say this is very scary. I have been trying different blood pressure meds but having no luck. The first one didn't slow my heart rate and I started getting palpitations. I tried a new one yesterday and got a pretty bad reaction to it, so I am back on the beta blocker today.

I am happy to have found these forums.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on July 26, 2012, 11:05:46 AM
Welcome, forvictoria!  We're glad that you found us, too.   :thumbsup:

My understanding is that, while beta blockade may decrease the effectiveness of beta agonists like epinephrine, there is little reason to think that it makes such reactions more probable in the first place.  If there is such a mechanism, I'd love to know about it, just for general curiosity on my part.

The worry is more that epinephrine isn't a very effective rescue med.  (Which, okay, yeah-- not a good thing, certainly...)

But that isn't the same as making reactions more likely to begin with.

What kinds of reactions have you had in the past?  That's often a fairly decent indicator (particularly in adults) of what you might expect in the future.  If it doesn't include cardiovascular or airway involvement, that's probably excellent news for you.   How much of your allergen does it seem to take to produce a major reaction?  If it's frank ingestion, that would also be excellent news, since it means that low levels of cross-contamination (the kind that are really, really challenging to avoid over the long haul) are not very likely to produce an anaphylactic reaction.

I hope that something in there is helpful as you and your docs work to figure out what is best for you. 

Please be sure to take a look at our shellfish area down towards the bottom of the forums; there are a lot of hazards to avoid that aren't necessarily obvious!  I also developed a shellfish allergy as an adult.  It's my least favorite of my family's food allergies, second maybe to my DH's soy allergy. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: forvictoria on July 26, 2012, 08:42:13 PM
Thank you for such a warm and informative welcome!

I may have stated it wrong but I meant being on a beta blocker increases your risk of a reaction being severe not that it increases your chance of getting a reaction.
Many allergists including mine will not do a skin test on me or someone being on a beta blocker because there is an increase risk of analyphaxis.

I ate shrimp my whole life (I am 60) and a few months ago my husband brought me home a shrimp scampi dinner. I ate just 1 shrimp from the dinner and stopped because it was too spicy for me. Within 2 hours I started breaking out in hives and within 2 days I was covered in hives from head to toe. They were not internal or on my face thank Goodness. I went to the doctor and he told me to treat it with benendryl. It took about 1 week I think, for the hives to go away.

My IGE tests came back with Class 1 shrimp allergy my levels are fairly low. one test came back .37, next was .44 and last was .36 with normal being <.35 I am also allergic to cockroaches eww .38 I have read shrimp dust mites and cockraoches all have the same protein.

My allergist thinks I had such a severe reaction (systemic, Anaphylaxis) because I was on the beta blocker.

I defintely will look at the shellfish area I am so hungry for information and how to keep safe.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on August 04, 2012, 02:04:36 PM
Welcome forvictoria!

Didyour MD prescribe epi?  Even though the beta blocker will reduce its effectiveness, a little epi is better than no epi, KWIM?

My elder son was on 25mgs./ daily Of Attenolo for an arrhythmia, and his MD's felt that epi would still have an effect at that dosage. 

I hope you find good information here. Good luck to you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: forvictoria on August 06, 2012, 02:18:46 PM
Thank you :) Yes I carry two epi pens with me along with liquid benedryl.  I wish there were more studies done about beta blockers and reactions and epi pens, but as far as I can tell there have been no studies done on epi pens and beta blockers. The one I am in is in the category called heart selective, which is supposedly better than the non heart delective when it comes to reactions.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: deeperrainbow on August 10, 2012, 07:47:17 AM
Hello,

I live in Jamaica and now my son, at 12 years old, has just been diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy. Does anyone know of any resources in which we could get an epipen at a reduced cost here in Jamaica. I'm very scared of him having a fatal reaction.
Grateful for any information.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on August 10, 2012, 10:33:30 AM
I'm sorry that you are having trouble affording the epi pen.  The tone of your post seems to be asking our members to offer you money which is NOT appropriate.  You might consider editing your post if that was not your intention.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on August 11, 2012, 09:35:48 AM
Thank you for editing your post. I'm not sure we have any members from Jamaica, but I know retail price in the US is not as high as the price you originally stated.

You seem to be posting from the US, are the prices better here?  Perhaps you could get the EpiPens here. Also, a quick google search for online pharmacies (Canadian?) has them at about $60-70 for a single pen or $120-130 for the twin pack which is similar to the US retail prices I've seen.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on August 11, 2012, 12:23:03 PM
Also Check with the Dey company.  They may offer some way of getting the epipens for those who cannot afford them.  Some pharmaceutical companies do that.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: wdw4mealso on August 11, 2012, 06:43:40 PM
Hi everyone!  I am so glad to have found this site. I have three children 18,16,13 who all have environmental allergies, asthma and eczema.  My 18 yr old daughter has had severe eczema for the last three years, and has also had several ear infections which she hadn't had since she was young.  After three years of steroid creams, light therapy, oral steroids and antibiotics, I said I had had enough and we really needed to find out what was wrong.  She was allergy tested when she was 6, and was highly allergic to just about everything they tested, however they did not test food.  I complained to our family doctor about her dermatologist telling us allergies were not causing the eczema that only her asthma would.  the pediatrician asked what I thought she may be allergic to and I said wheat.  She loves pretzels, crackers, etc that are full of wheat.  He ordered a blood test, and it confirmed the wheat allergy along with 12 others.  They said her IgE levels were at the top.  The corn, milk, and wheat allergy are what I am sure has caused all the biggest problems.  She has nut allergies too, but she is not a peanut butter eater, and rarely has much of anything with nuts.  We go to an allergist Wednesday, my HUGE concern right now is that she leaves for college in one week.  Not a lot of time to get the information we need.  So I am glad to have found another place to research food allergies.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on August 11, 2012, 07:15:28 PM
. Also, a quick google search for online pharmacies (Canadian?) has them at about $60-70 for a single pen or $120-130 for the twin pack which is similar to the US retail prices I've seen.

Singles in Canada are over $100 and doubles are not available.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on August 11, 2012, 09:17:34 PM
. Also, a quick google search for online pharmacies (Canadian?) has them at about $60-70 for a single pen or $120-130 for the twin pack which is similar to the US retail prices I've seen.

Singles in Canada are over $100 and doubles are not available.

Maybe those prices were converted to US dollars?  Not sure about the twin pack, but it did have pricing for one pen or two. Maybe just a bulk discount and not the actual twin pack.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on August 11, 2012, 09:22:25 PM
Welcome wdw4mealso!  It sounds like you have a real challenge on your hands to get a handle on things so quickly!  Hopefully you can see a board certified allergist who is very familiar with food allergies to help you determine just exactly what your DD is allergic to and needs to avoid. I believe current thinking may be that skin only symptoms would not necessarily warrant excessively limiting her diet. However, if avoiding certain things helps clear up her skin, it would probably be worth trial eliminations to find out.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: deeperrainbow on August 12, 2012, 08:52:55 AM
Thank you so very much for your Wonderful and Fast response time.

rebekahc, Administrator, Member
Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
« Reply #120 on: Yesterday at 09:35:48 AM »


GingerPye, Moderator, Member
Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
« Reply #121 on: Yesterday at 12:23:03 PM » 

SilverLining, Global Moderator, Member   
Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
« Reply #123 on: Yesterday at 07:15:28 PM »

this is helping a great deal to help me remain calm and focused so I can do what i need to do
 very very grateful  :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Dana on August 16, 2012, 01:02:43 AM
Hello:

My kids (ages 2 and 4) both have severe food allergies to casein, gluten, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts).  I am at my wits end trying to feed them.  My son (4) is a picky eater too so that makes things even harder.  What do you do for small kids with these terrible food allergies?  What kind of stuff can you give them to make sure they have the proper nutrients???

Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on August 16, 2012, 11:17:40 AM
Hi Dana, welcome!

We have several members with children with multiple food allergies (including those specific ones) and I know they will be able to offer you a lot of help.  You should also check out the multiple food allergy section and the recipes section of our forum for ideas.

Nutritionally, avoiding nuts and peanuts is fine (and really, eggs too) - they don't offer anything you can't easily get from other sources.  The dairy can be replaced with soy or rice milk, but those tend to be fat-free, so make sure to supplement with healthy fats elsewhere.  If your kids won't drink those, you'll need to make sure they get enough calcium.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ThatIrishLass on August 21, 2012, 02:49:25 PM
Hello, everybody! I'm brand new to the boards, but I've been exposed to them for a long time through my mother, paparenttoo. I felt that this would be a nice place to come and discuss things from a teen's perspective--from food allergies to everyday events. I'm happy to be here and look forward to getting to know you all a little bit better!  :)

I myself have severe food allergies to all nuts, shellfish, and fish.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on August 21, 2012, 03:20:33 PM
An especially warm welcome to you, IrishLass!


I know that many of our younger adult members have found the boards to be a fantastic resource as they explore life on their own terms, and it's a unique transition and one that parents of FA children aren't always well-equipped to help with in a meaningful way.

 :yes:  I'm really glad to see that our long-time members are comfortable turning over this part of management, too (that is, learning from shared experience and forming one's own comfort zone from that information).

It's exciting to see our community making this next step!!

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on August 21, 2012, 04:05:31 PM
Hi, and welcome to the forum.   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on August 22, 2012, 08:41:06 AM
Hello IrishLass, glad to see you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ThatIrishLass on August 23, 2012, 02:25:54 PM
Thank you all for such the warm welcome! I'm already finding all sorts of information on the board--this certainly seems like a good place for me to be!  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Momof2 on September 03, 2012, 05:21:58 PM
Hello, everybody! I am brand new to the boards. My daughter is 6 and has severe food and contact allergies to eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish & shellfish. My husband and I are looking into taking a family trip to Cancun, Mexico but we are not sure how or what she can eat there. She has never eaten at a restaurant as we bring all of her food with us. Can we bring food into Mexico?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on September 04, 2012, 08:30:37 AM
Hi and welcome!  With your daughters list of allergens and that she's contact reactive, I'd be very leery of taking her to Mexico.  I know some members have gone and there's probably info in the Travel section of our board.  I'm thinking packaged food might be okay going in, but no meats or produce (I haven't gone to Mexico since 9/11 and the heightened restrictions, so I'm not positive how it is now).  I definitely wouldn't put much in my carry-on bag.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: John McGillin on September 05, 2012, 07:17:42 PM
Hi, my name is John McGillin. I am an industrial design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design and for my Senior thesis project I am designing an EpiPen case for the active user.

An EpiPen is a small medical device shaped like a pen used to deliver doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) to people severely affected by allergies, and I'm talking about life or death situations. I myself have an allergy to poultry so severe that after contact, within 15 minutes I will be in anaphylactic shock.

This is why it's important for users to carry an EpiPen on their person at all times, at every meal. For active users that enjoy running, rock climbing, cycling and playing basketball like myself, it's a real drag to carry & properly store an Epi-pen...

My goal is to design a sleek, convenient method of carrying an EpiPen through any activity. Help me give freedom back to active users by answering 10 quick questions. Thanks for your help!




http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TGSHLVG
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on September 06, 2012, 06:15:27 AM
Hi John.  Are you aware that in November there will be a new auto-injector called an auvi-Q?  It's about the size of a pager. 

https://www.multivu.com/mnr/57459-sanofi-receives-fda-approval-for-auvi-q-epinephrine-auto-injector

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hoosier87 on September 11, 2012, 11:40:13 PM
Hello.

I'm a PhD student and a life-long suffer of allergies.  I was under the care of an allergist who wasn't too concerned about a recent walnut and almond allergy dx until recently when I started going back to my childhood allergist.  She's 9 hours away but will work with my GP until we can find someone here who is not a total quack and will take me on as a patient.  Right now, a waiting list puts me almost into my 4th year in this godforsaken place without a good specialist!

I got diagnosed with an allergy to nuts about 2 years ago.  I was told I had a "mild" reaction on allergy tests despite having some pretty typical nut allergy reaction symptoms - once with a trace amount of almonds in candies over Christmas two years ago.  No epi-pen, no nothing.  I was told to take my pred and benadryl.  While I was out of the country, I came in contact with an ice cream that was mis-labeled.  I had a terrible reaction pretty much instantly to almonds (the worst trigger) and felt my throat closing, I wanted to throw up, and then even after it died down a lot, I woke up hacking my head off that night and didn't calm down until I got back to the states and had multiple steroid injections and breathing treatments.  It was there that my allergist back home explained to me how dangerous that reaction was and wrote me a script for an epi-pen pronto.

I've always had bad, bad seasonal allergies.  My ragweed allergy is so bad that I've been stuck indoors lately a lot and have had to go back on prednisone and breathing treatments because of an asthma flare.  I am also allergic to salmon and shellfish.

I'm hoping to learn some things here that can help me because I feel rather lost on what to eat and how to just live.  I will be browsing these forums a lot, I think!  I'm a cyclist and I love food but I can't have these things always put on hold just because of stupid allergies!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on September 12, 2012, 07:54:59 AM
Hi Hoosier  :bye:

Glad you now have an epi-pen.  Hope you never need it.

If you have any questions you don't find an answer to, just ask.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on September 12, 2012, 09:18:18 AM
Hi!  I'm glad you're here!  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hoosier87 on September 12, 2012, 02:14:57 PM
Thanks for the welcome.  I hope I never need it, too!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on September 19, 2012, 07:34:11 PM
Hello, everybody! I am brand new to the boards. My daughter is 6 and has severe food and contact allergies to eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish & shellfish. My husband and I are looking into taking a family trip to Cancun, Mexico but we are not sure how or what she can eat there. She has never eaten at a restaurant as we bring all of her food with us. Can we bring food into Mexico?

Welcome!  We took snacks for DS in 1999 and 2004 --to Cozumel.  But we didn't take all of his food.  Our last trip (to Cozumel) was before I became allergic to shellfish.  Not sure  how that'd work for me now. 

We took 8 or so Epis.

When planning a trip to Cozumel, a friend who has a court reporting interpretation business in Dallas translated these questions for me and I laminated a card at Kinko's. I'm going to paste this, though doing so doesn't imply that I think your child can eat safely there.  I honestly don't think I'd risk it unless I knew I could take all the food. And I am guessing that could be problematic. 

BTW--if you are going to Mexico, watch out for peanut flour. And don't eat Mole (pronounced Molay). It's a sauce that most often contains peanuts or another nut.

I printed these in two colors. We used these homemade cards here in Texas often. In fact, we used them at a restaurant a mile from our house. Our 7 yo DS learned "cacahuetes" and can ask! The word "cacaheuetes" (peanuts) has different regional pronunciations. And nuez=nuts.

I don't know all the words you'd need, but shrimp=camarones. 
---------------------------

My son/daughter is allergic to peanuts. He cannot eat even one peanut or one drop of peanut oil or any peanut products. Eating them could cause his death.
Mi hijo/hija tiene alergia a cacahuetes. No puede comer ni un cacahuete, ni una gota de aceite de cacahuetes ni productos de cacahuetes. Comiéndolos puede causar su muerte.


Does this food have peanuts or peanut products in it? Esta comida tiene cacahuetes or productos de cacahuetes?
Are there any nuts at all in this (food)? Esta comida tiene algún nuez?


Was this fried in peanut oil?
Está esto frita en aceite de cacahuete?


Was this made with peanut flour?
Esto tiene harina de cacahuete?


I need to call an ambulance.
Necesito llamar una ambulancia.


Where is the hospital?
Dónde está el hospital?

It is very important that you bring epinephrine.
Es muy importante que traigan epinefrina.

This is an emergency. We must get to the hospital in 15 minutes or my son/daughter could die.
Esta es una emergencia. Tenemos que llegar al hospital dentro de 15 minutes or podría fallecer mi hijo/hija.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on September 19, 2012, 07:37:20 PM
Hi, my name is John McGillin. I am an industrial design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design and for my Senior thesis project I am designing an EpiPen case for the active user.

An EpiPen is a small medical device shaped like a pen used to deliver doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) to people severely affected by allergies, and I'm talking about life or death situations. I myself have an allergy to poultry so severe that after contact, within 15 minutes I will be in anaphylactic shock.

This is why it's important for users to carry an EpiPen on their person at all times, at every meal. For active users that enjoy running, rock climbing, cycling and playing basketball like myself, it's a real drag to carry & properly store an Epi-pen...

My goal is to design a sleek, convenient method of carrying an EpiPen through any activity. Help me give freedom back to active users by answering 10 quick questions. Thanks for your help!




[url]http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TGSHLVG[/url]


It seems to me before there is a sleek way of carrying an EpiPen, Dey needs to make a sleek EpiPen. The new one is huge!  We're looking forward to owning at least one of the new pocket ones. It will be so great for my teen son.

But I'll take your survey, because I have appreciated my son having lower profile carriers. :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: wackattack69 on September 25, 2012, 11:46:20 PM
 :happydance: Back in the saddle again! I came to post and had not been on in a while. I about had a heart attack! Glad all is well.
wackattack aka 4504s.






DD 16 Peanuts,shellfish,Suprax, Penicillin, Latex, asthma, vocal cord dysfunction.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Mfamom on September 26, 2012, 08:01:53 AM
Hi, glad you're back!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on September 26, 2012, 09:37:39 AM
 :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: redearthdaisy on September 26, 2012, 11:57:18 AM
Hello

I found out a year ago that my daughter was allergic to eggs but the pediatrician said that was normal for a one year old. Then at her two year visit the pediatrician told us to try it out and see if she was still allergic. Well she was and we had to go to the hospital. We finally got to see an allergist who also told me it was not big deal and she would out grow it but would do a skin test to make me feel better. I asked him to test for other things like peanuts and cats. He laughed at me! But tested for them anyway. It turned out that she was severely allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts, cats, and eggs. He gave me a prescription for an epipen and sent me on my way. I have been searching for information and keep finding horror stories and recipes but I need help. I am hoping this support group will help with living every day with allergies.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on September 26, 2012, 12:29:06 PM
Hello, you'll find the practical, up-to-date accurate advice on IgE-mediated allergies and anaphylaxis from people who live with it. Since you daughter's history of reactions are with egg you may want to start with the egg subforum for information on heat treated egg, sources of egg and flu shots. Having an epinephrine injector is a necessary part of any emergency action plan. Since you have an EpiPen brand injector (Epepen, Jr. for apprpriate weight class) but no action plan I would go to their website to review how to inject then follow up with recognizing symptoms of anaphylaxis to know when to inject and call 911. Until you get to a board certified pediatric allergist who specializes in food allergies and anphylaxis to get a personalized emergency treatment plan you can start there.

To get to a competent board certifird pediatric allergist who is well versed in IgE-mediated food allergy and anaphylaxis I would suggest AAAAI.org. Use their physician search and look into their specialties and board certifications. You were right, taking the appropriate medical steps to deal with the incidence of reaction to hen's egg ingestion. From there a good allergist can help you sort out test positives where there has not been any known reactions.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on September 26, 2012, 01:18:22 PM
Welcome redearthdaisy!  I'm glad you found us - our community is a great resource for the day to day management as well as the most current medical research on food allergies.  Twinturbo gave you great advice, so feel free to jump in and ask any questions you have!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 26, 2012, 01:50:31 PM
Hello and welcome to all of our newbies and returnees!

Wondering if we should split out the questions about travel?  Or best to leave here so newbie can find?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: catsliva on September 28, 2012, 12:38:24 PM
Hi my name is Catherine, I am 18 years old and I have been living with peanut allergies my entire life. I thought it would be nice to be able to have the chance to talk to other people that share the same allergies that I have and how they have affected their lifestyles.
Title: Hi all!
Post by: Ketti on October 01, 2012, 10:06:05 PM
 :thumbsup:

What a relief to find this forum!  I have been struggling with adult onset allergies (anaphylaxis and all) for the past several months. 

Best,
Ketti
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on October 02, 2012, 08:32:41 AM
So glad you found us, but sorry you had to!  There are several active members with adult-onset food allergies to commiserate with you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: pa5075 on October 05, 2012, 07:01:52 AM
My doctor ran the Maridian Valley E95 Basic Food Panel which shows that I have a severe reaction to egg,dairy, gluten, peanut etc.  I am overwhelmed and do not know what steps I should do now.  I have had gas, bloating, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation/diarrhea, stomach pain,headaches.  I have had my gallbladder removed and have had recurring accute pancreatitis in the past.  Where do I go from here?  I went to my general doc...he gave me vicaden and blew me off.  I have been going to an internal medicine doctor who is associated with a homeopathic doc.  I have been seeing both.  He just ran the E95 and sent me the test results in the mail. I have an appointment scheduled in three weeks.  What is the appropriate path from here?
thanks
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on October 05, 2012, 08:31:38 AM
Unfortunately, that test is not a good indicator of true allergies. If you believe you have allergies, you really should see a board certified allergist with experience in food (not just environmental) allergies.  Since many of your symptoms are digestive in nature, it might not be a bad idea to see a GI doc to rule out a GI disorder as the possible cause for your symptoms as well. 

It would be terribly difficult to remove all those things from your diet and not the best choice nutritionally if you don't really need to do so.  The symptoms you describe are not typical of true food allergies. I do think your symptoms are pretty common and difficult to pin on any diagnosis, so some doctors grasp at straws and run tests that suggest "allergies" are the culprit. I sometimes think they do so just to give their patient something to focus on - avoiding that many foods while still eating a complete and healthy diet is pretty demanding and requires a lot of attention.  Some people also have food intolerances and through a process of elimination and reintroduction of foods can find that avoiding certain triggers does help some of their symptoms.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: pa5075 on October 05, 2012, 09:20:45 AM
Thank you for your advice.  I have been to the GI docs.  Can you tell how I locate a Board Certified Allergist in my area that specializes in food allergies?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on October 05, 2012, 09:41:18 AM
To locate an allergist, other than word-of-mouth, you could call a few and ask about their experience in diagnosing/treating food allergy or use the physician finder from http://aaaai.execinc.com/find-an-allergist/.  I don't know that even they list whether an allergist specializes in food allergies, but you could read the bios and somewhat narrow it down before you call.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: loveshenryjames on October 05, 2012, 01:36:31 PM
I am new to this. I am honestly not even sure if I am posting in the correct field. haha I am a momma of a 8 month old baby boy and we recently had our first trip to an er, pediatrician, then allergist to discover that our little man has SEVERE milk, egg, and peanut allergies. I am just looking for people in the same boat and suggestions. It is manageable right now because my monkey is still on formula (nutramigen) and baby foods. I am just worried for when he hits a year trying to manage his/our diet.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: sarahj on October 27, 2012, 02:51:18 AM
Hi, Ive just found this page through 'sulphite Free in Indy blog' as I have a severe allergy to Sulphites... im looking for more information and help! If anyone can point me in the right direction Id be very grateful indeed.
I have found out so much my self by self-diagnosing and have some very useful infomation regarding what not to eat etc but I need some hope!
Many thanks Sarah UK :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 27, 2012, 08:25:26 AM
Welcome to the forum.

loveshenryjames, be sure to check out the specific allergy area of the forum, as well as the main area.  Christmas is coming, and family gatherings always include food.  You may find you want some help/suggestions from other parents who have been through holidays with children with food allergies.

sarahj, we have a part of the forum for sulphite allergies.  It's not been very active since we moved here, but this thread Unexpected Sources of Sulfites does list some things to avoid with that allergy.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: EmmaWeimer on November 20, 2012, 05:00:59 PM
Hello all, I joined this forum in hopes of helping a friend who is popping up with so many allergies that she is afraid to eat. we go to the grocery store and can't find much of anything. She is allergic to corn, soy, wheat, latex, tree nuts, some fruits and vegetables. As I said the list is growing, she has yet to see the allergist. She is getting a referral to the allergist but wants to eat in the meantime. Any takers??

Emma
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on November 20, 2012, 05:44:54 PM
Hi Emma and Welcome!

Lots of people here can share with you. It's a holiday week so don't be discouraged if the group is quiet. 

Your friend has different allergies than my DD so I won't be much help at the moment.  There are some specific allergen threads below that might be a good place to start while you wait to hear from others.
Title: Senior Design Project, i need your help!
Post by: John McGillin on November 24, 2012, 10:47:09 PM
Hi, my name is John McGillin. I am an industrial design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design and for my Senior thesis project I am designing an EpiPen case for the active user.

An EpiPen is a small medical device shaped like a pen used to deliver doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) to people severely affected by allergies, and I'm talking about life or death situations. I myself have an allergy to poultry so severe that after contact, within 15 minutes I will be in anaphylactic shock.

This is why it's important for users to carry an EpiPen on their person at all times, at every meal. For active users that enjoy running, rock climbing, cycling and playing basketball like myself, it's a real drag to carry & properly store an Epi-pen...

My goal is to design a sleek, convenient method of carrying an EpiPen through any activity. Help me give freedom back to active users by answering 10 quick questions.



Thanks for your help!


Click this >>>> http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TGSHLVG <<<<<<
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Ra3chel on December 02, 2012, 05:24:56 AM
John, you might want to start a new thread for that, or ask a mod to.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on December 02, 2012, 09:42:08 AM
He already has three posts and several PMs with the same information.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dirtyduck on December 04, 2012, 10:04:54 PM
hi i am not very adept at forums, but i am here to see if anyone has had any luck with herbs/medicines and other alternative therapies. i am starting my own trial of FAHF-2. i was thinking of keeping a log. but imnot sure where i would do that? start a new thread? ijust threw that word out there, imnot even sure what it is,lol. i think it just means "topic"?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on December 05, 2012, 08:47:22 AM
Hi and welcome!  I'm interested in hearing about your experience with FAHF-2, so I'll be watching your thread to see how it goes.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: jasmine1 on December 22, 2012, 09:56:12 AM
Wife with 2 grown kids. No significant allergies on either side of our families.  Son fell in love with a young lady who has developed significant soy, gluten, nuts, and other allergies.  This is completely foreign to me and I find myself frustrated with the limitations and constant label reading.  They visit about 4 times a year for about 3 days.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on December 22, 2012, 10:56:32 AM
Welcome, Jasmine!  I well remember how frustrated I was when my daughter was diagnosed with food allergies as a baby.  It is extremely limiting and label reading is def no fun.  But --- it gets to be routine after a while. 
When we visit my ILs, MIL has a set meal that is safe for my kids.  Same meal every time.  Since you are dealing with more than one meal, perhaps you can sit down with the young lady and devise a meal plan for three days.  And use that same plan every time they visit. 

Don't know if that helps you any --- please feel free to ask any questions --- we'll do our best to help.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: brenyc on December 27, 2012, 09:09:08 AM
I have been diagnosed with food allergies: wheat, and soy allergies. So I turned to corn products....now symptoms have occurred meaning, I must be allergic to corn also. What shall I eat...????
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on December 27, 2012, 10:34:17 AM
Brenyc, how long have you been off the known allergens?  When I first developed symptoms, my system was so overloaded with the two things I am allergic to, I was reacting to many things that I am not actually allergic to.

Also, have you been avoiding everything with wheat and soy?  Even things with trace amounts (cross contamination)?  You may be eating things that are processed with wheat or soy, and they are not labeled.  Neither US nor Canadian law requires a "may contain" warning be put on processed food.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: seashells on January 07, 2013, 03:45:49 PM
Hi everyone. I'm new here! I've always suffered from mild environmental allergies (pollen, cats, dogs) but was diagnosed a year ago with a dairy allergy, having never experienced food allergies before.

It's been a tough road and I'm still figuring things out. Figured it'd be easier with the support of others who're used to dealing with this.

I've been completely dairy-free (other than accidental ingestion) for a year now and it's made such a difference in my life! :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on January 08, 2013, 09:36:09 AM
Hi and welcome!  :bye:

I'm sure you'll find lots of good information here.  Feel free to jump in with any questions!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: WA-mom on January 14, 2013, 11:12:06 AM
Hi I am New. Hoping i am posting correctly.  I live in Washington. I have two kids with PA and other allergies.  I am always looking for ways to learn more about FOOD ALLERGIES . 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 14, 2013, 01:34:24 PM
Welcome, Wa-mom!  Always nice to meet others from the Pacific Northwest.   :bye:

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Janelle205 on January 15, 2013, 07:10:40 AM
Welcome!

There are tons of things to learn here - lots of folks with lots of experience.  :yes:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Charleybird on January 22, 2013, 12:23:34 AM
Hello everybody! 

My 10yr old daughter was diagnosed with a severe tree-nut allergy after allergy-testing last week. It's come as quite a shock as her symptoms have been pretty mild up to this point.. I have to say she is coping better than I am and it's great to have found this site!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 22, 2013, 10:53:15 AM
Charleybird, a warm welcome to you!  :bye: Obviously nobody here is happy for that kind of diagnosis-- because we've all been through it.

Be sure to investigate some of the sticky threads in the main forum-- those are things that you will want to make very sure that you've covered with your daughter and your physician.  Be sure that she carries epinephrine with her!!

Also know that mild symptoms can be very deceptive with nut allergies.  Unfortunately, that kind of reaction history can lead adolescents to be pretty complacent about carrying rescue medication and checking ingredients as carefully as they ought.   Hormonal shifts which occur in adolescence can lead to wild changes in sensitivity to an allergen. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: meganyh325 on February 01, 2013, 10:51:40 AM
Just came across this site today! I'm 22 and found out in November of 2011 that after being bitten by a tick earlier in the year, that I am allergic to Red Meat... on top of having been allergic to Dairy all my life, Red Dye #40 and Yellow Dye #5 & #6 since I was 18, Soy, Gluten and a few medications.

I have been doing pretty good since being diagnosed as being allergic to red meat, but every day is a struggle for me because it took a lot of trial and error to find out that I was allergic to the dyes.
I had crazy random allergic reactions for about two years before I started keeping a food diary and noting similarities in what everything I ate contained when I had a reaction. Not going to lie, I absolutely refuse to eat out or eat anything anyone other than my mom or myself makes and I've gone from one of those people who is willing to try anything to eating only what I know and even then there are days when I have to force myself to just do that.

While I love my family and friends to pieces, they just don't understand how big of a battle I am fighting inside to eat some days  :hiding: and God knows, it isn't for lack of trying. They usually come to me with the "oh, just take some benadryl and eat" idea, so when I came across this, I thought maybe this is what I need, to be able to talk to people who understand what it feels like. <3
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on February 01, 2013, 11:02:13 AM
Welcome!  Glad you found us. 

The center of knowldge for the Alpha Gal  is at the University of Virginia.  Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills and Dr. Scott Commins have become the world experts on this.  If you are in the area at all, I know Dr. Commins sees patients--he saw my son for a food allergy. 

I know of two people in my church who have this.  I believe they both go to that UVA practice. One of these folks thinks he may be "outgrowing" it. Let's hope.

Here are some links:
http://www.aaaai.org/global/latest-research-summaries/Current-JACI-Research/Tick-bites--A-common-cause-of-IgE-antibodies-to-al.aspx

http://uvamagazine.org/research_and_discovery/article/ticked_off_carnivores#.UQv0QaV9KSo


This is a really helpful link. See the right side bar?  You can hear an interview with Platts-Mills on public radio  and for an extensive program on Alpha-gal IgE issues on an episode of The People's Pharmacy, also a public radio program. I remember hearing both when they initially aired.

http://allergytomeat.wordpress.com/alpha-gal-research-links/


I hope you find this a supportive and helpful community!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on February 01, 2013, 11:50:27 AM
Quote
I thought maybe this is what I need, to be able to talk to people who understand what it feels like.

It's one of the single most helpful things in adjusting well to life with life-threatening food allergies.   :yes:

I'm so glad that you found us!

  Alpha-Gal allergy (tick-meat allergy syndrome) is one of the least understood of the emerging atopic conditions, IMO.    It seems to be where the eosinophilic disorders were five to ten years ago.  I hope that you have good support from a physician.   :grouphug:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: becca on February 01, 2013, 01:06:46 PM
Welcome!  I have not heard of this allergy!  Just read about it after seeing you speak of it here. 

I wonder if the study of a completely new(ish) allergy like this might shed light on the rise of allergies in general? 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on February 01, 2013, 07:17:33 PM
Hi and welcome! 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: allergymom2t on February 06, 2013, 02:19:40 PM
I just found your website, I can't be more excited about finding others who share some of the the same feelings!  We live in the Rockwall/NE Texas area and can't find a support group in our area except over in Dallas.  We have a 6 y/o Kindergarten daughter with a life threatening peanut allergy and a severe tree nut allergies and have found it very difficult to find friends who understand the impact and severity of her allergy.  I am about to go nuts!  :insane: (No pun intended..hehe)  I feel it's my mission to start a new group in our area if the need is there.  Thanks for a great place for a place to vent and find resources!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on February 06, 2013, 02:24:16 PM
Welcome!!  You are very welcome to vent here, and to ask questions, and to look for/ask about resources!!!  We all have been where you are.  How long has your daughter had the diagnosis?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on February 06, 2013, 05:28:00 PM
Welcome! 

There used to be a wonderful Dallas group when I lived there (moved in 2004).  We met at Presby in Richardson (of course driving on LBJ through Mesquite is not the most fun I've ever had, lol). The mom who was the center of it has a child in high school now, so she may have started doing other things.

We do have a few members here in the North Texas area. 

I hope you find this a supportive place!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: allergymom2t on February 06, 2013, 10:13:13 PM
Thanks for information!  We have had our diagnosis since 2008 (DD was 2).  At the time of our diagnosis, we didn't realize the severity of her allergy.  The only information we received was, "take out all the peanut products out of the house" and then given 4 websites to look at on our own.  That was it!  I am amazed how many people are not given more information or references to support groups at the time diagnosis.  Education and support groups are the key to safety and not feeling alone.  I so glad I found this site!   :happydance:
 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: griffon89 on February 08, 2013, 07:03:40 PM
Hi everyone,

I am newly diagnosed with allergies to all dairy, eggs, wheat, rye, gluten, almonds, peanuts, pineapple, gen beans, kidney beans and squash as well as brewers yeast. I am finding it very overwhelming trying to figure out whats left I can eat and how to modify my recipes to fit all of these restrictions. I also have some severe allergies to various medications like pennicilin, eurythromycin, codeine, gravol and am latex sensitive.

I have had digestive issues and some allergies all of my life. A failed back surgery 4 years ago and the accompanying medications seem to have thrown eveything into overdrive. I have gained 80lbs in 2.5 years and not from eating too much. I also suffer from adrenal fatigue from ongoing stress for a bunch of reasons. The multitude of regular Dr's I saw said there is nothing wrong with me, I just eat too much and tried to give me more medications for all of the side effects of the other pills they had me on which made me gain more weight. I was also trapped into following the dr's orders even though they were making me sicker as my job was dependent on following Dr's orders after my back injury. I felt trapped and was getting sicker and sicker as well as more and more overweight.

I finally found a Dr who was willing to recommend going off all of the ridiculous meds and am off of everything since last Nov. Then after I was clear of the pills, went to a Naturopath in Jan. Despite already costing me almost $2k out of my pocket(not covered by medical) I am finally getting answers. I am low in iron and vitamin D and taking those has help bring back my old energy. The naturopath also explained that all of my allergies are causing my body to react by retaining water, sometimes I would gain 10lbs in just a few days from something I ate or took a new prescription. He said that once I eliminate all of the allergens, the water/weight should start falling off. 

So I am looking forward getting rid of all of the bad stuff and feeling better. I have always been very active except for the past year or so and am looking forward to getting back to that as well.  I hope that I can find lots of ideas here in this forum and look forward to finding out how others cope with similar issues.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on February 09, 2013, 06:41:45 AM
first, sorry to hear all you have been going through.

Second, did you see an allergist?  A naturopath is not qualified to diagnose allergies.  You may have some real allergies, and you may have some sensitivities, but avoiding all those foods if they are not reall allergies is not only very difficult but it's also not very healthy.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on February 09, 2013, 01:01:30 PM
.... though it will SURE help you drop a lot of weight in a hurry to go on that kind of restricted diet.

While that might seem great at first, Silver has a good point that it may be pretty hard on your body otherwise.

It is really great to pay more attention to your diet and to have more energy as a result of correcting your deficiencies in iron and vitamin D, though!  Feeling better is always a good thing; we definitely have a lot of different allergy-friendly cooking tips and recipes here.   :)


  Have you ever been evaluated for Celiac disease, by the way?  That can result in some very distinctive mineral and vitamin deficiencies.  The reason why it is important to actually get a diagnosis rather than just "going gluten-free" on your own is that there are other regular screenings that should be on your radar if you've got it... and the only really good way to diagnose celiac is if you are EATING gluten at the time... so if you've been avoiding wheat, you can't get an accurate diagnosis.  (Bummer, that.)

I'm also (because I'm a mom) going to wag my finger at you and remind you that if you have severe allergies (to medications) then you need to be seeing an M.D. who can prescribe you epinephrine.   If you have a latex allergy, you need to be wearing a MedicAlert bracelet.  (Okay, lecture over...  ;)  )

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on February 10, 2013, 11:21:18 AM
Welcome to all our new friends!  Glad you found our site!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Twedra69 on April 15, 2013, 08:39:33 AM
 :happydance:  Glad I found this site. I am Twedra69 and my ds has all the allergies. He is allergic to Peanuts, tree nuts, feathers,dust, cats, molds,trees,grass, Soy ,garlic, and alfalfa. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on April 15, 2013, 09:26:17 AM
A warm welcome to you, Twedra!

I hope that you will find this to be a welcoming place to ask questions and share experiences.   :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 15, 2013, 10:55:26 AM
Hi and welcome!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: K Johnson on May 28, 2013, 01:48:14 PM
Hi All,

I'm not only new to this board, I'm completely overwhelmed with a new diagnosis for my son for cashews, pistachio and pecans.    :insane: We were at a car dealership almost 2 years ago and my son asked for a quarter.  Up to this point, we were not aware of ANY allergies at all.   We gave him a quarter and watched him as he got a handful of pistachios from the machine.  He only ate a couple of them.  He came to us and his face was red around his mouth and said it was itching.  I had benedryl in my car and gave him some.  Boom, he was fine. I didn't think much about it as he had never had any type of allery and this was at a car dealership and there's no telling what all was around there.  He eats peanut butter, macadamia nuts, loves boiled peanuts, so I never thought anymore about the possibility of an allergy.  I was so clueless - a nut is a nut, right?? NOT!!!!  Almost 2 years later, he's not had any problems - UNTIL, we were at a graduation party with family two weekends ago.  My son (12 years old now), was wanting a snack and I had a handful of mixed nuts.  I handed him 2 cashews and told him he could eat when everyone else at the party was eating (in approx 20 minutes).  He took the cashews and went on his way with other friends.  He came back to me in about 15 minutes.  He told me his "tongue hurt".  When I asked him if he could breathe and swallow - he responded yes.  All I had with me was benedryl pills.  My son cannot swallow pills due to gag reflux.  I took the pill and put it in my bottle of water and shook it to disolve it.  Unfortunately, it wouldn't disolve due to the water being cold.  I got him to drink the water even though the entire pill did not disolve. At this point, he was still talking to me and telling me that he could breathe and swallow without any problems.  I was getting our things to go to the drug store to get liquid benedryl.   As we stepped outside he began vomiting. He said he couldn't handle getting in the car due to being very nauseous.  I sent my husband (only a couple of blocks).  I sat down in the driveway with him and talked to him and we both amazingly remained calm.  My husband returned with the benedryl and after a small dosage, he threw up again. He took the 2nd dosage (which total came up to be a regular dose for his age/weight).  I was glad I split it in to 1/2 for in case he got sick.  He sat there for another 10-15 minutes and said he was feeling better.  He THEN told me how his throat wasn't tingling any more. Gee, I was floored when he told me this as he hadn't mentioned his throat was tingling.  He went upstairs and I put a wet cloth on his face and I watched him while he slept and I woke him up every little bit to ensure he wasn't feeling any other tingling or "tongue hurting".  When we returned home, I contacted his pediatrician.  We went in to see him and he immediately defined the difference in peanuts and tree nuts.  Since my ds has shown an allergy to pistachios and cashews, he told us to avoid those as well as pecans.  He gave us a epi-pen and said for us to ONLY use this for when he is having difficulty breathing. 

Okay, so where in the world do I begin?  :hiding: I've trashed everything in our house that has any mention of tree nuts on the label.  I have bought him the benedryl fast acting tablets for him to keep with him at all times.  With us not having the difficulty breathing does anyone else suggest what we should do with the epi? Should I just keep it with me and he have one  at school and summer camp?  ??? Or should he wear one at all times?  I'm trying to be proactive and not reactive - yet remain level headed at the same time. IS THAT POSSIBLE???? :insane:  I'm still new to all this and the internet is a scary world to visit regarding tree nut allergies. :coffee: I can use advice...yet, I don't need to feel like a negligent mom for not realizing he had this allergy until he is 12 years old.

Thanks,
momof1boy
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 28, 2013, 02:36:09 PM
First, welcome, I'm glad you found us!  So sorry your son had a reaction and REALLY glad he's okay.


How did your doctor dx the pecan allergy?  Pistachio and cashew are related (in the mango family), so him being allergic to both isn't surprising, but pecan is a completely unrelated tree nut.  Regardless of which nuts he's allergic to, yes, avoiding all tree nuts is best because of the high risk of cross contamination from other tree nuts.  I really think you should visit a pediatric allergist with lots of food allergy experience so you can get correct advice.  Breathing difficulty is most definitely NOT the only time to use Epi.  His reaction was anaphylaxis (at least grade 3 according to the anaphylaxis grading chart) and should have been treated with an EpiPen.  Here's a link to the Welcome Page which includes links to the anaphylaxis grading chart.  The standard rule of thumb for using Epi is any two body systems involved = use epi.  For many, known ingestion + any symptom = use epi.  A good allergist should be able to tell you what's best in your situation and give you an allergy action plan.

Any person at risk for anaphylaxis should always carry EpiPens with them.  So many fatalities occur because the allergic individual wasn't carrying Epi and/or wasn't told when to use Epi and/or thought their allergy wasn't severe.

The learning curve is steep, but you'll be fine.  Read here.  Ask any questions you have - we'll be happy to help.  Check out the manufacturers threads to see which companies are more trustworthy since allergy warning labels are strictly voluntary.  Read through the unexpected sources of peanuts/tree nuts thread in the Peanut/Tree nut section of this board to get an idea of what's unsafe.

Most importantly, take a deep breath and know that it gets easier.

 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on May 28, 2013, 10:50:36 PM
Medic-alert identification that stays on ALL THE TIME is a GREAT idea.

Also be sure to check out carriers for epinephrine injectors-- with an adolescent boy, he may prefer the lower-profile of the Auvi-Q, which can easily slip into a pocket.

Because your son is 12, not 2, you have some catching up to do so that he is ready to manage his own allergy sooner:

Discuss intimate contact and how that carries risk for food allergic teens, role-play some peer pressure scenarios, explain that alcohol and some drugs can make an allergic reaction MUCH more severe-- not to mention that it can make it very very difficult to get anyone to believe that your impairment is due to allergy, not being wasted.  Discuss how to ask about ingredients at restaurants and friends' homes, evaluate how comfortable you are with him eating food prepared by friends/family, and role-play how to train other people to help you using an autoinjector (an Auvi-Q has an auditory walk-through of cues which is VERY helpful there).

The fact that you really didn't have any idea up until now is GREAT news-- because it means that he probably doesn't have a super-low threshold.  Why is that good?  Well, it's good because while he needs to be worried about anything going into HIS mouth, he's not going to need to also worry about everything going into everyone else's mouth around him.  That's a VERY hard way to live as an adolescent.

(Just figured I'd point out the bright side.)

Read every food label-- every time.  While it took a handful of nuts to trigger that reaction, you can't KNOW that it won't happen with a much smaller triggering dose at some point in the future, unfortunately.

Bakery goods, salads, salad dressings, middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian cuisine are very dangerous with this set of treenut allergies.  My DD13 is highly allergic to both pistachio and cashew, too. 

Other goofy things that you wouldn't THINK would be a problem... SOUPS.  The shelf-stable ones in the boxes?  Yeah-- there is a cashew-carrot-ginger variety.  Hmph.  You don't want to know how we know that.   On the other hand, as I said above, having a higher threshold for the allergen means that this kind of thing MIGHT never be a problem for him.  My DD's threshold means that she has very little tolerance for shared production lines.  Most people don't have to worry about that so much.

I strongly encourage you to NOT go calling manufacturers of foods you've been eating for years unless/until you think there is a reason to suspect a problem with them. 

   :heart:  You'll get the hang of it!!  ANY questions you have, there is probably someone here who knows the answer, or has been in your shoes.  Some of us have been doing this for decades (wow, do I feel old...  LOL).
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on May 29, 2013, 06:22:19 AM
Running off to work, so will have to post more later.  Just wanted to say a quick Welcome!, and to let you know that CM and Rebekahc have given you great advice.

More later.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on May 29, 2013, 11:40:18 PM
Welcome!!


I would underscore that breathing difficulties are not the only time to use the Epi.  As RebekahC mentioned, 2 body systems (so vomiting + tongue swelling or runny nose or diarhrrea or hives--any of those kinds of symptoms = Epi).  OR swelling of the throat by itself would indicate teh need for Epi.  And basically, your son had that or was on his way to having it. 

People die from not having the Epi soon enough or not at all.  You can reach a point of no return. So if you see two body systems, Epi. If you have just throat closing, Epi. 

Epis cannot be left in the car. They cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Actually the window of safe temps is pretty small.

I would also avoid all tree nuts.  Cross contamination is high.

Bakery foods are also a good thing to avoid with tree nuts--and anyone else's baked goods (like at school or church functions).

It will seem less overwhelming soon.  Hang in there!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Pdetyens on May 30, 2013, 09:51:13 AM
Hi , I am new to this forum and so happy to have found you all! I recently was diagnosed with a sulfite allergy and it is kicking my butt :( . I am currently taking antihistamines to ease the huge hives I get every night and wake up with every morning. Same thing happened over 20 years ago when I found out I was allergic to shellfish . I am doing my best to read all labels. Right now I don't eat anything out of a box and am sticking to veggies and beef and fish, etc. I miss my wine terribly. The no sulfites added wines are not good for me yet as my system is so sensitive right now. It's been almost 4 months. Avocado and corn give me immediate reactions. As hard as I try to stay away from sulfites I continue to have hives all over. My IGE blood level started at 750 and should be at 100-150. After 2 additional blood guests it is down to 400. I'm at such a loss....can anyone help a gal out? Also, found a medication I was on that was sulfa based and got a new one to find out two weeks later, thanks to this site, that the new one is also sulfa based. Getting a new one today and hoping for the best. Thank you all!! :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on May 31, 2013, 11:38:28 AM
Welcome, Paula!  You will find a lot of great resources here.  Please notify your pharmacy of your allergy, as they can (and should) screen your medications for potential allergens.  They can work with your doctor(s) to find medications or alternatives that will be safe for your allergies.  They are also great at finding ingredients of over the counter medications as well, as many of them are in their database.  I've had them look into a few things for me.  Best of luck on this new journey.  It will get easier once your body calms down and you learn more about your new allergy.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: slwaggles on June 18, 2013, 06:52:40 PM
Hello,  :bye:
Im new to the site not new to allergies. im 32 and when i was about 7 i started getting the allergy Dx. it was the usual indoor/outdoor stuff and a simple Mushroom food wise. As I got older and started having pregnancies and other health issues it was finally discovered that i was also Allergic to Corn, Wheat, Soy, Codfish, Clams, along with the mushrooms. I have been trying to figure out since 2005/2006 what i can and cant eat and still i find things that shock me. To make matters more interesting I also have an Auto-immune disease that effects my thyroid so i also need to watch what i eat to keep that gland in check and the anti-bodies from attacking it. At this point Im beginning to just give up hope. I have stopped cooking which is not good for the rest of my family and kind of am in a blue phase. I look forward to any advise, help or support i can get to help me on this journey.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on June 23, 2013, 10:44:53 AM
I completely understand going through periods where you become dejected and suffer from depression related to the allergies. 

It's very important to reach out and regain perspective when you find yourself in that kind of (dark) place, however-- have you tried telling your allergist about your feelings?  It might be time to consider talking to a mental health professional who can help you come up with some healthier ways of coping with your (very real!) life stressors.

Corn is a very hard allergy to live with.   :grouphug:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Kimmie on June 25, 2013, 05:46:54 AM
So glad there are so many support groups. Looking for local activists in loudoun county. Like play dates ect. Looking forward to all
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on June 25, 2013, 08:32:44 AM
We have a few folks from Loudoun County here!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dmw237 on June 25, 2013, 03:32:14 PM
Hi, I am new to this site.  I found this through a search I was doing on baked in milk challenges.  I was hoping for any suggestions or advice based on others experiences.  My 13 year old son has had a dairy allergy since birth.  Last year he outgrew casein and was introduced to cheeses cooked, uncooked, and yogurt.  He is doing great with all three of those.  Well today he had his annual allergist appointment and his allergist is now suggesting for him to do the baked in milk challenge.  The muffin recipe on the Mt. Sinai website is what I think I will make for him.  I am not sure if anyone with experience in this has any suggestions or advice.  My son also wants to try goldfish crackers.  Not too sure how many he should have on his first day.  Any insight in this would be wonderful!  I look forward to getting advice and giving to anyone I may be able to help:)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on June 25, 2013, 03:44:39 PM
If he's already eating yogurt and cheese unbaked regularly without issue he's already passed an oral challenge. I'm not understanding the baked milk challenge in this case unless the allergist is suggesting that the enzymatic process alone on milk proteins in yogurt and cheese reduces the allergenicity of those proteins enough to induce tolerance?

Somebody pinch me if it's true.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dmw237 on June 25, 2013, 04:47:01 PM
My son tested negative for casein which we were told he should be fine with cheeses and yogurts.  But he tested positive for whey (last year) and was told to NOT have milk or baked in milk at that point.  He did try ice cream last November and by day 3 he broke out in hives all over his torso.  Now she is saying to go ahead and try the baked in milk. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on June 25, 2013, 05:09:17 PM
I'd ask down in the dairy allergen section, for sure-- that way those with direct experience will be much more likely to respond.

Basically, how we have approached both dairy and egg is NOT to use preprepared products, but IMMV.  We've chosen to do highly controlled dosing over a period of many years in order to force a lower threshold that is highly stable.

It's not the kind of thing that you want to do without guidance from an allergist that knows your child and his/her history intimately, though.   :)  For us, pushing to a higher dose came with anaphylaxis risk that was not worth the benefits-- at least with egg.  With milk, it took about 7 years to build up to something resembling normal tolerance (that is, my DD can drink milk or have a milkshake once a day if she's careful, and if her allergen load is otherwise low).

We began with baked milk from powdered milk-- which I could carefully weigh and calculate a dose from, based on the total recipe and whatever portion of that was a 'serving' for her.  If that makes sense, I mean.

I also used lower-protein options-- butter, heavy cream, eventually half-and-half diluted with chicken stock (which is still what I use to make mac and cheese).

Uncooked milk, though-- that was years in the making.  Sounds like you're well on your way to that, however, which is WAY exciting!

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on June 25, 2013, 05:12:56 PM
So a negative casein but positive whey makes yogurt and cheese less allergenic for an individual? If so that could at least put DS1 back on cheeses and yogurt if not straight milk. Can anyone point me to a source on this we have an upcoming appt for both kids and I'd like to inquire about this.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dmw237 on June 25, 2013, 05:59:13 PM
That is what our allergist suggested.....that a negative casein test could result in tolerating cheeses and yogurts.  The soft cheeses such as velveeta, ricotta, and cream cheese I am afraid to try because of the way they are processed I don't know if the whey is "out" of the product enough.  I feel like most of my education on this whole challenge has been based on many hours on the internet. I get so frustrated because there is not a cut and dry answer to anything that I am going through.  It is all based on trial and error which is scary. 

Anything you find from this please share with me.  I will do the same!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on June 25, 2013, 06:40:13 PM
Definitely! I hate to get my hopes up because I hadn't even heard this while we were at Mt. Sinai itself. But... I just found and bumped an old post in "Main" that had some links to papers you can see them there. I'm going to print them out for the allergist appointment for my milk allergic child tomorrow. This is a kid who has historically tolerated extensively hydrolyzed casein formula and his test numbers reflect a much lower casein to whey. Unfortunately his first milk challenge was to straight milk--disastrous, near immediate anaphylaxis.

But what if we've been overavoiding based on total avoidance rather than protein specific forms that may be tolerated whether heat treated or not. This could make a huge difference in quality of life for us. I could even use sodium casienate again. Or bake with hydrolyzed casein.

I'll repost that link I mentioned. And I'll report any feedback from the allergist we get tomorrow including the papers I bring.

Here's the thread on protein subtypes, immunotherapy, challenges and tolerance. The last one I bumped are the papers I'll review tonight to bring in tomorrow.

SLIT and food challenges/initial threshold?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on June 26, 2013, 06:59:48 PM
Well that was pointless. I made the effort to read the papers with someone who engineers proteins and whatnot. Interestingly, he thought the research techniques in the papers were quite primitive in the sense it was solid but not terribly informative because the work is on human subjects. The samples are smaller and you can't get very experimental so the methodologies were more 'tried and true'.

The allergist dismissed it all. He said pointless to worry about casein/whey because no product will be free of either. Cheese no matter how well processed of whey will contain whey. Same for yogurt. Dairy products will contain both. He's going for straight dairy testing.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dmw237 on June 26, 2013, 07:34:04 PM
It is all interesting (not to mention aggravating) the difference in allergists theories.  My son will try the baked in milk challenge next week.  I will let you know how it goes.  Fingers crossed it will go well! 

I too had a hard time wanting to give casein products to my son last year but was hopeful.  It all went well until he tried ice cream.  My allergist suggested in this exact order food trials.  Only to go on to the next if he did well with the one before.  Each trial was a 2 week span.  1.Baked cheese on pizza 2. grilled cheese 3. uncooked cheese 4. yogurt 5. butter 6. ice cream (in which he failed so we did not continue to the last) 7. baked milk.

Over that year's time he has kept 1-5 in his diet on a regular basis.  When he was tested again the other day his rast test numbers went down slightly and so did the scratch test.  Not enough to feel extra confident on baked in milk but enough to give it a try.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: klasnick on July 07, 2013, 09:44:32 PM
Hi my name is Nicole and I am 38 years old and trying to figure out all my alleriges!  I competed in fitness competitions and while I was zeroed in on my diets I really starting noticing my body reacting to different foods.  I feel like I have an allergy to oils, nuts, milk, egg yolks, casein and I am still learning.  I do have a severe allergy to bees and I do get shots to help desensitize me so I wanted to ask my allergist to test me for foods.  Can anyone give me any insights on how they do the blood testsfor a lot of different foods?  Also dows anyone break out on their face from certain allergies?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on July 08, 2013, 08:53:26 AM
What kinds of responses to those things led you to conclude that you might be allergic to them?

I'd discuss your symptoms with your allergist.  It's great that you have a relationship with an allergist already-- that will really make things easier.

One thing I'd point out is that NOT ALL adverse responses to foods are "allergic."  That is, you may not have any food allergies--- but it still doesn't mean that you can eat everything with impunity.

By "breaking out" I assume that you mean acne?  Or did you mean something else?

In general that is not related to an IgE response to foods, no.  Generally, IgE-mediated (allergic) responses to foods are quick-- within an hour, nearly all of the time-- consistent (that is, rotation diets don't really 'work'), and allergic responses to foods can be life-threatening.  They may produce immediate/acute symptoms in the mucosal, cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurological, or pulmonary systems of the body.  If you have a beesting allergy-- then you know what I'm talking about.   Same exact constellation of symptoms.

Things like acne, bloating, smelly feet, or a feeling of malaise that lasts for days.... probably not allergy in the technical sense of the word. 

A final word of warning--

'fishing' for food allergies without specific reaction history is NOT currently accepted best practices in allergy treatment.  The reason is that testing often results in false positive results-- as much as half the positives in a random sample are false positives, in other words.  Don't do it-- if you have food allergies, you KNOW... you don't need anything but confirmation of it, usually, or a way to determine which of two or three possibilities it is in the case where it would be dangerous to try the foods in question.   

It's like the difference between asking your doctor to test you for "insect bites and stings" when you get an itchy bump from-- well, something... that you think is an ant, but hey, maybe it was a mosquito or a biting fly...

and testing for "some kind of wasp or bee" when you've landed in the ER after a sting at a picnic.

The former isn't (probably) a reason for a broad fishing expedition testing-wise, and the latter is quite targeted.  The former is also not a reason not to wear insect repellent, though... just because it isn't "allergy" doesn't mean that avoidance isn't a good idea.  :)


Okay-- PSA over.  LOL.


I'm assuming that since you were controlling your diet fairly rigorously, you have a good record of what you were consuming?  And symptoms that correlate?  That will be VERY helpful in terms of figuring out whether/what to test for.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Sara Phillips on July 17, 2013, 04:04:52 PM
Hey everyone! This is my first time on here and I am hoping to get some fellow food allergy suffers point of view/advice/help..whatever I can get! I have recently (within the last year) been diagnosed with the following allergies after seeing an allergist as to why I always feel so crummy: Chocolate, Bananas, Salmon, Beef?!, cabbage, chicken egg WHITE, casien, cows milk, wheat, and yeast ...

Being a 26 y/o active and busy girl, I like to be able to eat what I can...but my body say otherwise. In fact my FAVORITE things are some of the worst I can put in my body which  is a super cheesy thick pizza and craft beer....  :disappointed:  :-[

For the last 10 days I have been doing really well at eating only what I am allowed and working out. As I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! And I am getting married in two months!!  :misspeak: I have felt so awesome, it is a wonder why I ever go back to eating and drink the stuff I can't handle.

I would like to know who else may have these same allergies, and/or reactions.

My reactions are; throwing up, pain, SWELLING and I mean all over like someone has plugged me into an air pump!,  tired, sad, depressed, cranky, foggy mentality, trouble remembering things, either quick BMs or none at all, irritability, nausea, gas, rumbling tummy, heart racing...this seems to be it. Pretty much it is hell!!

Anyway, thank you for reading this and I look forward to hearing back from ya'll!

Oh, and when I got my list of allergens, they told me to DO NOT have celiac....
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Jen Stohr on July 29, 2013, 01:57:50 PM
Hi!  I am totally new here.  I found you through twitter.  I currently manage I believe 25 different food allergies in my family (that changes often as my daughter keeps adding them), asthma, celiac disease, reactive airway disease, and too many medication, chemical, and environmental allergies to count.   
 Here's our breakdown:
~J (me): horrid asthma, ANA to dairy (including airborne) and chamomile; SERIOUSLY gluten reactive (likely celiac but never been tested), allergic to sulfa drugs, walnuts, soy, latex, adhesives, wool, lanolin, down,  maple pollen, ragweed, all molds, cats; OAS to bananas, kiwi, all melons; very chemically sensitive.  I take Claritin D, Flonase, Advair HFA 120/30 daily; albuterol via inhaler and neb as needed (especially before workouts); and twice daily Pataday eye drops during spring and fall pollen season.

 T - (1/03): asthma; intolerant to dairy & soy; allergic to sulfites and walnuts, malignant hyperthermia susceptible ; outgrown severe allergy to mosquito and spider bites.  Takes daily Zyrtec to manage enviros.

H -  (6/05): ANA to bees and chamomile;  celiac, seriously allergic too dairy, ANA to chamomile; ok w/dyes as long as he's dairy & gluten free; severely contact allergic to latex and adhesives, enviros; malignant hyperthermia susceptible.  Takes daily Zyrtec year round to manage enviros.

M -  (3/07): reactive airway disease; celiac; ANA to dairy, shellfish, mollusks, wheat, sunflower, safflower, palm, coconut, almond, chamomile (all contact/ingestion/airborne); allergic to soy, peanut, corn, honey, oat, mustard, chocolate, olive, bananas , rosemary,  lanolin, wool, lidocaine, latex (contact and airborne), adhesives, grass, mold, dust mites, ragweed,  dandelions, grain dust,  Midwest trees; malignant hyperthermia susceptible; outgrew strawberry, cats, dogs, cottonwood. Takes Periactin twice daily for enviros, and albuterol as needed; looking for something safe for her to replace the Singulair that she is now reacting to.

Newlywed wife of  S - on Claritin for enviros, has eliminated all knee pain, joint pain, & chronic headaches by going gluten and dairy free for us, and has confirmed his own dairy sensitivity!

I am looking forward to connecting with others who deal with this crazy life, as well as helping with recipes/substitutions/cooking..    I have been on this journey since M was born, though I've dealt w/my own undiagnosed issues since birth (my darling mother never believed that anything was amiss with me, in spite of repeated ER and doc visits, chronic ear infections, chronic sinus infections, rashes, and digestive issues til I started giving up foods to nurse Mandie.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: kim helseth on July 30, 2013, 01:13:10 PM
Hi Everyone this is my first time at this site.

Travelling with a person with an allergy to a  country outside of Canada or the US is difficult. I find the worst part is the flight...as you never know what is being served. We were told (and filled out a special form) that no nuts were served on board..but on the flight back they served a Satay! Of course we provided our son with his own food on the plane.

Our son, 19, has a peanut allergy, last year we went to Amsterdam and had a fabulous experience. Firstly, almost everyone speaks English fluently in the Netherlands. We rented a (permanently moored) boat on the Amstel River, which had a kitchen. We were also in a more non-touristy part and all of the restaurants were great. Only in the core of Amsterdam (near Dam Square) did we find an issue when we asked a restaurant if they served peanuts (I even said it in Dutch) they said no but the menu had many items with nuts!

I'm now searching for a warm spot to go, I have been told to avoid spanish speaking countries as they don't understand the peanut allergy (that is the may contain factor and cross contamination in the kitchen).

If anyone has any experiences they'd like to share that would be great!

k!m



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on July 31, 2013, 03:50:27 PM
Hello to our new members!  We're glad you've found us.  Feel free to jump in anywhere.  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: susieque47 on August 14, 2013, 07:38:29 AM
Hi - Just came upon your website while I was looking for some information on how to store epi-pens in severe heat.  I have a 15 year old with a severe peanut allergy and am always looking for allergy support. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hezzier on August 14, 2013, 07:51:28 AM
Hi and welcome.

Here are some threads for you to check out...

Re: Insulated Epi Pen case?

How do you carry your epi pens when out and about and it is 100*?

Re: Epi's at the beach
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: allergygirl1978 on August 18, 2013, 05:24:08 PM
Hi im glad I'm here I recently found out over easter I have an egg milk wheat and red meat allergy along with very bad ibs IBS I have to eat organic allergy free food it has been really hard my family trys to understand I'm so frustrated glad to have found food allergy support
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on August 25, 2013, 12:09:18 PM
Welcome!

I hope that you find our community helpful, allergygirl.

Please be aware that "organic" foods are by NO MEANS any "safer" than conventional ones when it comes to food allergy.

This is probably one of the most dangerous myths out there.

  If you have a life-threatening food allergy, it is critical to avoid that food, and organic or not makes no difference at all.  This  IS, however, often a red flag when deciding whether or not to trust someone else to prepare food safely for you-- if they believe this, they probably do not have a great grasp on what IgE-mediated, life-threatening food allergy actually means.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GlutenFreeToBe on September 24, 2013, 07:35:59 PM
Hi everyone!

I'm Elizabeth originally from Wisconsin, USA, but currently living in Tennessee.  I'm 27 years old.  I just started eating gluten free about three weeks ago, and have been looking for forums that I can connect with other people with similar food allergies.  Thanks for being here!  :happydance:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Iamlisaedwards on October 13, 2013, 10:01:50 AM
Hi, I'm Lisa. My doctor recommended.i do the food elimination diet to rule out certain food sensitivities. As of las Monday we became gluten, dairy, soy,egg, orange, beef, pork, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate free.  :-[we have to do this for 3 weeks and then add 1 thing in for 1day then take out again for 2dats to see if we have a reaction.   I was really exctieded yesterday to find gluten free Rice Krispies but when I scanned them it showed soy. Could it be made near soy and not actually have soy in it?  I also can't find gum wo soy :'(. For now, we can have chicken rice veggies and all fruits except oranges   I so want some gum. Anyone have ideas?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 14, 2013, 01:49:49 PM
Is this elimination diet to pinpoint allergies or sensitivities?  And how many people?  (You make reference to "we" several times.  I am easily confused.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Meier154 on October 21, 2013, 11:19:37 PM
Hi I'm new and so glad to see this support site.  I'm allergic to life I feel,  :'( :'(

 milk,wheat, corn, barley, soy, clams, coconut, sesame, rye, avocados, and cantaloupe, I was born with asthma too. 

I'm hoping this site will help guide me to better health and I'm  really glad I'm not the only one with this kind of crazy food allergies.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 22, 2013, 06:47:28 AM
Hi.  Welcome to the forum. :)

Are these new allergies?  Diagnosed through test, reaction, or both?

Sometimes when allergies are new or have recently expanded, sometimes people react to more then they are actually allergic to.  In case that sentence makes no sense.....I originally had bad reactions to cats and dogs, even though I am not actually allergic to them.  I had developed food allergies and my system was just messed up.  Once I completely eliminated my real allergens, the reactions to cats and dogs eventually stopped.  It took years, but it did stop.

Reason I'm mentioning is, you have quite a list of allergens.  If some turn out to not be real allergies, it would make life easier.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: sneaker on October 26, 2013, 10:57:41 PM
Hi,

This is my first post as a member.  I have been a reader for a while and have found the advice very helpful here.  I finally commented as a guest in the Teens App thread and officially joined about two weeks ago.

I have 2 children, both with multiple food allergies, asthma, and eczema.  One child's food allergies is definitely life threatening, the other child probably not so severe.  Also, my child with the definite LTFA also has some delays.

I plan to post on this board more frequently.  And thanks, I have found this site a very helpful support and information place.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on October 27, 2013, 08:15:15 AM
Welcome to you newbies!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 27, 2013, 08:45:46 AM
Hi sneaker  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GingerPye on October 27, 2013, 09:43:41 AM
Sneaker, I've had similar issues with my kids --- DD had delays as a baby and had occupational and physical therapy.  All due to the food allergies   :rant:

Be sure to ask questions if you have any! 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: sneaker on October 27, 2013, 01:20:23 PM
Hi Going Nuts, Silver Lining, and Ginger Pye, Thank you for the warm welcome.

I realize I should have made it clearer that my kids are teenagers.

Ginger Pye, Thanks for telling about your DDs issues.  I don't know if my kid's delays are connected to the food allergies, and she still has the delays now as a teenager.  Thanks, I will be asking questions.

I am happy to be here as a registered member to post and thanks again everyone for the welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: petitepea on January 10, 2014, 08:14:48 PM
Hi I am new on here. I have MCS Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and chronic leukemia and have developed several food allergies as well. Four years ago I could eat just about anything and had no reprecussions. I now react violently to corn and all corn derivatives, as well as grapes, wine or anything containing sulfites, cow dairy, gluten and peanuts. I am allergic to sulfates and sulfites, nitrates and nitrites, MSG and sodium benzoate. My best friend Epi and I are inseparable!

Petite Pea
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 10, 2014, 11:29:38 PM
Hi PetitePea!   :bye:


That's a LOT of stuff to avoid.   It must feel truly overwhelming sometimes, given how little labeling is required of many of the items on your list. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on January 11, 2014, 08:15:54 AM
Welcome petitepea!

Wowza, that's quite a list!  I hope our forums are helpful to you.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: tsubasa292 on January 15, 2014, 01:12:03 PM
Hello!
I'm new to this forum but not new to avoiding nuts. I have anaphylaxis (I swear this is a word autocorrect!!!) to PN and TN. I am currently 21 (diagnosed at age 3) and living in the panhandle of Florida. I'm kinda anti-social, but working on that, and a complete bookworm! Nice to meet everyone, hoping to learn and teach. :)

(do I have to do the verification every time I want to post??  ???)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on January 15, 2014, 01:19:58 PM
Hi and welcome!  We have several adults here with PA and TNA, you'll fit right in.  :)

You will only have to do the verification for a few posts - it helps to weed out spammers.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: tsubasa292 on January 15, 2014, 01:32:36 PM
Thanks rebekahc, nice to meet you (I never admitted to being an adult though!  :hiding: ). Thanks for the info about the verification.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on January 15, 2014, 01:52:08 PM
A Harry Potter avatar & a funny signature ... you really will fit right in  ;D .

Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: tsubasa292 on January 15, 2014, 02:01:41 PM
Hi LinksEtc, great to meet a fellow Potter fan :) ...Unfortunately the signature isn't a joke... >_>
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on January 15, 2014, 02:55:01 PM
 :heart:, I just meant that I liked your signature ...  we all type things we don't mean to & misspell words ... I think we have a whole thread about funny autocorrect mistakes  :).

Anyway, welcome again!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: YouKnowWho on January 15, 2014, 08:17:24 PM
LOL My browser hates anaphylaxsis as much as I do - I may stab my computer with an epinephrine and see if it helps!

Say hello to LA for me ;)  I miss living in Niceville, FL :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hobbssa on January 21, 2014, 05:39:34 PM
Hello everyone!  My name is Sherry, I just turned 40 a few weeks ago and so far not so good.   :-/  The beginning of December I have an anaphylactic reaction to walnuts.  I have since been tested and found I am allergic to tree nuts and peanuts.  I huge adjustment for me!  I am still learning all of the ins and outs so may have alot of questions.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on January 22, 2014, 08:33:16 AM
Hi Sherry!   :bye:


Welcome to FAS!  I hope we can help you with some of your questions.


 :grouphug:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2014, 03:08:42 AM
I am new.  I have many food allergies, peanuts, treenuts,  and some others that are not as severe .  I really did not get my nut/peanut allergy under control until I banned all nuts and peanuts from my home.  I look forward to reading the posts and hearing what others have to say.  Hoping  I will learn something new.  Teresa
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on January 29, 2014, 07:52:07 AM
Hi and welcome.  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on January 29, 2014, 09:24:08 AM
Hi Teresa!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: wise_helayna on January 31, 2014, 01:09:47 PM
Hello everyone,

I am someone who has never suffered from allergies in my life, until yesterday, when I spent all day in hospital with an extreme allergic reaction (from about 10.30 am, in and out a bit as it improved and worsened, until 3am.)

It was absolutely terrifying, and now, 33hours ish later, my face, throat and and tongue are still swelling up/going down/swelling up/going down, despite all the steroids and antihistamines.

I never really understood how terrifying this whole thing was, and although I didn't get the full anaphylaxis, i was still terrified of suffocating at any moment.

Whilst I wait for my referral to an immunologist to determine exactly what the allergen/trigger was, I am really worried about what to eat. I think the most likely thing is peanuts, but is there a good source to see what foods are connected (e.g. if you are allergic to peanuts, these other foods sometimes also cause a reaction)? I am also wondering if it could be avocado? Or both?

 :) Thanks for reading this,
Helayna (tearstained and swollen!)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on January 31, 2014, 01:17:29 PM
With those symptoms first order of business is an EpiPen or other epinephrine auto-injector. What you're describing I'd actually inject myself immediately. I take it that you were told you were not anaphylaxing and they did not administer epinephrine?

I'm sorry if this is shocking news or frightens you but on the flowchart we're at the dealing with anaphylactic stage before we do anything else. Call your primary and get a script immediately. I'm not even sure why you were discharged.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on January 31, 2014, 02:38:52 PM
Yes-- second on the flowchart is "avoid what might have caused this to happen."

There are probably quite a number of possible culprits there-- do your best to write down EVERYTHING that you can remember about your surroundings, activities, and anything that you came into contact with in the two hours before this started-- paying particularly close attention to the twenty to thirty minutes before your very first symptoms started.  And by "first symptoms" I mean anything from this prioritized listing of symptoms given in layman's terms. 



Avoid those possibilities as much as you possibly can until you can converse with a really good allergist about your situation.    Some foods, yes, much more likely to cause anaphylaxis than others, particularly in adults-- nuts, seeds, shellfish, and latex are the TOP contenders there, but it's not completely out of the question for it to have been something else entirely.  In rare cases, a pollen allergy can be SO severe that it results in the kinds of symptoms you experienced-- with fruits-- this phenomenon is called "Oral Allergy Syndrome" and it is mostly localized (though I have to say I have my doubts on that score given what you're experiencing)-- but there is also no bright line that divides it from 'real food allergy' and a number of members here have had that turn into fully-fledged systemic (anaphylactic, not local) reactions to those fruits that are somehow related to the pollens that initially triggered the allergy.  I mention that because in some places, tree pollen season is in full swing-- and it's prime OAS season for those of us in those regions.  Applies, pears, plums, nectarines, cherries, etc. are prime offenders, in case that seems familiar.

 :grouphug: :grouphug:  Hang in there.   

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: wise_helayna on February 01, 2014, 01:55:49 PM
Thanks for the advice.
Fortunately the thing that gave me this reaction is hopefully going to be easier to trace, as i had only eaten 3 little things that day.

Is there a resource for what allergies are linked? I expect it was peanuts, but right now my body is struggling with anything I put in my mouth, so I'd like to avoid anything that may also be irritating or linked to peanut protein.

Of course- this is until I see the immunologist- the referral is is being processed as I rang my doctor as soon as I got out of hospital.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on February 01, 2014, 03:42:36 PM
I'm not sure if we have that list here, but I did find this one.  http://www.foodallergygourmet.com/Food%20Allergy/Food%20Families.htm

Quote
Legume: Acacia; Acacia Gum; Alfalfa; Arabic; Black-eyed pea; Carob; Carob (St. John's Bread); Cassia; Chick Pea; Field Pea; Green Bean; Green Pea; Guar gum; Jack bean; Karaya Gum; Kidney bean; Lentil; Licorice; Lima bean; Locust Bean Gum; Mungo Bean; Navy Bean; Peanut; Peanut oil; Pinto Bean; Soybean; Soybean oil/flour/lecithin; Split Pea; String Bean; Talca Gum; Tamarind; Tonka bean; Tragancanth Gum; Urd Flour.


Of that list, the only one I react to is peanut and peanut oil.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: RVALawGirl on February 05, 2014, 02:45:10 PM
Hi! I'm new here. Not new to allergies but newly diagnosed (clinical diagnosis) with Latex-Fruit Syndrome. I'm amazed at how little there is about this online, and how little food in my house I can actually eat.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on February 05, 2014, 02:51:18 PM
Wow, even prednisone? I know what you mean about nearly starving while surrounded by food. We're pretty limited ourselves between all family members. I have birch-apple, and probably the other birch-related items. Welcome nonetheless.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: RVALawGirl on February 05, 2014, 03:03:08 PM
Thanks 'twinturbo'. Yeah, prednisone is actually my most severe allergy and most difficult to understand for my doctors. The last time it was prescribed to me (by a doctor who didn't read my chart for allergies) my heart almost stopped and I had to be rushed to the hospital. The food thing is really new though so I'm struggling. I just wish there was more information out there. I'm so scared to eat anything.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on February 05, 2014, 03:09:50 PM
That makes me think not only do you need to know about avoidance but maybe get a note from your allergist for the ER in addition to your Emergency Action Plan. Do you have an epinephrine auto-injector and MedicAlert (or other) bracelet for your life threatening allergens? Because I can tell you if you're incapacitated you'll need that to speak for you regarding the prednisone.

What happened? I see that you have dairy listed as a lifelong allergen. Just so that we know more is that a life threatening IgE-mediated allergy and the latex and related cross-reactive fruits is the only new part? There's a few people here really experienced with latex so they'll definitely be able to help.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: RVALawGirl on February 05, 2014, 03:20:07 PM
I actually went one step above a medic alert bracelet (which I do have) and I carry a special USB drive that has all of my allergies and sensitivities, as well as medical conditions and medications, all listed. It's saved my life in the ER more than once.

Dairy has always been something I can't handle, I guess more of a sensitivity than an allergy. It's the lactose enzyme that I can't handle. I've always been good (or so I thought) with coconut milk, but coconuts are on my new list of latex related things to avoid. Latex (medical gloves, band-aids, etc...) started creeping up when I was right around 25 (I'm 34 as of last month) and it's just recently that I've been having the reactions to the related foods.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on February 05, 2014, 03:37:11 PM
OK, so for the sake of precision and accuracy I'm going to write this as a I understand it, we'll recursively edit until correct.

Your wheat and dairy issues are intolerances (digestive issues) but the medications, including prednisone, induce life threatening allergic reactions meaning you experience anaphylactic reactions (involving the immune system presenting as a constellation of symptoms). You do/do not have an epinephrine auto-injector (not clear) prescribed and always carried for allergic emergencies, and have already seen an allergist for an Emergency Action Plan. You have a medical ID bracelet, or other worn item clearly marked with your allergens. Latex allergy began around 25 but has now extended to cross-reactivity with foods related to latex.

What has happened in terms of symptoms that led you to the ER? I'm assuming an anphylactic reaction. This is just to confirm we're on the same page and also someone is likely to refer you to the anaphylaxis grading chart.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: RVALawGirl on February 05, 2014, 05:05:45 PM
I'm still learning all the correct terminology. Most of what you said is correct. I do not have an epi-pen yet, I am getting one this week as well as a new kind of cream to combat the skin reaction I have to the latex and the latex-related foods. I also ALWAYS carry my asthma inhaler which has thankfully been enough up to this point.

The ER trip because of the prednisone is difficult to explain. I was prescribed the prednisone by an orthopedists for a cyst and related swelling in my hand. She didn't read my chart and I didn't recognize the name of the medication. Since it had been 10+ years since I had any reaction to prednisone and had moved 6 or 7 times and was using a new pharmacy, no one picked up that I shouldn't take it. It was a 5 day course, decreasing dose by dose over the 5 days. On day 2 I was in the kitchen and when I stood up from the breakfast table I immediately fainted. My dad in a retired EMT and he could barely find a pulse, called the ambulance. The doctor said that the prednisone caused my already low blood pressure to dangerously drop when I stood up which caused me to faint. The prednisone was causing my heart rate to slow dangerously. I was kept in the hospital on fluids and closely monitored for 72 hours so they could make sure that all the prednisone was out of my system. I went through the full gamut of cardiac testing to make sure there was no permanent damage and have been ok since. I don't know if that's an anaphylaxis reaction (I always assumed that was the whole throat closing, can't breathe type of thing).
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on February 05, 2014, 05:22:31 PM
RVALG--  you will want to make sure that everything on this chart is familiar to you--

Anaphylaxis Grading Chart

My daughter has had some reactions like that.  No real breathing difficulty to speak of, just the cardiovascular symptoms.  Scary, scary,. scary stuff, since nobody around her really recognizes what is happening until you're nearly in cardiac arrest.

  Technically, that was probably an "anaphylactoid" reaction since it very likely isn't IgE-mediated (prednisone isn't a protein), but that doesn't matter all that much in terms of first aid or avoidance since epinephrine is the first-line treatment for exposure either way.

Don't rely on anything topical for treating symptoms with a Type I latex allergy-- if you've got cross-reactivity with foods, it's almost certainly a type I allergy.    Honestly, if you have that kind of allergy, even skin contact is a bad, bad idea over time.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: RVALawGirl on February 05, 2014, 09:14:58 PM
Wow! I had no idea all of that fell under the umbrella of anaphylaxis. My reactions are usually grade 3 and above so I'll definitely be getting that epi-pen soon. The confusion is that I don't just have one doctor treating my symptoms because no one understood what was going on. A little over a year ago I woke up at a friends house covered in hives, my regular doc thought exposure to laundry soap or something similar that I'm not use to (I've always had sensitive skin) but referred me to an allergist for some testing. He did some random skin testing and I only reacted to soy, corn, and carrots - none of which I had eaten in a time frame to produce the hives I had. I've avoided those three things thinking that was all I needed to do. My PCP treats my asthma because we always assumed that it was triggered at the change of seasons (pollen, trees, etc...) but it was never something I was actually tested for. I definitely need to find a new allergist for sure. It was my neurologist that actually brought the latex-fruit connection to my attention and strongly urged me to follow up because of the neurological concerns (headaches, dizziness, confusion) - I have drug-induced essential tremors that she helps me with. Adding another doctor to the list shouldn't be too difficult.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on February 07, 2014, 11:07:51 AM
One thought, I don't know if I'm reading too much into your screen name but if it means something like, "Hi, I'm a 2L" and your allergic reactions are now anaphylactic you'll probably want to investigate a 504 designation through your school's student services office. You must self-identify in post secondary schools to initiate the process.

On the chance it refers to LE then I'm thinking retool the thought process of what you'll have to handle physically and maybe develop some protocols on how you'll avoid latex on the job. First thing that comes to mind is searches/gloves. I think Turtleskin doesn't have latex in them stock but I don't know about grips and you'd want your own stash of nitrile at a minimum.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Beth on February 16, 2014, 04:32:04 PM
Hi, I am very new at this kind of stuff so here goes.  I have soy, corn and milk issues that I know of.  I started with these issues about 3 years ago practically overnight.  One day I was eating anything the next I was reacting. It started after a bad reaction to an arthritis medicine that my doctor prescribed.

When I eat anything with corn and soy I have one of two maybe 3 reactions.  My tongue get sore pretty immediate an I think sometimes swells, I start itching all over and I get rashes or quarter size red itchy sores or burning.  Also I have problems with blood pressure dropping, feeing and having blood sugar drop to like 65 (usually 2 hours after eating).  Very frustrated.

I went to my doc early on and he did a blood allergy test and said it came back that I was not allergic, including penicillin which I have been allergic to since childhood.  He just looked at me like I was crazy, shrugged his shoulders and sent me on my way.

I would like to find vitamins that I can take but need something corn and soy free and non gmo. 

I am confused because sometimes I can eat things (like chicken or beef) without a problem other times major reaction.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on February 16, 2014, 05:38:27 PM
He just looked at me like I was crazy, shrugged his shoulders and sent me on my way.

Oh boy.

Find a new doctor.  One who will take more time to understand what the heck is going on.

These arent' panic attacks, this isn't in your head-- you have BP readings, yes? 

If you can SOMETIMES eat things that are allergens, and sometimes not, though... then they probably aren't truly allergens, or something weird like exercise-induced IgE-mediated things are going on.

But if you truly have a disorder that is leading to idiopathic[/i] anaphylaxis or something-- you should NOT be without epinephrine.  Wow.  I'm really worried that your doctor just dismissed you so cavalierly. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: April on March 11, 2014, 01:14:46 PM
Hello, my Name is April.  I have a severe shellfish allergy.  I have always had some sort of small reaction to it as long as I can remember, but last week, on a vacation, my food was fried directly with shellfish and 20 minutes later was the most terrifying moment I've ever had in my life, well up to that point.  I was in the Bahamas, so I was also in a panic not knowing what kind of medical care to expect. though it was clean and they did exactly what they were supposed to do.  I returned home and followed up with my doctor immediately to get an epi pen.  but I didn't much more info on it, except to stay away from places that serve it. duah. a week later I was in a health food store trying to find a calcium supplement for my daughter and noticed my mouth burning, I left the store, and as I was driving I felt the heart pounding, throat closing coming on. pulled over and gave myself the epi then drove to the hospital.  they kept me for about 45 min and then let me go. Sunday, out of no where, it hit again, and on top of the reaction, I started to panic. so now im refusing to go to work or to anywhere alone, I wont touch anything without gloves. I'm fighting panic attacks off, in fear of coming into contact with something where "shellfish hides". I had to throw out my dog food and treats. im waiting to get in to see an allergy specialist so I can get back to living. these reactions have been so terrifying, idk how long it will take me to get back to myself again.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on March 11, 2014, 02:47:22 PM
Hi April.  I know how bad those panic attacks can be.  I went through them for a long time.

If you scroll down the main page, there is a section for fish/shellfish allergies.  One if the topics "stickied" at the top is about hidden sources.  I copied the information from our previous on-line home for you.

There are other discussions in that area you may find helpful.  Also, an area for adults with good allergies! and another for restaurants.

Lots of info available.  But if you don't find what you are looking for ask.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on March 11, 2014, 04:15:43 PM
Welcome April!  Sorry to hear you're having reactions and panic attacks - and I know it can be difficult to tell which is which sometimes.  :grouphug:  SL has pointed you in some good directions.  I'd also suggest reading the recent threads by a new member jenavy21 because a lot of the advice she got could also apply to you.  It seems pretty common (especially with adult-onset allergies) to react all the time (or seemingly to random things/everything) right after a big reaction.   
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ginabeana888 on April 07, 2014, 02:24:56 PM
Hi everyone. This is my very first time..... I have a 3yr old son with life threatening food allergies, dairy, eggs, peanuts and treenuts. This is a learning process for our entire family. We have never known anyone with food allergies. Looking forward to meeting new parents and getting great feedback :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on April 07, 2014, 02:45:31 PM
A very warm welcome to you, Ginabeana.   :bye:


Glad that you found us-- I hope that we are a useful resource and supportive community for you as your son grows.  Multiple food allergies make childhood much more complicated, but really-- they mostly make PARENTHOOD much more challenging, I think.   My daughter is now almost 15, and the past 14 years have just seemed like, well-- normal life-- to her.  She doesn't know anything different.  Sometimes I am the one that has trouble with how different it is.    I just wanted to share that, since I recall worrying so much about that when she was little.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: skyerar on April 12, 2014, 10:57:47 AM
hi I've recently been diagnosed with a sever sunflower seed allergy since Sept 2013 its so frustrating sunflower oil is in everything!!
also my skin prick test also showed an positive reactions to Histamine mould and mild reaction to cat hair its difficult because I found out I was allergic when I was 29 and most places we go out to eat don't understand that sunflower can cause anaphylaxis or just think im paranoid thank god ive found somewhere where people understand allergies are serious ;D
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on April 12, 2014, 12:17:49 PM
Hi and welcome  :bye:  I was around thirty when I developed my allergies. 

There is a section of the forum for specific food allergies, and the one for seeds may have some useful information for you.

Seed Allergy
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: maddiesmommy on May 16, 2014, 09:29:55 PM
Hi Everyone,

I am new here and wanted to introduce myself. (please be kind  :-/ ) My baby girl Madelyn (9 months) just recently had a severe allergic reaction to 'something'. After a blood test we have found out she is severely allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs. She also reacted to wheat and soy. We still don't know what it was exactly she ate that caused her reaction as none of the foods she ate contained those ingredients (only had 'may contain traces' label on one of the items)  We are currently waiting for an appointment with an allergist for further testing and hopefully more direction. Although I am a nurse and know what to do in the event of anaphylaxis it's the rest of it that I find overwhelming. I feel almost stupid asking for help because I feel I'm a nurse and should know this stuff, but yet it's just so different on this side. I know that in an emergency I will be able to act but it's the prevention part that I am most daunted by.

I feel like I don't know where to start. I have been trying to do as much reading as possible (and welcome any resource suggestions people may have) but I just feel lost as to where to begin. The one upside at this time is that because I am still breastfeeding at this time we can basically start all over with solids and reintroduce them one at a time with a food journal. But I still feel lost. What should I be focusing my learning on? Diagnosis, label reading...? How do I protect Maddie? Should I be getting her an alert bracelet? Posting warning labels? I don't want to come across paranoid because I'm not that type of person but this is all so new to me..being a mom and now having a child with severe allergies.

Anyways I'm rambling and don't want to scare anyone off...I just am looking for some real advice from parents/people who can relate. Thank you in advance!

~Desiree
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on May 16, 2014, 10:05:56 PM
Hi Desiree.

Just wanted to welcome you to the community.   :grouphug:


I'm not sure if you saw this thread, but it has some good info:
What would you tell someone new to LTFA?

-----------------

This explains a little more about blood tests:
http://www.foodallergy.org/diagnosis-and-testing/blood-tests

There are sometimes false positive results so hopefully the allergist will be able to help you figure out if all of those foods are true allergens for your daughter.  I'd avoid giving her all suspect foods to be safe until you see the allergist.

-----------------

Do you have epinephrine and an allergy plan?  Those are the first questions that I usually ask to those newly diagnosed.

-----------------

All questions are welcome here.  Feel free to jump in anywhere and ask away.   :heart:


Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: maddiesmommy on May 16, 2014, 10:12:20 PM
Hi

Thanks for the response...Yes we have allerject thank goodness!

I will check out those links
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 16, 2014, 10:30:23 PM
Hi and welcome!   :bye:  So sorry you needed to find us, though.

I know it feels overwhelming right now, but we'll help you get through it.  :) For now, I would focus on only what you need to do to keep her safe - namely avoiding whatever it was she reacted to.  We'd be happy to try and help you narrow down the most likely culprits until you can meet with the allergist.

I'll start with a few questions - what exactly did she eat within the 4 hours before the reaction?  When did the reaction start?  Had she been breast feeding recently? If so, what had you eaten?  Where were you - at home, out? Any possibility she picked up traces of the allergen from a surface either by mouthing something or by putting her hands in her mouth or rubbing her nose or eyes?  Anything new or different the day she reacted (food, environment, etc)?

An important thing to know is that "May contain" items can and do cause allergic reactions.  Manufacturers are not required to label for possible contamination, so just because the label doesn't list may contain doesn't mean it's safe, either.  If you read through the manufacturers section here, you'll get a feel for which companies label well and you can always ask us to get you started with suggestions for specific brands/products.

Yes, a high percentage of positive tests are false positives, so if you can narrow it down it will make life much easier than avoiding things unnecessarily.

 :grouphug:  You'll get the hang of it and eventually managing food allergy will become second nature.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: twinturbo on May 16, 2014, 11:15:13 PM
Been there with the first big reaction for my second child as an infant. Not fun. But we got through it.
Welcome. It's tough but you're not alone and you don't have to go through it alone.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: maddiesmommy on May 19, 2014, 10:08:25 AM
Good morning,

Thank you for your reply and help. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond but I decided I needed to take a few days off from the computer screen..I think I was making myself crazy haha

Madelyn's reaction was at home. She had eaten some mum mum rice crackers, a baby graduates apple wheel snack, and some chicken. None of that was new (however I know that doesn't matter) The one thing that we think (knowing what she's allergic to) is that she reacted to the skinny cow bar I had. I was talking to my dad and she leaned forward and touched her lips aka tried to lick my bar. It was a frozen yogurt bar with caramel sauce in it. At first (before the blood test results came back) when we went through all the ingredients with the pediatrician we thought it was that because of the "may contain nuts' He was clear to point out exactly what you said that people can and do react to "may contain" However now that we know she is allergic to milk I am thinking that her reaction was to the milk in it?

That being said...the baby graduates snack has wheat so it might have been that too? However based on the severity of the reaction the pediatrician says most likely it was a milk or nut product. I do still breast feed but nothing in my diet was different either. I don't really eat nut products or milk. Unfortunately she's at the age where everything gets licked or chewed on so I have no way of knowing if she came into contact with something that way, however I don't think that was the cause. I can't think of what might have had traces of the things she allergic to.

Do you know for the 'may contain' do they have to at least state that for the major allergens?  Thanks for pointing out the manufacturers section.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 19, 2014, 11:20:35 AM
I agree the milk or nuts sounds most likely.  The may contain milk rice cracker may have been the one she's eaten that actually did contain some milk or it could have been your yogurt or it could have been that the two combined was a high enough dose of milk to trigger a reaction.  If it was nuts from your may contain bar, then she would have gotten an extremely small dose which means you'll need to be extra vigilant to prevent exposure.  Can you find out from the manufacturer which nuts it might have had contact with?

May contain labels are completely voluntary even for major allergens.  The only required labeling is if a product intentionally has one of the top 8 allergens included in the ingredients, they have to be bolded in the ingredient list and/or listed at the bottom Contains:  X, Y and Z.  There is no regulation of cross contamination.
Title: nice to find people like myself!!!! Thanks for having me
Post by: mandy jane on May 29, 2014, 09:26:43 AM
Hi, So glad to have found you all and hope I can find others like myself as I seem to be a mystery at the moment. About 2 yrs ago I had a bad chest infection and had an xray and was advised to stop smoking. I was diagnosed with asthma 27 yrs ago, just mild. I stopped smoking at Drs request. Since then I have had recurring chest infections, wheezing, tightening etc etc....As im a slimming world member i write my food diary out every week and noticed several things. One week I had a muller light yoghurt which I have been eating for many years.....within 30 minutes i was projectile sick several times, started wheezing, my throat was closing up, i could feel mucus coming up, was so breathless and couldnt walk two steps due to the breathlessness. I went to the Dr was given steroid tablets and an inhaler. This took 2 days to get over, afterwards I started with a chest infection and had to have antibiotics for it. I was given a lung functioning test and to my Drs surprise my lungs were functioning above average. I was told to stop the inhalers as the Asthma Nurse said I did not have asthma.......a week later i ate a fromage frais and exactly the same thing happened!!!! Back to Drs, she listened to my chest etc and said everything was clear but gave me the steroids again, few days later it turned into a chest infection again and I had to have antibiotics....again took 2 days to recover......a week later I ate a tiny slither of pork pie, 2 small chocolate teacakes and a small piece of coffee and walnut cake....again within 30 minutes all the symptoms came again, this time i was quite worse but as it was Friday I had to wait until monday to see a Dr...again i was given steroids but this time it took me 10 days to recover, i could barely walk at all and had difficulty walking to the drs room.....im thinking maybe it took 10 days to recover as i had not seen a dr immediately. I returned to Drs shortly after to get another course of antibiotics, a few days later i got thrush in my mouth, throat and tongue and had to have medicine to clear it. My tongue was cracked, my throat hurt so much and my mouth was covered inside, it was awful. The Dr said taking steroids and antibiotics had caused this.....I was sent to the xray department for an ultrasound scan to check my gallbladder. The radiotherapist checked my gallbladder, liver, kidneys and spleen and said no signs of stones and all looked OK. I have also done a poo sample and will be going to the drs tomorrow for the scan results and poo sample results. I have been put on a strictly  no fat diet and have lost 1 and half stone in 5 weeks. I am only eating fruit and veg, started eating chicken and pork and was ok. I have been eating blocks of raw jelly for my sweet tooth and was ok with this apart from last night. I had a raw jelly and i started wheezing again and was also sick 5 times I thought oh no here we go again but my breathing is ok. I woke this morning the wheezing has stopped, my breathing is fine but my throat feels weird. My hubby thinks its because I was so sick......does anyone else have any of these symptoms.....my dr didnt suggest i had a food allergy I thought maybe i did......Tomorrow im going to ask for some blood tests, i just dont  know what to do, im too scared to eat anything. Im going on holiday in 3 months and really need this sorting im soooooo worried. Many thanks for reading all of this but needed to put you in the picture.....from start to finish this is what happens......30 minutes of eating im projectile sick, then the wheezing starts, my throat tightens, i cant breathe and then finally i get some kind of chest infection and need antibiotics. I would be so grateful to hear from anyone as im sure the Dr doesnt have a clue.......Thanks once again xxx
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 29, 2014, 10:05:24 AM
It definitely sounds like you could be having food allergy reactions.  Although the subsequent chest infections would not be directly caused by an allergic reaction, the excess mucous would be an ideal breeding ground for germs.

Before having allergy testing, it's important to narrow down a list of possible suspects because food allergy testing has a high rate of false positive results.  You are likely to test allergic and end up avoiding things you don't need to avoid.  You'll need to be suspicious of any common ingredients between the foods you've eaten just prior to the reactions - especially those that are unique to the times you've reacted.  Also, if any of the foods seem out of place (like the jelly) then you should consider whether it could have been contaminated with an allergen either at the manufacturing level or at home.  From your list of foods, I'd begin by suspecting dairy or nuts.

If your symptoms are due to food allergy, you are having life-threatening reactions and need to properly manage them with avoidance of your allergens and have the proper medication (epinephrine) to treat any future reactions.  If at all possible, I would try to get in to see an allergy specialist (preferably one well familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies).  In the mean time, if you have another reaction go to the hospital.  To be blunt, waiting to see the doctor hours or days later could kill you.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Morefam on June 27, 2014, 07:46:29 PM
Hi, we found out this week my son is highly allergic to soybean.  He also has trees & grass allergies.  For 2 years he has been very sick, lots of different dr visits & noone could figure out why he was sick. His symptoms are uncontrollable vomiting, stomach pain, GI problems, headaches, & eczema. 13 months ago he had emergency surgery for a retro pharyngeal abcess (very rare) he was better this winter & then his symptoms came back in Feburary. Long story short all of those symptoms happen when having a reaction to soybeans- when this happens it is compromising his immune system & that's why he ended up with the bacterial infection. My son had always been healthy until 2 years ago when we moved to the county.  It is very windy where we live with soybean, corn fields, trees, & grass fields all around.  I am wondering if we should move back to town? We are very overwhelmed because soy is in so many foods and we need to completely change the way we eat. Any advice would be helpful, thanks.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LinksEtc on June 29, 2014, 04:01:52 PM
Hi &  :grouphug:

I guess one of my first questions would be what type of doctors your son sees?  For example, were the allergies diagnosed by an allergist?  Does an ENT or another type of doc deal with the retro pharyngeal abcess?  Any other medical professional involved?

What is your son's reaction history like in terms of eating soy?  How long has he reacted to eating soy?  In the past, did he sometimes eat it without reacting?  Have you been prescribed epinephrine?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm trying to get a better sense of your situation.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: LWay on July 10, 2014, 09:40:49 PM
HI everyone, nice to be here!!
So I have a son with a severe PA but we recently found out that he is also allergic to Walnuts and Pecans.  So now I am on the hunt for all the other tree nuts that are TREE NUT free.    :-/
I am liking all the information I see on here concerning this.  Thanks so much.  :happydance: 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on July 11, 2014, 07:01:46 AM
Hi LWay, sorry you need to be here, but glad you found us!

For un-Xcontaminated nuts, try Wonderful Almonds.  They are used by Mt. Sinai for their almond challenges, and make a couple of different varieties.  I don't know if their pistachios are as "pure" as their almonds (DS is severely allergic to pistachios), but if they are that might be a good source for you.

Are you in the US?  If not, others might have some other recommendations.

Welcome! :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Mame on July 15, 2014, 12:48:37 PM
I'm the mother of the child in the Gloucester food allergy case. Yesterday I happened to go to the web site Wrightslaw.com.and started reading the article "When a School Refuses to Protect a Child with Life-threatening Allergies." I burst into tears when I realized it was about my daughter. I had no idea her case was being used to help others. My tears were both of relief, for the validation Wrightslaw gave me for the actions we took, and of pain, from the memory of all we went through for the year it took to settle her case.

My discovery was pure chance. I'm a member of FARE, and I read in their newsletter that Pete Wright did a presentation on food allergies in June at their annual conference, so I went to his web site to see what information he had. I couldn't believe that the second article from the top of all the links on the Allergies/Anaphylaxis page was about my daughter! I didn't know anybody outside of Gloucester had heard of her case. I found your web site through a link in the first comment on that article.

It was written by Pam Wright in 2008, the year after the case was settled. I filed the complaint when my daughter was in kindergarten. The school nurse and her teachers were wonderfully supportive, but their hands were tied by the administration. My daughter is now 14, has always been out-going, intelligent, and athletic (according to her proud parents!), and still has life-threatening food allergies and a 504 Plan. We still live in Gloucester, and she is about to enter high school. She is now her own advocate for her food allergies, but does not like being singled-out for them. Most everyone along the way (with the exception of one middle school nurse) has been helpful about her food allergies without excluding her. I'm crying again as I type this. Thank you for all who left positive comments.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on July 15, 2014, 03:43:36 PM
I'm so glad you stopped by!  We often refer to your daughter's case in our Schools section.  You were trailblazers in due process for 504s.  Thank you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on July 15, 2014, 04:40:37 PM
Honestly--- THANK YOU.  If there were a medal of honor here at FAS, you'd have one. 

Please know that I have often thought about your family-- and hoped that you had some notion of just HOW far you managed to pay it forward for others.  My daughter is a year older than your own, and I have to say-- the sheer scope of what it took to get a 504 plan for her is unthinkable by today's standards.  Your case is such a big, BIG part of that.

We all owe your family.  I know from experience just how hard it is to keep fighting so hard when you seem to be the only ones who understand WHY you are fighting. 

THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart for being tenacious advocates.   :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Stinky10 on July 15, 2014, 04:51:19 PM
MAME - THANK YOU.  I used your case and my school dist attny said "Thank you for doing some research for me".    I'm fairly certain that my son had the first 504 in our district for food allergies.  I've passed the links and information along to many many people as well! 

Yes- I'd give you a medal for sure!   Thank you so much!    :smooch:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on July 15, 2014, 06:03:28 PM
I am crying reading your post. Yes, thank YOU. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for your work.

A little birdie tipped me off about your case through an educational periodical that mentioned it--basically giving a heads up to school districts about it. The term "prevailing agains parentst" was used, and I found it sickening. I called OCR in DC and asked for the letter, and they sent it to me, first by fax and then in the mail. I scanned the mailed version and emailed it to wrightslaw.com, and it was (thrilling) news to Pete. I wanted it up publicly--so we could share it here and so other FA parents would have access to it. Pete ran with it--much to the delight of this community.

A few days before he published this article, my son's elementary school in Central Virginia granted his 504 elegibity. It was our second meeting, and the first turned out badly, with the elementary school saying my son did not qualify and my contacting OCR and our district's SpEd Director. The latter came to the second meeting.

The packet I had given him a week prior to that second meeting contained your resolution letter.

It packed a punch.

My son got a 504 at that second meeting, the first 504 for FA in our district.

So, so many people who have sought help at this site have also used your resolution letter. I cannot tell you how many kids your letter has helped.  Countless. Your hard work has made a difference for so many kids.


My son is now 16. We've moved and he was again the first to have a 504 for FAs.

I work for a nonprofit in Virginia, and we have a number of donors in Gloucester.  Every single time I see the town's name I think of you and imagine what my son's life would have been like without your letter. I believe it was a lynch pin in the case we made for a 504.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on July 15, 2014, 06:44:56 PM
Hero.

That is not overstating it.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: OptimisticMom on July 15, 2014, 06:48:18 PM
Hi, I'm new here. I have a 12 month old daughter who has a bevy of food allergies: dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, cashews, pistachios and I think avocado might need to be added to the list as well. I'm pretty much feeding her only fruits and veggies at this point (she's also still breastfed.) I had her tested at 6 months (skin test) and although I suspected she was allergic to dairy, soy and peanuts only dairy came back as positive. 2 months ago I had her tested again, new allergies suggested a blood test and all of the above came back except for soy, however, anytime she's been around or even touched with soy she breaks out into hives. So the allergist recommends that we keep her away from soy too.

I have no allergies, my husband has no allergies, our 2 year old has no allergies and our baby keeps adding new food allergies every few months so I'm completely stumped here. I know there must be some kind of methodology in finding the right allergy free yet balanced diet but I don't know where to start. I'm hoping some people here can point me in the right direction because people without kids with food allergies COMPLETELY DO NOT understand how serious food allergies are.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on July 15, 2014, 07:01:26 PM
Oh, you're right. They don't.

I know this is of little comfort or use to you now, but there is a good chance your baby could outgrow at least some of these allergies eventually.

You seem to be really attuned to your baby, and that really is a huge thing with FAs--especially before they can articulate something is wrong.

Did your doc prescribe an EpiPen jr?  I imagine your kiddo is still under the minimum weight for one, but you need to have some epinephrine on you at all times. I hope you're well situated there.


Day care is an issue if you work outside the home. It can be very tough, though it should be more readily available than it was when my son, now 16, was wee.

Things will get easier emotionally than they are now--even if she never outgrows. And sometimes it will get worse.  This life has its see saw moments! 

I'm glad you found this community.  I hope you find it helpful and welcoming.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: OptimisticMom on July 15, 2014, 07:15:38 PM
Thank you for your reply!

Yes, we have a couple of EpiPen Jr. pens all over the place now and I keep Benadyrl everywhere. I think I'm better stocked with allergy stuff than diapers and wipes. LOL

I'm a work from home mom and my girls are with me full time, otherwise I think I would be a complete mess if I had to leave her with people who 'don't get it' every day. Once a week my daughters are watched for two hours at our health club while I'm offsite for a meeting and only once did my baby have a reaction while I was away. The girls in the daycare were about to use the Epi on her but thankfully I arrived just in time and it wasn't necessary. Talk about anxiety. She broke out into the hives from just sitting in a highchair in the daycare area. No idea what was actually causing her reaction.

I'm hopeful that she'll outgrow the egg allergy but her dairy blood test numbers were high. I'm also hoping to figure out what the deal is with the soy allergy thing. Her first birthday is actually on Friday and we'll see her allergist again next week to talk about flu shots and testing her again once she's officially a year old.

Because I'm still breastfeeding her I'm on a diet that is free of the things that have already been identified as allergens for her, but I would really like to start transitioning her over to some kind of milk and when I start researching the options and benefits and risks, my head just spins. Having a baby with food allergies is tricky.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: TabiCat on July 15, 2014, 07:37:47 PM
My DS was about that age when diagnosed with the first FA. My head was swimming.  I made a lot of mistakes in those early days.  He has outgrown almost everything except the PN.

It is so hard to find what to feed them when they seem to be allergic to everything!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: joanna5 on July 15, 2014, 07:52:10 PM
Another huge thank you to Mame.  I, too, used your daughter's case when pursuing a 504 for my son.  He was found to qualify and was the first 504 for food allergies in that district.  You blazed a huge trail for those of us who have come behind you. Thank you.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: yelloww on July 15, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
Hi Mame!  :bye:  welcome! We are your biggest fans!

I can't thank you enough for filing your case. My son is a year younger than your daughter, so the resolution came out right when I was starting everything with our 504. I had your resolution in my back pocket when working with the district. I was lucky enough to get what my son needed the first go-around, but it was a huge weight off of my shoulders to know that I had your ruling on my side as legal support for my request.

I hope you stick around. A whole lot of what happens in our schools forum is because of you.  :yes: :grouphug:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on July 16, 2014, 12:10:03 PM
Hello Mame!  Ditto what the other members have said!  You, your story, and your willingness to share has helped so many of us!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Wrightslaw on July 17, 2014, 11:31:47 AM
Fantastic -

"I called OCR in DC and asked for the letter, and they sent it to me, first by fax and then in the mail. I scanned the mailed version and emailed it to wrightslaw.com, and it was (thrilling) news to Pete. I wanted it up publicly--so we could share it here and so other FA parents would have access to it. Pete ran with it--much to the delight of this community."

I am so glad you did so, you really set something in motion. Since my presentation at FARE in June, we have many more links and cases that I used at that program. On our wrightslaw.com website, far left margin, scroll down to "allergies" and you will find the OCR Gloucester letter and many more.

It's the trailblazers like Gloucester Mom and Macabre who are changing outcomes. Thanks.

Pete Wright
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on July 17, 2014, 11:47:21 AM
This is the greatest page topper in the history of FAS.   ;D

Edited to add:  and thank you for all you have done.  I'm Canadian, so haven't really followed this, but I do know how much Wrightslaw has made a difference to so many people on this forum.

So, thank you. :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Stinky10 on July 17, 2014, 12:21:38 PM
Pete - you are a hero in my house.   A true hero.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on July 17, 2014, 01:23:10 PM
Yes, THANK you, Pete!!

And thank you for posting!   :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ajasfolks2 on July 17, 2014, 07:18:20 PM
So, Mame (and Pete Wright) --

I'm sitting here crying too.

This has all been so worth it -- getting FAS up and running and "out there" for others to find . . . advocating for and supporting those with food allergies -- late nights, early mornings, contentious (brutally so!) 504 meetings for many of us.

We (my family / son) were one of the earliest 504s in Fairfax County, VA.  The Gloucester letters and docs made them sit up and TAKE NOTICE.

~ ~ ~

And, TT, wherever you are, I know you are here.

THANK YOU TOO.  :heart:

~e

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: b_griff on July 28, 2014, 08:12:02 PM
Hi

I am 24 years old and recently found out i am allergic to soy, seasame, peanut, tree nut. I also have had fruit allergies since i was a little.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on July 30, 2014, 11:32:11 AM
 :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SlabCity on August 08, 2014, 06:31:11 PM
HI I'm Robi...I don't have a doctor verified food allergy, but I know my gut can't handle any GMO's.  Really hard to dig the truth out. Hoping I'll find some tips here...So does anyone know if New World frozen fruit is non-GMO?  source of their products?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on August 08, 2014, 06:44:31 PM
...
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ArtistGirl1 on August 22, 2014, 08:37:38 AM
Hello, I am the mom to two children with food allergies.  My 16 year-old son has contact allergies to food.  I was wondering if anyone on this board deals with a contact allergy and how you do it.  Also, have any of you used Xolair (Omalizumab) or know anything about this IgE inhibitor?  Thanks in advance for any BTDT advice or information you have.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on August 22, 2014, 09:53:33 AM
We do have a couple of people here with Xolair experience. I took it for a while, but another member's son was one it for a longer period. He had multiple FAs (many!) and the Xolair helped him considerably.

I did help me, too. I noticed decreased sensitivity to airborne shrimp. But I wasn't on it for very long.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on August 22, 2014, 11:22:41 AM
Hi and welcome!

I'm one of the members with Xolair experience.  My DS started taking it when he was 7 - over 10 years ago now.  That was just after it got approved for asthma.  Luckily (?) for us his asthma was bad enough to qualify because we really wanted to try it for any positive side-effects it might have on his food allergies.  We were able to keep him on Xolair for several years (until we lost our insurance and couldn't afford the more than $3K per month cost to continue).  During that time, all his food and environmental allergies got much better - he was able to eat, to some degree, almost everything he was allergic to (long, long list with most of the top 8 on it) except for nuts and peanuts.  We weren't willing to try those due to a few instances of itchy throat with likely contaminated foods.  His asthma completely disappeared.

Now that he's been off of the Xolair a few years, his asthma is creeping back in, but so far he's just needing the inhaler occasionally.  Most of his food allergies have stayed gone except milk has come back worse than it was before.  So far, he still doesn't seem to be contact and airborne reactive to peanuts like he was pre-Xolair.  He's also started having OAS (oral allergy syndrome) to most fruit, so I suspect his environmental allergies are picking up again, too.  Unfortunately, though, now his asthma isn't bad enough to qualify him to get back on Xolair. 

Honestly, I don't know if he would go back on it given the option at this point.  His asthma is pretty good and his food allergies are manageable.  The shots were so big - almost 3cc of corn syrup consistency (so large bore needle) - and having to go each month when he's busy being a teenager...

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on August 22, 2014, 11:53:06 AM
While I can't help with the Xolair portion of your question, I do have some not inconsiderable experience with a teen who has a very low threshold.

I was wondering if anyone on this board deals with a contact allergy and how you do it.

Well, you learn to play it by ear, obviously-- there are things that we have our DD (now15) avoid, and I couldn't probably even explain WHY we do those things, because it's not always clear why the risk exists at a particular activity/location, but just that it DOES.

For example, I know that about 10-25% of the time, DD is going to have contact reactivity if her allergen is around.  This is allergen dependent, of course, but peanuts and treenuts are a definite culprit there. 

We've also learned over the years that CONTACT reactions aren't especially dangerous-- just irritating-- but it's what they signify that makes them scary and worth avoiding.  DD's ingestion/internal exposure threshold is SO low that we know that any contact reaction is an indication that a setting is MASSIVELY dangerous to remain in, because an amount large enough to elicit cutaneous symptoms with contact is more than enough to cause anaphylaxis if ingested or inhaled.

Other kind of ritualized things that we do:

a) handwashing-handwashing-handwashing-- every time we re-enter our home, and definitely every time before eating or handling food-- ANY food.

b) we carry clorox wipes everywhere.  Purse packs are awesome.  Some people use baby wipes, which are easier on the skin, but we can't b/c of my dd's aloe sensitivity.

c) DD is profoundly aware of where SHE puts her hands-- she avoids common touch-surfaces like stair railings, doorknobs, etc. with her bare skin.  Period.  This particular behavior avoids an enormous number of problems.  It also means, however, that you can bring residue home on jacket sleeves (she pulls her sleeve over her hands to open doors, etc.)-- so be cautious about that in a setting that is LIKELY to be contaminated.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on August 22, 2014, 07:58:43 PM
Oh, you can really feel it going in. Yowza.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: msamber0910 on August 23, 2014, 07:56:08 PM
Hi! My name is Amber, 34 years old, and just found out I have some food allergies about a month ago. Peanuts, treenuts, coconut. As well as my severity of outdoor/indoor allergies after some testing. Cats, weeds, trees, dust mites, and grass. Trying to come to terms with the food allergy, so thought I would come to a forum to get some others input who may have ideas/tips/etc how to do things like eat out, or go to festivals!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: hezzier on August 24, 2014, 07:11:32 AM
Hi and Welcome!  Be sure to check out the section that is Adults with Food Allergies.

How did you come to realize you had food allergies?  By testing or reaction?  There are lots of people here with environmental allergies too.  This is a great place to ask questions, lots of information here.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: aprudente on August 27, 2014, 12:23:49 PM
Hi everyone.  I'm new to the support group.  I have a 5 year old daugter that is allergic to peanuts.  We recently had component testing done for the first time and she is allergic to ara h2 protein with a level of .45.  She's never eaten peanuts but had an skin reaction to peanut butter at her old daycare so we don't know what kind of reaction she would have.

She is currently in a private Kindergarten that is peanut free but we plan to send her to public school next year, which allows peanuts.  We will be waiting to do the oral challenge until next summer. 

I guess my question is, is anyone is a similar situation with a lower level of h2 protein?  I'm wondering if a oral challenge is worth it.  Just trying to weigh pros and cons.

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ajasfolks2 on August 27, 2014, 01:58:38 PM
Hi aprudente!

Oral challenge in office is likely going to be allergist-specific . . . some are more willing than others, we've found.

But if the pnut component is low, the SPT and RAST are fairly low or nil, AND no history of anaphylaxis . . . then I would think you have good shot at getting challenge done, based on how *our* allergist would handle.

For my own family, the oral challenge would be worth it -- especially if this were my only child with PA.  It might change how child is accommodated (or need no accommodations) at school . . . but not necessarily change things at home if there were still another family member with peanut allergy and the home was a "NO peanut" zone.

Everything is individual, but if this improves quality of life for some in the family, then would be worth it in my opinion.



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on August 28, 2014, 10:10:44 AM
It might also be worth it to get information just prior to the start of school-- just so that you know one way or the other.  Obviously, you'd like to learn that the allergy has been outgrown, or is not severe.  But even if you learn that isn't so-- at least you'll be armed with very fresh, expert-backed evidence to provide to the school where your child will be enrolled.  There will be fewer questions about how necessary accommodations like a nut-free classroom are.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: 2ndGenAllergyMom on October 17, 2014, 10:51:18 PM
Hi!

I'm not new to food allergies, but have decided to join the online community.  I was diagnosed with a tree nut allergy at the age of 4 which is still active to this day.  Both of my sons inherited my flawed genes:  DS1 (age 6) is allergic to egg, peanut, and Brazil nut, and DS2 (age 3) is allergic to peanut.  Kindergarten's going well for DS1, and we're mostly happy with the way things are going in regard to his allergies.

So hi, just making myself known!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 18, 2014, 07:26:46 AM
Hi 2ndGen and welcome to the forum.

Not surprisingly, you will discover you are not a lone wolf.

Look around, join in any conversations.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on October 19, 2014, 12:31:16 PM
 :bye:  2ndGen!   Nope, definitely not a lone wolf around here.  My spouse, my child, and myself-- all of us have multiple atopic conditions, and all of us have food allergies.  Amongst the three of us, we've had a home free of all nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and sesame seeds (though we don't have quite such a long list now, and as our DD has grown older, we do keep some allergens in the house and segregated). 

    We joke that there's no need for more than one of us to actually share a food allergy, though.  Our coverage is best that way.   ~)  (Yes, I'm being completely tongue-in-cheek.)

The hardest thing about this, I've found, is that once you exceed a SINGLE life-threatening food allergy, people's eyes tend to glaze and they instantly assume that you're one of those people... self-diagnosed and with way too much time on your hands, YK?   It's incredibly frustrating, and it's led DH and I to prioritize things so that we ONLY mention things that are anaphylaxis triggers when in the hands of others around us.  (That is, regardless of how careful we are as individuals-- risk remains high through unwitting contamination on the part of others, and that's obviously out of our control).

That list is simpler-- shellfish, eggs, and nuts, at least for my household.  Split DD and I up and it gets better still, since mine only includes shellfish and hers only nuts and eggs.  (Though to be fair, egg probably isn't something that we mention much anymore either given that we've done years of baked egg dosing and she recently passed an in-office-challenge... though maybe/maybe not, too).

Anyway.  A very warm welcome to you from the family here at FAS!   :yes:



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: 2ndGenAllergyMom on October 29, 2014, 11:06:40 PM
Thanks for the welcome, guys!  Sometimes I feel like a lone wolf... not so much in the presence of allergies but in the way I view them... but anyway...

CMdeux, I totally hear you on allergen coverage!  I often remark that my kids couldn't be allergic to the same things I am--that would just make life a little too convenient.  Although I have to count myself lucky that I don't have to worry about as many foods as you do!  You truly are a superhero!

Thanks again, everybody!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on October 30, 2014, 06:39:21 AM
Welcome 2ndGen!  I'm sure you'll have valuable perspective to add to our discussions.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: daisy4given on October 31, 2014, 03:45:25 PM
Hi! I'm so glad to have found this forum! I have been dealing with my kids' food allergies (gluten, peanuts, dairy) and migraine triggers for seven years now, and have those pretty well under control and taken care of. My husband's sensitivities (nitrates) are mostly under control, too. But it seems to be my own adult-onset issues with sulfites that are causing me the most frustrations!! I will think I've got it covered and then BAM one day my throat will swell up and be painful for 24 hours and I can't for the life of me figure out WHAT i ate that did it! So glad to find a place where others have experience with and tips for this sort of thing!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on October 31, 2014, 05:17:26 PM
 :bye: Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on October 31, 2014, 09:04:03 PM
Hi Daisy4. Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: 2ndGenAllergyMom on October 31, 2014, 11:36:20 PM
Welcome from another newbie! :yes:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: azzolina1022 on November 04, 2014, 10:15:48 AM
Hi,

My name is Angela. My son (4 yrs) has a peanut and developing tree nut allergy. We new about the peanuts at about 1.5 yrs when he was misdiagnosed with an amoxicillin allergy (pediatrician said the head to toe hives could not be from his first taste of peanut butter that day because "you need to develop a sensitivity to it first", and said his reaction was to amoxicillin he finished up a few days prior). We quickly learned that to be untrue. a quick visit to the allergist and a very thorough scratch test revealed a severe peanut allergy. Anyway, never had a need to use the epipen, and hope to never have to.

Angela!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on November 04, 2014, 10:27:36 AM
Hi Angela!  Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: bfirenza on November 04, 2014, 09:12:25 PM
Hi I'm Bridget.  I'm new here.  I have a six year old that is anaphylactic to peanuts, all tree nuts and eggs.  She also has reactions upon contact.  She has asthma and eczema so we are dealing with the annoying three.

I'm looking forward to being a part of this group.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on November 04, 2014, 11:38:23 PM
Hi Bridget!  A very warm welcome to you.  :bye: I hope that you will find our community to be supportive and helpful.

My daughter has the same combination of allergies-- and the same unfortunate sensitivity.  Every day is something of an adventure, isn't it?  It is just her "normal" though-- she doesn't really spend any time thinking about what she can't do, day to day.  She is a college student now, but I can still vividly remember the time when she was a sweet little 6yo.   :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: jenreimer on November 09, 2014, 03:01:10 PM
Hi my name is Jennifer.  I have three kids.  My middle child , 8 year old, wad just diagnosed with a food allergy.  We were very luck, according to the allergist that her reaction wasn't worse.   She is allergic to blueberries, they happen to be her favorite food.  She now has an epi pen at school and at daycare and home.  She was just diagnosed Friday.

My concern is to keep her safe and I am conpletely new to all this food allergy information.   It doesn't help that she also has autism and adhd.   
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on November 09, 2014, 05:06:50 PM
Hi and welcome to the forum. Sorry you needed to, but glad you found us. :)

Feel free to look around, and to ask questions.

There seems to be a lot of kids with autism and food allergies. Or siblings with one each.  And quite a few here have kids with ADHD as well. (We talk about everything.)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on November 10, 2014, 08:50:10 AM
 :bye: Jennifer, glad you're here!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: cjgayler on November 10, 2014, 10:49:06 AM
Hi all! I'm new to the site and looking for a little help in coping with my ridiculous allergies. I'm 31 and my reactions are becoming increasingly severe. I discovered an allergy to coconut and latex at 18, developed a reaction to palm oil at 25, had my first ER visit and allergy test at 29. I learned then I am allergic to coconut, latex, hazelnut, avocado, potato, chestnut, shea nut, macadamia, papaya, quinoa, palm and its derivatives like Vitamin A Palmitate, and am to watch for further reactions with latex cross-reactive foods like kiwi, banana, peach,fig, bell pepper, and tomato. I've started wearing a face mask while in public to avoid inhaling coconut, but had my first reaction last week despite wearing it and have been down for a week with allergic bronchitis. I'm a mother of 3 and long distance runner and worried about sudden reactions when alone with my kids or out during runs!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: IDDIAATLG on November 27, 2014, 07:21:38 AM
High, I have been looking  for a site like this for awhile. Looking for some people in the  Naples, Florida area with allergies to everything. MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Carrageenan. Just  trying to see who is out there
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: L8keGal on December 04, 2014, 06:19:15 PM
Hi, I'm Diane. Had many health issues that led to a year of chemo, which seems to have decimated the rest of my body. The day after I turned 54 I found myself in hospital for the first of 3 visits in 3 days by ambulance, no less, with a suspected allergy to peanuts. The allergist said I'm so reactive that she may never test me for that and it's only now that I'll be getting tested for a bunch of peripheral (to me) stuff like sesame, sunflower, shellfish.

I traveled the world back in my working days, before I got sick, and now am terrified to venture more than 5 minutes' drive from a hospital.

But I've booked a solo trip to NYC for Christmas and that's what led me to this site. I'm now terrified about the flight, about being there and reacting, and I'm looking for info.

I'd always had an allergy to flaxseed. Touch it and I'm out for 6 hours (well, last time that's what happened). So I know anaphylaxis.

Anyway, I'm happy to have found this board.


This is the topic where you can introduce yourself and give a few details about your current situation and your (or your child's) allergies. (You may also jump right into posting in any of the other forums if you like.) 

We're very glad you're here. Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: guess on December 04, 2014, 06:24:57 PM
We can help with the airline prep and all that goes with it. What are the departure and destination points?  You have an epinephrine autoinjector, yes?  If not two.  Stock up on a few more if your insurance covers it every 30 days or so.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on December 04, 2014, 06:28:36 PM
You can do it!

Which airline?  Have you let them know about your allergy in advance?  If not-- do.

We usually take several autoinjectors with us when we fly.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on December 05, 2014, 10:30:26 AM

I traveled the world back in my working days, before I got sick, and now am terrified to venture more than 5 minutes' drive from a hospital.


I remember that feeling.  We drove with two kids from Toronto to PEI while I was pregnant. (It's about 1250 miles each way I think.) no restaurants, and looking for hotels and picnic areas close to hospitals.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on December 05, 2014, 05:08:31 PM
But I've booked a solo trip to NYC for Christmas and that's what led me to this site. I'm now terrified about the flight, about being there and reacting, and I'm looking for info.
If you live in Canada, you may want to investigate WestJet airlines.  If not (and since you already booked), have you called the airline to set up allergy accommodations?  Some airlines will provide you early boarding (to wipe down your table and arm rests), buffer zones (number of rows varies), allergy announcements (asking all passengers to refrain from eating your allergen(s)), or pulling your allergen(s) from the free snacks offered to their guests. 

There are some threads on flying with allergies, but here are some recommendations for flying:
- wear long sleeves and trousers to minimise skin contact with contaminated surfaces (and promptly change out of those clothes when you get to your destination - and keep them away from your other clothes if you suspect contact)
- wipe down all surfaces around your seat with disinfectant wipes (i.e. Clorox) to remove existing residues
- if they are serving your allergen, don't eat anything on the plane (I don't eat anything, even when they make full plane announcements, enforce them, and don't have my allergen at all, but that's just me)
- bring more auto-injectors than you would normally need (we bring 6)
- if you have a history of airborne reactions, and your allergen may be onboard, you may wish to bring a mask
- notify EVERYONE about the allergy: reservations, check in, gate attendant, flight attendant

Welcome to the board.  Feel free to ask questions.  There's a good support network and knowledge base here. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on December 14, 2014, 09:35:29 PM


Hi, everyone.

I hope that nobody has much noticed anything amiss over the past 24 hours or so; if not, then that means that our time and efforts to stop what seems to be a MASSIVE spam attack originating in Russia/Ukraine/Iran is more or less successful.

However-- the energy required to keep doing that is pretty high.  We both have real lives and need sleep! 

Rebekah and I have very reluctantly opted to shut off forum registration when we can't actually babysit it actively-- we're already at a level that requires us to manually approve registrations-- all registrations, at the moment.  Even with our normally stellar and state-of-the-art spam filtration, we're getting dozens of them an hour.

Hopefully it'll be back to normal in another day or two and we can return registration to its usual state.    As usual, reading and posting as a guest is always an option.  We want people who need our resources here to be able to use them-- even if it means a little extra effort to keep the bullies out, we'd rather that-- than even one person who needs us right before the holidays not have access. 

Cheers!  :) 

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdminCM on December 14, 2014, 09:36:06 PM
(And with that, I'm going to lock the doors for the evening.) 

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on December 15, 2014, 07:27:24 AM
Good morning, I'll be opening the doors now.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: lanamilo on January 01, 2015, 08:12:36 PM
HI,
I am a newly diagnosed food allergy girl.  I am 38 and have started with food allergies in the last 3 months.

I am allergic to soy and all soy products- including soybean oil.  Blisters my lips, hives, itching all over, GI problems, dermatitis around my eyes.  Not good!  I can tell in just a short time if I have gotten soy into my system.
I had an anaphylactic reaction to almonds a couple of weeks after I figured out the soy allergy.  If I get it on my skin-like almond oil in a lotion- it blisters the skin it touches and makes my tongue tingle.  I scrubbed the little bit I got on three fingertips off in a hurry and popped some Benadryl before it could go further.
I also have broken out in hives from peanut butter.

I still am not convinced that I am not allergic to other things.  I am frequently itchy and my lips are always painful and dry.  I just can't seem to get them to heal.  I don't know if I need to eliminate other foods and if so, what?  My allergist isn't the most helpful on this. She told me to avoid sesame and peas as well and that was it.  Or is my itchiness and dryness just because it is cold and dry now in the winter?

My allergist did the blood tests and I came up negative to everything. She refused to do a scratch test because of the danger of anaphylaxis. However, I am definitely allergic to these things.  I now have to carry an epipen.  I keep one at work and one in my bag at all times.
I am still feeling out the foods I can eat and the places we can eat out at.  I have eaten Chipotle many times in the last 3 months!
Looking forward to your tips and ideas.





 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: momtimesfive on January 05, 2015, 09:23:18 PM
Hi everyone. I am here to learn more about food intolerances/allergies. I haven't been officially diagnosed but if I eat anything that has any kind of flour in it I start sneezing, coughing and my eyes water. it's getting to the point everything just about causes this reaction in me. The allergy testing showed nothing at all other than some mild allergies to trees. This not being able to eat without sneezing is driving me batsy :-[
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: TheFarmersWife on February 13, 2015, 09:01:02 PM
Hello everyone! So glad I found this forum and hope to find others with the same allergy. My husband is the one with the food allergy, actually. He has a galactose-alpha allergy from a tick bite. This makes him allergic to all mammals. Especially beef/dairy. He has a delayed reaction usually starting with extreme fatigue/mental fogginess and then hives followed by breathing difficulties/asthma attacks. He has not yet had to use an epi pen *fingers crossed*. He was diagnosed last year by UVA where they are heading the research on the galactose allergy because it is so prevalent in central VA. He was having symptoms for over a year before being diagnosed, we had no idea what was wrong and our primary had never heard of this allergy, it was frustrating. I am glad we know now and mostly have it under control with diet choices. He is very sensitive, especially with dairy. He cannot eat any packaged food that was even processed in a facility that also processes milk. So, that's us. I have no food allergies but have taken on a mammal free diet as well just because it's easier to not cook two different meals. Anyone else on here with Galactose allergy??  Looking forward to swapping some recipes.  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on February 14, 2015, 11:33:54 AM
Welcome!  I don't know if any members have that specific allergy but I do know it has been discussed here in the past and there are lots of great  dairy allergy threads.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: StephanieAc on February 23, 2015, 09:41:07 PM
Hey! I'm Stephanie!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Mrs Plod on March 21, 2015, 08:42:24 PM
Hi everyone! 
I have had environmental respiratory allergies for most of my life (first tested in 1976 at age 6).  My food allergy diagnosis came about 10 days ago, after an EE diagnosis in January.  Obviously, as reality sets in, I am getting a little overwhelmed. 

I am concerned about what other foods  I might be allergic to, but was not tested for.  I am concerned/confused about the spcifics of the foods I am allergic to (which lettuce?  do Brussels sprouts count as cabbage, etc).   And I am interested in finding substitutions for things I am really going to miss.

I tested positive for 11 things.  The big bad 5 (not deathly, but need to eliminate now) are : tomatoes, cabbage, almonds, sesame seeds, green peppers.  The less serious 6 are : oats, onion, lettuce, green beans, oranges, rice.

So, do Brussels sprouts, kale, red cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower count as "cabbage"?
Do spinach, arugula, danelion geens, etc count as "lettuce"-- in fact which lettuce counts as lettuce?
Do navy, black, pinto, baked and refried beans count as "green/string beans"?
Which peppers are included with "green peppers"?
Does "orange" really mean citrus?
Are leeks, chives, scallions all "onions"--garlic came back negative btw, as did white potatoes

Any thoughts?  It's a little tough to guage symptoms and reactions, because damage is occurring in my esophagus, and in addition, I am slightly lactose intollerant, and greasy food and garlic all cause negative digestive reactions cramps, diarrhea, gas.   

 Arrrgghh!

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on March 22, 2015, 01:37:58 PM
Hi and welcome!

What does your allergist say about this? 

I can't speak to EE, I can share about food allergies.

Environmental allergies cross into food allergies.  Dust mites are related to shellfish, certain tree, weed and grass pollens are related to certain fruits and vegetables (some of these for my DD are OAS - Oral Allergy Symptoms and not life threatening and some of these cause anaphylaxis). 

Some of these allergies came about as DD got older.  For example, she always loved and ate Cantaloupe.  One day out of the blue, same melon she had some of two days before, DD had anaphylaxis to cantaloupe.  At that time we tested the other melons and she could only eat watermelon...and after a couple weeks, watermelon caused OAS.  Melon are related to ragweed.

Here are a couple charts and there are many more if you google.

http://s.doctoroz.com/sites/default/files/im_uploads/3_170_food_seasonal_allergy_chart_PRINT.jpg  (not promoting Dr. Oz, I am not a fan, but this chart is a quick read)

http://www.worldallergy.org/professional/allergic_diseases_center/foodallergy/


In my experience with my DD (who is the one with the allergies) she is not always allergic to the whole family of an allergen.  Sometimes she is.  Some examples are:

She is allergic to all tree nuts except for recently out growing and passing a coconut challenge.  (She may also have outgrown Pecan but we have not challenged that one yet.)  She is allergic to shellfish, however she can and does eat shrimp after passing a challenge in the doctor's office.  She is allergic to peanuts but she can and does eat all other legumes.


Reactions trump testing.  Always. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: YouKnowWho on March 22, 2015, 09:42:21 PM
This is where I want to tell you that I know - but I truly don't. 

And this is where I tell you to call the doctor to ask who will have a better idea (hopefully!) of what you do and do not need to avoid. 

I say this because you have a limited diet as is and further limiting it will make it so much worse, especially if you don't have to do so.   

Food diaries can also be helpful as you try items you question (I recommend eating them with foods that are safe for you to make it easier) to determine if it is causing a reaction.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: ninjaroll on March 23, 2015, 10:31:51 AM
The foods mentioned above - did the doctor say those are positive triggers for EE or IgE?  It's really, really important to keep an accurate accounting.  Different treatments.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 04, 2015, 05:01:32 PM
Hi. Maybe you remember me from way back. Joined when my son was 17. He's 30 now.

He's a writer. Daughter is too. She writes for television, he writes mostly freelance and yearns for a writing job.

He's got a lovely girlfriend. Lives close to us. GF lives near Disneyland. Works there. He works in Santa Monica so they're 45 miles apart.

DD had the same situation far from beloved they're married 4 years now.

Son manages his allergies very well. Carries two epi pens. Extremely careful. Last reaction was just after college. 7 years ago. Travels. Did his MFA program flying back and forth to Maine. Well travel is not easy but he manages. Girlfriend and her family very cooperative. They love him so it's easy.

It's a constant battle really but it's his life and he's fine with it. I wish it could be easier. We spent his entire early life teaching him how to stay safe and handle emergencies so our job is really done. He does all of his own cooking. He's a weight watcher. At goal for a long time now. Looks like a million dollars.

I work for weight watchers now. 5 years. At goal 6 years. Part time. DH physician still practicing. No plans to retire.

Glad to see some old faces here.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SilverLining on April 04, 2015, 10:34:57 PM
Hi Peg. Nice to see you again. Funny you popped in. I was thinking about you earlier this week.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 04, 2015, 11:22:38 PM
Hi Peg!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 05, 2015, 11:04:00 AM
Nice to see you all here.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on April 05, 2015, 01:02:51 PM
It's so good to see you! 

Does your son carry the new AuviQ? If he does not have employee insurance, it may be hard for him to do that--they can be steep.  They are auto injectors that are the size of an iPhone-ish.  DS loves them!  If his insurance won't cover them, it might be a nice birthday gift or something.  They've changed DS' life. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 05, 2015, 01:16:25 PM
Honestly never heard of it. I'll have him look into it. Interesting. Thanks.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 05, 2015, 01:26:10 PM
Wow. Interesting. Paul doesn't have an allergist any longer. Just a PMD who happens to be a pulmonary MD as well. I sent him a link. He's going to check it out. After so many years of trusting his epi pens I'm not certain he will switch over but it's a thought.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on April 05, 2015, 03:18:08 PM
Hello!   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 05, 2015, 03:55:17 PM
Hello. So many familiar names.

He does not like the look of the new epinephrine. He wears t shirts to work. No shirt pocket. He's so accustomed to his epi pens they're a comfort measure having them there on his hip. He's a creature of habit.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on April 05, 2015, 08:21:57 PM
Thank you all for being so welcoming and as friendly as I remember you all. Thanks Becca for reminding me you folks exist.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Cheyenne on May 25, 2015, 10:34:32 PM
Hi there,

I have recently noticed that every time I consume beef I become very sick. Within an hour I will be vomiting, etc. I have gone days and days without eating red meat and notice I feel great but as soon as I eat it...blagh. Does anyone else suffer with this?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 25, 2015, 10:50:22 PM
Any chance you were bitten by a tick?  There's a red meat allergy that can be caused by tick bites. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20140813/tick-bites-red-meat-allergy
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on May 26, 2015, 06:01:10 AM
Welcome Cheyenne!

I was going to ask the same question as Rebekahc - it's worth looking into.

I hope you can get some answers quickly - feeling sick like that is no fun.  :disappointed:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on May 27, 2015, 01:28:41 PM
Cheyenne--Welcome!  Here are some threads to look at. 

Galactose-Alpha Allergy anyone else?

I'm linking threads.  I don't see that we have a thread that is only about this allergy but do have content in various threads.  I might quote some of it into this one, so this can be a helpful one-stop shop for dealing with this allergy.

Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!


Side Effects of Anaphylaxis

Re: Anything I eat my throat starts swelling
Re: Anything I eat my throat starts swelling

Re: 2013 APCAACI conference

Re: From the AAAAI meeting

Re: Living with Food Allergies, FEB 2013
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: healinghacker on June 01, 2015, 12:51:15 PM
Hi
My name is Denise - I run a site called healinghacker.com.  The site started as a personal blog detailing our quest for a cure to food allergies and asthma.  We continue our quest trying everything from Chinese herbs to probiotics and supplements. 
I also interview scientists, doctors, authors, and fellow journey members.
I did an interview with Dr Li (originator of FAHF-2).  You can read it here:  http://www.healinghacker.com/chinese-herbs-asthma-food-allergies-qa-with-dr-xiu-min-li/     talking about her work using herbs to prevent anaphylaxis and generate tolerance. 
I also just finished interviewing Moises Velasquez-Manoff, author of "An Epidemic of Absence" and am working to post that this week.

My goal is to share what we are learning with others with the hope that we can help our kids and their kids overcome the immune miseducation that is food allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Thanks
Denise
www.healinghacker.com
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Donna Michele on June 02, 2015, 07:12:35 PM
Hi, I'm new here, suffering a new allergy in an allergy family I have a tough time with. Allergic to latex, bananas, walnuts, scallops, muscles, clams, oysters, grains?, night shades, and cucumber, honeydew, cantaloupe... I've been juice fasting and doing really well.... until I juiced watermelon! Just a bit of mild OAS  last night... didn't really even think about it... fast forward to second juice, which I had at dinner time today... within an hour my face, neck and chest are coming out with hives.  :-/  Really bummed.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on June 03, 2015, 12:53:45 PM
Hi Donna and welcome!  Sorry you developed a new allergy - that's always tough.
Title: Introduction- coconut allergy
Post by: Greybeebeluga on December 11, 2015, 08:34:58 AM
Hello! My son had two severe reactions and after bloodwork the diagnosis is an allergy to coconut. Coconut is in so many products that I was shocked. We have found one bar of hand soap, one line of shampoo/conditioner, and I make our laundry detergent. Is anyone else in this boat?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on December 11, 2015, 09:02:31 AM
I'm so sorry to hear your son had reactions!  Coconut is really hard to avoid - I'd think even more so being vegan.  I know my sister uses a lot of coconut flour and coconut oil in her vegan recipes (especially baking).

Coconut is not a common allergen, but the good news is that a few years ago the FDA decided coconut is a tree nut (even though botanically and even allergy-wise it's not).  Anyway, that should at least make your life a little easier since tree nuts (and now coconut, too) have to be clearly labelled on food ingredient lists.

I'm not sure how cross-reactive coconut is with other foods in that family (like dates).  Did the allergist give you any indication whether you need to avoid those with your DS?

If I remember correctly, we used to have a member here with a coconut allergy, but I'm not sure she's still around.  Hopefully someone else will chime in who has more knowledge than I do about it.

Welcome!  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on December 12, 2015, 09:02:37 AM
Welcome!

Use a heads up that Canada does not consider coconut a priority allergen and it will not be identified on labels here.

As a vegan family, we just found a priority allergen-free ice cream made of coconut (it isn't a nut here), and we occasionally buy desiccated coconut for baking, but otherwise don't have any coconut products or anything containing coconut in our house. It is doable, though it takes some work.  As with any allergy, you will likely have to make most things from scratch and eliminate most, if not all, processed food items.  You will also have to get used to calling manufacturers to see if items are made on shared lines, because they don't have to declare those 'may contains' - it is voluntary.

As for detergents and soaps, have you checked with Nature Clean and Seventh Generation about their ingredients? They use sweet almond oil in some items (not the ones we buy), but I don't see coconut on any of the ones in our house. Again, could be because they don't have to label for it here.  Or because beauty products and household cleaners don't have to follow allergen labelling. Worth looking in to.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on December 12, 2015, 01:38:40 PM
My DD had a coconut allergy she outgrew and past a challenge in February 2015.  She originally tested positive for the allergy and a couple years later had a reaction to accidental coconut ingestion.

When I first started, we stuck to Kiss My Face olive oil based products and soaps made from goats milk.  (we also had to avoid Shea Nut which limited us as well)

I am not a doctor.  I am a mom with a child who was allergic to coconut and this is what worked for us.

There are more soaps out there that you can use if your kiddo is not allergic to man made coconut products.  Way back when I started researching coconut I called a company, might have been Johnson and Johnson, and somehow got lucky enough to speak with a chemist!  Super fantastic guy who spent so much time on the phone with me talking about coconut.

There are different man made coconut products and how much coconut protein then have in them depends on the formulas and raw products they manufacturer uses.

His advice that I followed was:

Avoid:  Cocamide DEA, or cocamide diethanolamine and Cocamide Mea, or cocamide monoethanolamine

Patch test first - and or discuss with your allergist:   try using products containing Cocamidopropyl betaine as this product is so processed that there is little or no coconut protein left.

My daughter had no issues using products that contained Cocamidopropyl Betaine and it opened a world or products for her as she got older and it began to matter to her what shampoos and soaps she was using.  She did not like the smell of the Kiss My Face soaps.

It is appropriate that coconuts be considered a tree nut because other tree nuts are in the same botanical family.  Coconut is a drupe.  If you do a Google search you will find may sites that explain the difference between a true tree nut and a drupe.   My favorite site for this is:  http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph8.htm.  There are very few actual tree nuts.  You will find "nuts" like almonds, pecans, and macadamia nuts to actually be drupes like coconut.

It was a huge help to us when the FDA added coconut to the Tree Nut category for food allergen disclosure.

Feel free to pm me if you have questions I can help answer. 



Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on February 13, 2016, 09:37:55 AM
It's been a while so I'm going to start here.
Paul is doing fine. He's extremely aware. His DGF and her family are also aware so he's safe there. He's a successful writer writing fantasy for a well known video game company. His dream job.

Now it's me. I always, well in recent years, knew I was sensitive to milk, soy and almonds.

Now after IGE testing I find out I'm allergic to milk, egg whites and wheat. I have no symptoms but my sinuses are a mess. My head always underwater. I'm going to start sublingual allergy therapy for the environmentals.

Remember I'm a weight watcher. Keeping off a lot of weight for 8 years now. I have to eat carefully. I gain weight looking at food.

Right now I'm eating lean meats, veggies, two servings of fruit a day (my A1C was 5.5) corn thins (like rice cakes only made from corn and thin. I use them as a vehicle for deli turkey or sunflower seed butter) quinoa. Bobs red mill brown rice hot cereal.
Not much more.

I need some ideas. Anything. I met with a dietitian once and will again in 2 weeks but she fell upon my A1C like a raptor and is more concerned about that.

I'm having a very hard time figuring out what to eat. Any resources you might suggest are much appreciated.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: buttons on February 13, 2016, 06:11:37 PM
Hi Peg, could you dip into the vegan world to avoid milk and egg whites, like hemp, cashew, or rice milk, and egg substitutes like chia seeds and water? Can you have buckwheat or amaranth flour? What about barley. Plus maybe the pre cooked polenta - sliced thin and fried makes a good sandwich holder too. There are lots of bean options, and lentils. A little dark chocolate.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on February 13, 2016, 08:16:09 PM
I've got hemp milk and run milk in the fridge to try but what do I do with them?  I bought gluten free cereal but it's a carb. I'm trying to avoid carbs. Honestly I'm so angry at this development in my life I'm resistant to anything.
I'll hold onto the milk. I bought amaranth flour in case I need flour and gluten free bread crumbs too but so far not needed. I eat really clean so there not a lot of need for these either.
Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: buttons on February 14, 2016, 08:58:23 AM
I use the alternate milk in light sauces or baking. There are some pastas made from beans, quinoa, etc., not sure how those are carbwise. Also we have stir fries with light coconut milk sometimes. Some of the vegan baking recipes are fairly light, if you're missing that sort of thing, although maybe the sort of carbs you're avoiding. Seems like they include subs for just about everything. Websites like this one:  http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/recipe-index

I'm sorry you're dealing with more restrictions. I admit that since we went meatless, I miss your sweet and sour meatloaf recipe.  I think you must have shared it with us 10 years ago, if my memory is right. A lentil loaf doesn't quite make it, lol.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Peg on February 14, 2016, 02:47:52 PM
LOL. that was one good meatloaf recipe.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check that site.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Mfamom on February 24, 2016, 08:27:44 PM
Hi Peg!  So great to see you here  Glad Paul is doing well and sorry you're having trouble!   :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: jmimiturner on March 13, 2016, 04:22:19 PM
Hi my name is Joyce and I am very new to this.  I have gastroparesis and POTS (both doing very well) but recently food intolerance has taken over my life and I don't know how to handle it.  I think and have narrowed down, sulfites, salicylics, glutamates, oxalates, phenols.  am I unhelpable?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on March 14, 2016, 08:44:58 PM
Hi Joyce, I'm so sorry you are dealing with so many intolerances!  Unfortunately, I don't gave a lot of advice to give you other than avoiding processed foods as much as possible. If you can eat whole/single ingredient/minimally processed foods, you should be able to avoid many of your intolerances. We have a section here, Sulfite/Food Additive Sensitivities , that might help you as you begin to navigate all that you need to avoid. Once you get a sense of where those things lurk, we're great at brainstorming and coming up with substitutions - just ask!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: nkoutz2008 on March 18, 2016, 10:19:08 PM
My name is Nicole and I have a 10 year old with the following allergies: Nuts of any kind, fish of any kind, sesame, wheat, soy, corn, pea, chicken, pork, dairy, egg, and cant have a lot of sugar. We are struggling with items to pack for lunches and breakfast. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on March 18, 2016, 11:20:40 PM
Welcome Nicole! 

Were all of these allergies diagnosed by an allergist who specializes in food allergies?  Does your daughter have EpiPens?  Is the sugar limitation due to diabetes?  I am asking as a way for us to help you better.  We're full of ideas, so read up around the boards and ask any questions you may have. 

Some suggestions for breakfast:
- pure oats topped with some seeds, fruit, and coconut (if she can have it), and then let sit with boiling water, covered until absorbed (my personal favourite breakfast, actually, when made with dates, roasted pumpkin seeds, and apples.)
- quinoa made with rice milk (if you can find a safe brand, otherwise use water), cinnamon and raisins
- are any of the Namaste waffle, pancake, or muffin mixes safe?  I don't recall their ingredients but they are top-11-free, and then some.  You can prepare it with applesauce and apple juice or water.  So yummy...
- Rice and beans (with fun add-ins like avocado, fruit, seasonings, vegetables, etc.)
- Homemade muffins (a zillion recipes are out there - I just had some today made from mashed sweet potato, brown rice flour, carrot, scallions, and the usual baking powder, etc.)
- fruits and veggies
- smoothies
- or anything you'd make any other time of day...

For lunches:
- Veggie/lemon/ginger stir fry
- Rice and beans (it's such a versatile meal... breakfast, lunch, supper, snack...)
- Spring rolls made with rice wraps
- Soup or chilli in a thermos
- fresh fruits and veggies
- salad
- trail mix (Enjoy Life makes some in snack size pouches that are great for school lunches)
- hummus dip (homemade, without sesame)
- quinoa muffins
- homemade granola bars and/or cookies ('Vive le Vegan' (book) has some very delicious cookie recipes)
- Tinkyada pasta salad
- taco salad (sans tortillas)
... and more...

Best of luck with the meal times and welcome again. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: lbethf33 on April 21, 2016, 06:08:04 PM
Hi! My name is Laura and I'm new; not so new to food allergies. I hope to learn some new information and help anyone I can.
My mother was diagnosed with coeliac when I was 10 or 11. I always recognized I couldn't drink milk. After my daughter was a year old I recognized she had the same sensitively to milk. Lately my allergies ( and hers ) have been really bad. And I couldn't shake my weight no matter how healthy I ate.
My main concerns are my corn, rice and wheat allergy. Mainly what can I eat?
TIA Laura
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on April 21, 2016, 06:19:49 PM
Hi Laura, and welcome!

Can you tell me a little more about your reactions to those foods?  Do you carry an Epipen?  The combo of milk, corn, rice and wheat can certainly be limiting!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: MamaBear on May 19, 2016, 02:00:52 PM
Hi! My name is Kate and my 13 month old son is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs. I am just looking for a network/ support system as I learn to navigate through the world with little one with food allergies.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: CMdeux on May 19, 2016, 02:52:02 PM
HI, MamaBear! 

I hope that you find this community to be a helpful one-- I can remember back when my daughter was one of the :littlekids: in this group-- and she's in college now.

She has lived a long time with the same exact allergies that your little guy has.  It isn't always easy, but aside from a few major bumps here and there, we've learned to navigate really well.  :)  If there is ever anything that I can address, please-- I hope that you'll ask.  I am also really good at just listening when it's been a horrible day, week, or year.  :heart:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on May 20, 2016, 07:43:18 AM
Hi and Welcome MamaBear!

What CMdeux said, except my DD is 16, a Junior in HS.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: MamaBear on May 20, 2016, 12:38:12 PM
Thank you both!  :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: HappyMommy on May 21, 2016, 10:42:58 PM
Hi, I'm Mary and I have a 16 month old who is allergic to peanuts, wheat, eggs, and corn! I found a few things he can eat aside from a strictly "raw" diet but I would love any suggestions on other snack foods and any other advice on having a toddler with these allergies or similar allergies!
'
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on May 22, 2016, 07:31:49 AM
Welcome Happy Mommy!  I'm sure you'll find great advice here.  We have super-smart and allergy-savvy members, who among us are allergic to pretty much everything.  ;)

My elder son (who outgrew all his allergies) was allergic to wheat, milk, and soy when he was younger, and I do remember finding portable snack items challenging.  I think there are more options now, especially if you check out the gluten free sections of your grocery store (which didn't exist 25 years ago!).

Has he seen a board certified allergist?  Which allergy tests has he had?  I'm asking because SPT has lots of false positives.  What kind of reactions has he had?

Looking forward to seeing you around.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdrianaPA on May 25, 2016, 01:57:46 PM
Hello - my name is Adriana (obviously!) and I am a mother to one child, an 11 yr old girl who is anaphylactic to peanuts. I should add that she has tested (very slight) positive in the past to hazelnuts but she eats them without issue so we keep it in her diet and monitor her closely for that.

I'll be spending much of my time here reading and catching up to the information about research being shared. Its almost a hobby of mine to learn all that I can to help her.

Im most interested to read what you all have done in terms of seeking treatment, daily practice of avoidance, and possible supplements that might help.

I'll share more as I can but I'd like to reveal up front that she is currently enrolled in a clinical trial. I have great expectations and nerves on end as a result and will share with whomever is interested. Thank you for reading & for creating/sharing this community.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 25, 2016, 02:11:21 PM
Hi Adriana and welcome!  :bye:

Most of the threads on things you're interested in can be found in the Main and the Research & News sections of our boards, but feel free to start your own threads about any topic you want to discuss.  If it's something we have a lot of info/discussion on, someone will point out the specific threads.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdrianaPA on May 25, 2016, 04:29:51 PM
Thank you!  I'm feeling my way around and trying not to get too sidetracked.  ;D
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on May 25, 2016, 05:24:56 PM
It's easy to get sidetracked here!  Welcome Adriana!!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on May 25, 2016, 06:59:17 PM
Welcome! We never get sidetra... Ooh, shiny thing!  ;)

Feel free to look around and post any questions you may have. This is a friendly, resourceful, and very supportive community.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdrianaPA on May 25, 2016, 09:36:42 PM
Thank you for the kind welcome posts. I look forward to participating. One question though - is there anyway to avoid the captcha box + spelling allergy backwards + suzy's blue eyes?  Or is that the price of admission?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on May 25, 2016, 10:50:57 PM
You should only have to do the questions for registration (robots can't answer them). The captcha will stay until you reach a certain number of posts (to deter hit-and-run spammers).

I know our software was updated yesterday, so I'm wondering if that messed with the registration process.  I'll have to double check all the settings when I'm on my computer tomorrow.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: AdrianaPA on May 26, 2016, 05:43:11 AM
OH, ok. I'm glad I asked. Since I've only posted a few times I figured it was because I'm new.  Just so you know I'm definitely having to answer all three each time I post. 

I guess I better post in a flurry to get past that!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: admin rebekahc on May 26, 2016, 07:58:35 AM
It now appears that I can't separate registration verification and post verification requirements.  So, I've reduced the number of posts that have to be verified so we are more welcoming to our newest members.  I hate to punish legit posters while trying to prevent spammers.  :yes:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on May 26, 2016, 06:03:42 PM
 :bye: HappyMommy and AdrianaPA!  Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SunflowerFree on June 01, 2016, 11:40:17 PM
Hi everyone!  :bye: I recently had some allergy testing (more to come) and found I am severely allergic to sunflower, moderately allergic to ragweed, and sensitive to wheat.  I cannot tolerate lactose, but do not have a milk allergy.  I am stunned by how many foods have sunflower oil and lecithin in them.   ???  Even my hand lotions and hair products have sunflower oil!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on June 02, 2016, 06:32:48 AM
Hi Sunflower! 

What kind of testing did you have done?  And, have you been eating Sunflower with no problems up until now?  What symptoms were you having?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SunflowerFree on June 02, 2016, 07:36:47 PM
Hi GoingNuts!  I had the highest level of reaction possible to sunflower on skin test.  I wish there were seperate tests for the seed, oil, and lecithin because sunflower seems to be in many foods, lotions, shampoo, etc. :-/  My allergic symptoms are sore throat, sinus inflammation, headache, itchy mattered eyes, and gastrointestinal problems, etc.  I did not relate the allergy symptoms to sunflower in particular.  But I had been eating salads with sunflower seeds sprinkled on top, and more sunflower lecithin/oil containing products than usual as I was avoiding dairy (I'm lactose intolerant) and using several dairy-alternative products with sunflower in them in the weeks just prior to testing.

 I have more skin tests to do, as I was only tested for about 20 foods out of 70 possible food allergies.  Sunflower was the most severe reaction, but I also reacted to wheat, and pistachio nut (all other nuts were non-reactive).  Also, cottonwood, hickory, ragweed, cocklebur, water hemp, pigweed, alternaria, and hormodendrum.

Question:  Do I have to type out my name, email, verification code, letters, backward word spellings, etc with every post?  So far I have had to every time.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: babyboyjimmy on June 05, 2016, 02:39:24 PM
Hi there,

My wife and I just had our 8 month old son tested - it was discovered that he is allergic to peanuts, dairy, eggs and poppy seeds.

We are still adjusting the news and beginning to inform ourselves as much as possible.

Nice to meet everyone. Glad to have stumbled upon this forum.

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on June 06, 2016, 10:15:45 AM
Hi Sunflower and welcome!  To deter spammers, new members must complete the verification process a number of times.  Don't worry, you won't always have to do it!  I'm sorry you're experiencing symptoms that may be food related.  However, current best practices don't indicate doing allergy testing for such a broad number of things due to the high rate of false positives.  Have you tried tracking your symptoms with a food/activity/etc. diary to help narrow down possible culprits?



babyboyjimmy, I'm glad you found our site, but sorry you needed to.  What symptoms prompted you to get your baby tested (hopefully nothing too scary!)?  Many of us have been dealing with allergies since our now-grown kiddos were babies, so we have lots of information and tips to share.  I know how overwhelming it can be when facing a new diagnosis with a little guy who can't tell you if he's having symptoms, etc. - feel free to ask us lots of questions!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SunflowerFree on June 08, 2016, 10:52:22 PM
Oh, wow.  I would not want false-positives!  How many tests can a person do at one time to avoid false-pos?  Thanks very much.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on June 08, 2016, 11:06:51 PM
Allergy testing in general has a high rate of false positive results.  Thus, it is recommended to only test for foods that are likely suspects to correlate with past reaction history.  If you can eat a normal serving of wheat pasta, for example, (and assuming no cross contamination with other allergens)  without any allergic reaction it wouldn't make sense to test wheat since you know you aren't allergic to it.  But if you eat two bites of that same pasta and have a reaction, and possibly react to oats or barley, both often heavily contaminated with wheat, testing for wheat makes sense.

I hope that helps.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on June 09, 2016, 06:42:00 AM
Welcome Babyboyjimmy!  Glad you found us - even though you're giving me flashbacks of when my now 22 year old was that age, wheezing, and covered in weeping eczema.  ;)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Dorlee311 on July 15, 2016, 08:32:08 AM
Good morning! Happy I found this page in my late night surfing, as I gather all my research. My son was recently diagnosed with tree  nut (walnut, pistachio, cashew, pecans) and sesame seed allergies. We were on vacation when he had a bite of a cookie that had walnut in it, and our lives changed forever (scariest 30 minutes of my life to date).
The tree nut allergy I think I am able to understand and keep B (son) safe...but this sesame allergy is throwing me for a loop. I need help! I will be posting in a different thread a call for sesame allergy resources.
Thanks again for having this page!
DorLee311
Mom to 5yo B with TN/Sesame allergy
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on July 15, 2016, 06:57:51 PM
Welcome!  My daughter has the same allergies plus more.

Sesame is tough but not impossible.

A quick summer help - King's Hawaiian Rolls -made in a sesame free bakery.  Hamburger, hotdog, dinner, mini sub, loaves of bread, etc.... but they are sweet - Hawaiian style.  Here I find them at Target, Walmart, and a couple grocery stores.  Sometimes they are in the bakery section, other times I find them in the deli section.  I do not find them in the bread section.

Others here know sesame too!  (unfortunately!)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: kathclapp on July 26, 2016, 09:57:35 AM
Hi all  ~)

my blog / cool dating video
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: stewartjn on August 16, 2016, 02:33:48 PM
I've just been diagnosed with sunflower/sesame allergy.

Let's see, 10 years ago, I had a reaction while eating multi-grain bread.  At the time, I had just had a baby, had just been diagnosed with cervical cancer, and my mom was dealing with lung cancer.  So, instead of getting tested, I just practiced avoidance.  I didn't eat anything multigrain, and I didn't eat any bread if I didn't know exactly what it was.

Fast forward 10 years, a co-worker brought some snacks to work.  I had never tried kale chips, so I decided to give it a shot.  Within seconds my mouth and throat were itching.  I got some antihistamine, but it continued to get worse.  I decided to go to the minor med, but realized quickly that I was in no shape to drive.  Ended up going into anaphylactic (sp) shock.  Apparently, even the EMT was scared.

I had kept the bag of kale chips, and took it with me when I went to the allergist.  Kale, sesame, sunflower, and tree nuts.  The doctor did a blood test since I had such a bad reaction.  Sunflower and sesame came back positive, with the sunflower much more extreme.  The nurse told me sunflower oil would probably be safe, but the doctor told me no way, no how.

Anyway, now I'm checking labels on everything.  These "sunflower and/or canola oil" labels are killing me.  Especially when it's stuff I've been eating, with no problems.  Sesame doesn't seem to be as much of a struggle; I don't see it on labels very often.

I'd love to find a list of all the various names of these things.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on August 16, 2016, 03:26:36 PM
Welcome to the forum.  There are many knowledgeable people here, links to valuable resources, etc. 

If you are in America be careful with sesame as it doesn't have to be listed on the label (nor does sunflower) and can hide in things like vegetable oil, flavours, seasonings, etc.

In Canada, however, sesame must be listed on the label as 'sesame' if it has been added as an ingredient.  Manufacturers are not allowed to hide it if it is an ingredient.  Sunflower is not a major allergen in Canada and does not have to be identified on the label like sesame here (Canada).

Traces of sesame and sunflower (or any other allergen) do not have to be declared by manufacturers in either country, so be sure to call or email manufacturers to find out if there is a possibility of cross contamination in items that may otherwise seem safe. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: livinglarge on December 20, 2016, 03:27:42 PM
 Hi All,

I am happy to be here on this beautiful day.  I have quite a bit to contribute, I am sure we can learn a great deal as well.  My mother, her siblings, my brother and I, and my children all have some very odd allergies.  Corn, Wheat and Soy are all problems there are more things we are discovering that we do best to avoid as well.  Specifically we are narrowing down cottonseed oil and canola.  Thankfully we can all eat peanuts.  I do some food journal-ling complete with pictures of rashes and reactions because things can get dicey.  The highlight of our Thanksgiving meal this year was a violent reaction we think we tracked back to some Soy based cooking spray.

All this said - not griping at all, there is so much we can eat.  Right now we are just trying to figure out how to feel better every day.  Currently there is an ingredient is something that we are eating that we have not been able to pin down after three months of chronicling food etc.

Thanks for having us!  I hope we can help out and pick up some great pointers along the way!

Living Large!!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on December 20, 2016, 04:25:37 PM
 :bye: livinglarge and welcome!  Feel free to jump in anywhere with help or questions.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on December 20, 2016, 08:13:42 PM
Welcome Livinglarge! :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Sunshine_burn on January 15, 2017, 02:35:32 AM
Hello everyone! I am so glad I found this website! I am a 34 yr old female recently diagnosed with a slew of allergies.
I look forward to any advice, encouragement, and support I can offer or is offered!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on January 15, 2017, 09:10:30 AM
Welcome!  Jump in!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on January 15, 2017, 03:16:38 PM
Hi Sunshine!

So glad you found us!  What are you allergic to?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Sunshine_burn on January 15, 2017, 04:03:09 PM
I am allergic to the following:
Dusts
House dust
D farinae
D ptero
Epidermal and grass
Cat pelt
Bermuda grass
Rye perennial grass
Molds
Alternaria
Paecilomyces
Trees
Birch
Red cedar
Western juniper
Olive
Careless pigweed
Foods
Apple
String Beans
Beef
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cashews
Coffee mix
Egg white
Egg yolk
Shrimp
 :-/
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on January 15, 2017, 07:00:28 PM
Welcome!

That is a pretty overwhelming list.  I hope you are able to find some resources here to help you deal with your new allergies: finding a certified allergist that specializes in food allergies, carrying epinephrine at all times, having an allergy action plan (how to recognize and treat allergic reactions), and doing allergist-supervised food challenges for any items on that list that may be false positives (foods that you may show allergic to on tests but can eat without allergic reactions.)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Sunshine_burn on January 16, 2017, 01:08:43 AM
Thank you! Yes it took about a day or so to take it all in after the test! I have an awesome allergist, epipen on me and in my home and work, also great work friends who know my plan and what to do! (Helps that I work in an ICU😆) I have done the food challenges, twice actually, and all are sadly true, except Cantaloupe, never eat it anyway so didn't see the point in trying.
I really appreciate how supportive everyone on the board has been already, so glad to be a part of it.
Biggest struggle right now is fighting cravings for things that I can't have anymore, but exploring new food options has been interesting!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Forever Blue on March 10, 2017, 02:24:09 PM
Hi Everyone!  I'm from Southern California.  I'm wondering if my new discovery of food allergies is the cause of why I've been feeling a certain way for going on 1.5 mos.  I'm glad I found this board & I hope to learn a LOT here!   :)

Please go to my thread below & give your input if possible:

Food Allergies (Questions)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: SBAllergyFree on December 29, 2017, 09:50:26 AM
Hello everyone,

It is great to have come across this forum. It began with a fish allergy that began when my parents fed my brother and I some fish  from Rockaway Bay. Not sure what they were thinking!

My brother's allergy stayed fairly constant with rashes and vomiting. I thought I could get over it by regular exposure...first vomiting, then a swollen tongue, then an anaphylactic reaction. Needless to say, some of us learn the easy way and some of us learn the hard way.

I have been also struggling with other allergies for the past several years. After the birth of my second child, I noticed that I was beginning to react to corn. I still didn't take it very seriously at first. It wasn't until I started to have swelling around my private area after eating fast foods and I was finally able to figure out what was triggering my allergic reactions. One of my greatest nemesis now...corn!


I thought that it would help to just eat organic corn. I finally realized that I had to stop eating corn altogether when I ate some organic popcorn and the whites of my eyes swoll up and almost popped. Since then, I realized that I react to the protiens, sugars, starches, oils, fats and all derivatives of corn. It took me too long to figure it out. However, I wanted to make sure that I didn't develop another anaphylactic reaction to corn, like the one I had to fish and shellfish.

At that time, I was still able to eat wheat. When I used traveled to Europe, I was able to eat all of the things that I couldn't eat in America, the corn loving capital of the world. I used to load up on the sodas, ice cream, candy, gum...all of the things that I couldn't eat in America. But, as you already know, things change.

In recent years, Europe began to allow GMO onto its fields. About two years ago, I had a massive flair up after loading up on cake, bread and noodles in Germany. I had massive burning and swelling in my back, hips, and feet. It was miserable and I didn't know what to eat. Like the corn additives in America, Europe loves it wheat additives....now GMO tainted. My hunch is I am, most likely, really reacting to Round Up.

Since that day, I have had a hard time eating corn, wheat, gluten, beans, nuts, rice...and the list seems to keep growing. I am now strictly on a fruit, meat, and vegetable diet. I have tried to add things back to my diet but it only seems to lead to constipation, inflammation and frustration.

One of my biggest concerns is the possibility of not being able to take medicines in an emergency situation. With the amount of the corn and wheat in medicines, it leaves people with allergies at risk in these kinds of situations.

Based on your own experiences, what medicines, companies and or drugs do you all recommend for basic and common illnesses? For example colds, flu, aches and pains, blood pressure, and other conditions.

Any help is appreiciated. Thanks for your help!!

 :bye: :thumbsup: :hiding: ???
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on December 29, 2017, 10:28:46 AM
It sounds like you have a lot going on - so sorry!

We use a compounding pharmacy to make corn-free for meds for DS and he only takes them when absolutely necessary.  DS's situation when he was little was complicated by an allergy to ibuprofen and to acetaminophen, though, so he learned to live without for a lot of minor things.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on December 29, 2017, 05:08:02 PM
Welcome SB!

Corn isn't an issue for me, so I don't have any good recommendations, but your mention of Rockaway Bay makes me think we live in the same general area.  Have you seen a board certified allergist?  They may be able to help you narrow down exactly what you are reacting to (with the help of your reaction history - are you keeping a food diary?), as well as have recommendations for medications that you can eat. 

You're right - corn is devilishly hard to avoid here in the U.S.  I'm sorry to hear it's becoming harder in Europe as well.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Julie of Caring Foodie on May 18, 2018, 05:11:55 PM
I'm Julie of Caring Foodie.  I have a blog where you can find allergy-friendly recipes and helpful information for those who suffer from or care for those who suffer from one to all of the top 8 allergens, among other things.  I hope it can be of help to some of you here.  Here's the link:  Link removed by Admin.

Julie, while we appreciate your input in threads, we ask that you do not spam our board with links.  You may read our commercial posting rules here: Please Read RULES Before Posting in this Section
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: MamaDee on July 11, 2018, 10:38:32 AM
Hi. Third kid (son, age 2) just reacted with hives and labored breathing yesterday to... sunbutter! Sunflower seeds probably are the allergen.
We live in Atlanta suburbs and usually shop at Costco, Kroger, Publix, Aldi's. We eat out or order in maybe 3x/week.

I'm making appointment with allergist to find out what to do. I'm not usually a high-strung panicky label-checking parent, so I'm looking for advice on either monitoring in a low-key way or how to become that "allergy parent".

Not sure what else to add... Husband is allergic to shellfish and hazelnuts but those seem easier to avoid.

Excited to learn and, uh, keep my kid alive!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on July 11, 2018, 11:21:46 AM
Welcome MamaDee!

Sunflower can be challenging because it’s not one of the “Big 8”.  Wenhave several members here who deal with it, so I’m sure they will be helpful.

How is the little guy today?  How soon are you able to see an allergist? 

Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on July 12, 2018, 07:34:21 AM
Welcome MamaDee!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: YouKnowWho on August 20, 2018, 05:59:17 PM
Welcome MamaDee - I'm also in a suburb of Atlanta (Marietta) and have a daughter with allergies to sunflower (as well as soy and tree nuts) plus two kids with other allergies.  The irony is not lost on me that she is allergic to the alternative product so many use for peanut and tree nut allergies or that many of the allergy safe alternatives such as Enjoy Life are unsafe for her.

I highly recommend Seidu or Rezvani who seem to be the two allergists in our area that understand food allergies.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: dannen on January 13, 2019, 07:12:57 PM
Hello I sure hope I can get some help here my name Is Dalene
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on January 13, 2019, 08:17:29 PM
Hi Dalene, welcome to the FAS community.  We have many people here with a wealth of allergy experience and knowledge.  What brings you here: do you or someone you love have food allergies?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on January 14, 2019, 06:11:12 AM
Welcome Dalene!  We're glad you found us.  What are your allergens?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: stormspotter on April 08, 2019, 10:23:53 PM
Hi, this is stormspotter. I’m into severe weather spotting. I also have allergies to peanuts (legumes, too) , soy, sesame , and tree nuts. With peanuts, soy,  and sesame , my asthma gets in on the act. My lips swell, too.  Tree nuts make my nose run and my lips swell.  Sesame makes my lips swell and my asthma kick up, too.  I’m glad I found you guys, trying to figure out these allergies. Hummus started this whole thing off. Nearly passed out after I had it... and used my pen. Was right as rain afterward, I must be blessed. Scariest thing I ever went through, and made sure I told my doctors about it.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 08, 2019, 10:45:00 PM
 :bye: Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on April 09, 2019, 05:57:54 AM
Welcome Stormspotter!  You've definitely come to the right place - we have lots of experience with your allergens.  :)

What part of the world are you in - US, Canada, UK, or elsewhere?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: stormspotter on April 12, 2019, 07:36:45 PM
Thanks, I’m in the US. I’m interested in tornadoes , and hope one day to take a storm tour to chase these storms. Also dealing with allergies, both the food an environmental allergies... another reason why I want to try chasing by going on a storm chasing tour. I’m a spotter for the national weather service, through their Skywarn program. I’m glad I found you all and thank you for the warm welcome
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: rebekahc on April 12, 2019, 08:02:36 PM
That sounds really exciting! I’ve experienced several nearby tornados and find them fascinating.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on April 12, 2019, 08:42:28 PM
Stormspotter, I live in a part of the country where tornadoes are pretty rare, but several years ago our area had two microbursts in one summer; we took a direct hit from the first one. What an experience!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: StressedWalrus on January 13, 2020, 07:32:13 AM
Hi, I'm Walrus.  I have had allergies since I was a kid but I'm not sure how severe they are anymore because I've been so good at avoidance for so long it just doesn't come up until recently as my baby starts eating more solid foods and running into allergens of mine that I struggle to cook for him.  Glad to find a resource like this. 
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: EdwardDayton on March 02, 2020, 06:31:42 AM
Hello! My Name is Edward.
I'm a new user. Nice to meet you all.
I will be glad to talk with you.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: Macabre on March 10, 2020, 06:26:57 AM
Welcome, Edward! Jump in!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: lyntowers on November 27, 2020, 10:35:34 AM
Happy to be here and hopefully my daughter will start feeling better.
Anaphylactic sulfite allergy.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on November 27, 2020, 01:40:34 PM
Welcome lyntowers. I hope we can be helpful, and that your daughter will remain reaction-free!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on November 28, 2020, 12:34:23 PM
 :bye: hello!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on November 29, 2020, 05:49:05 PM
Welcome!
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: babytomatoallergy on July 29, 2021, 07:57:51 PM
New here and trying to figure out the board. Glad to have this resource. I have several allergies (peanut + some treenuts anaphylactic) and believe my toddler likely has a ?mild? tomato allergy as well.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on July 29, 2021, 10:23:31 PM
Welcome! We are glad you are here. This is a great place and the people here are incredible and full of information.

What causes you to think your babe may have a ‘mild’ tomato allergy? Many babies and toddlers have sensitive skin that can be irritated by highly acidic foods like tomato, causing a rash wherever the acidic food touches, especially the mouth. Have you ruled this out with your doctor or allergist?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: babytomatoallergy on July 30, 2021, 03:01:35 AM
I have not yet, no, but other acidic foods do not bother him at all; he's never had an issue with anything other than tomato products. He's actually rather fond of spicy food and ingredients like chili powder, mustard, etc., and likes lemon juice a lot, weirdly; I thought of the sensitive skin first and assumed it was fine, and that's why we kept feeding him tomato sauce after the first couple of times he got a rash. I made a post on the other allergens part of the forum explaining a bit more. We're going to talk to his doctor about it next month, but given how my own allergies worsened quickly with exposure as a child I worried enough I wanted to seek out advice from other adults with allergies, esp. non-nut allergies, in advance of that appointment.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on July 30, 2021, 07:33:54 AM
Welcome babytomatoallergy!

My kiddoes had issues with acidic foods on the skin around their faces, nothing as severe as what you’ve described. That said, my older son had a tremendous eczema exacerbation if I ate tomato while I was still breastfeeding, so I don’t doubt that it can cause problems.

As Rebekahc indicated in the other thread, I would definitely avoid all tomato for now, and contact your pediatrician before the next checkup. Ranch dressing, soy-based sauces are all good alternatives. Maybe even yogurt for dipping if your kiddo likes it.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: MikeFlot on January 17, 2024, 10:29:29 AM
Hi All!  I have worked in food safety my whole career and have a daughter that is allergic to 3 tree nuts.  I help companies with their allergen control programs :)
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: GoingNuts on January 17, 2024, 12:49:44 PM
Welcome Mike!  I look forward to your input.  :bye:
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: spacecanada on January 21, 2024, 01:02:11 AM
Hi Mike! Welcome to this great group. Everyone here is super helpful. It is great to hear of people who advocate for the food allergy community in the food service industry.

What part of the world are you from?
Title: Re: Introduce Yourself - We're Glad You Found Us!
Post by: PurpleCat on January 21, 2024, 09:09:01 AM
That's very cool!  Not an easy job in the USA but certainly a field that has come a long way since my family first started on this roller coaster journey. 

Welcome!