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A couple of questions first - from what you've written, it does sound as though eggs are the culprit. As far as the others, were they diagnosed via skin test, blood test, or both? Have you ever reacted to almonds, walnuts or strawberries at any other time?
Another question - is this an allergist who specializes in food allergies or more of the environmental allergist that dabbles in food allergies. I ask because we have seen both - the environmental allergists were a disaster for us personally. They had little working knowledge of food allergies and thought my son would chunk up if he avoided wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, corn, eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. You know because air has so many calories LOL
Honestly, if almonds, walnuts and strawberries come back as positive and you haven't noticed any reactions to them - I would ask for an in office food challenge. Eggs honestly are pretty easy to work around at home and while a little more difficult out, can be done. But for each allergen you add, it makes life tougher (not to say it cannot be done, just a little tougher).
Welcome to the group btw!
Something to be aware of is that if your very serious reaction (and wow-- are you ever LUCKY to have had that self-resolve) was not that long ago, skin testing may show artificially elevated responses to a TON of things becaues of your entire immune system being on a hair trigger right now (and for the next few weeks, probably).
Many adults find that they react to MANY more things than they are actually allergic to by virtue of having their immune system so amped up all the time from exposure to a true allergen. It's a little hard to explain how that works, but it's basically like filling up a coffee cup-- once you get VERY close to the rim, even a few drops can cause an overflow (a reaction). If the cup were more empty, then that would never in a million years have happened. KWIM?
most "almond flavoring" isn't almond-derived. It's cheaper, apparently, to extract it from apricot/peach pits using some industrial process. That's why so many almond flavorings do NOT list "tree nut" on the label. Of course, you'll have to call to verify that this is so, but a lot of the time it's the case. "Almond" scent/flavor isn't always.
Tests are just.... tests.
Seriously-- Angel Food cake is, like, once of the most amazingly concentrated sources of egg allergens that I can envision, short of meringue. <shudder>
Keeping my fingers crossed that you'll start feeling better (and safer!!) soon.
Wine when I am on histamine overdrive, stressed or post antihistamines will make me feel like I am on another planet.
If eggs come back negative on the bloodwork, I would ask for an in office food challenge before declaring them a non-issue. I say this for two reasons. One, you might be second guessing yourself at this point - I'm guessing this whole situation is overwhelming at this point. (Again keep in mind that size of wheals really has little coorelation of "how allergic" you might be, so just because it was smaller than almond doesn't mean that almond would be more of a reaction for you. The same goes for the RAST test). Two - challenging them in the office with a possible reaction may give you a chance to speak with your dr about action plans, etc.
Hang in there - I know it's a roller coaster but so far you are rocking it!
I feel so bad that I missed this thread until now. I was diagnosed in adulthood,and would be happy to answer any questions you may have while you and your dh adjust to it. Please feel free.to message me.
YOU rock!!
There is nothing more awesome than a positive example for others as they learn how to live with a life-threatening food allergy. You're living proof that life can still go on-- and that it really doesn't take forever to figure things out (though it can sure feel that way in the beginning).
It is wonderful that you've figured out work-arounds that allow you to feel safe and confident. :happydance:
But as hard as this has been for me to get a grip on, what keeps hitting me over and over is how much easier this is than if it were my son. I'm pretty sure, if he was having little reactions to the thought of a whiff of a tree nut in Target or the grocery store, like I kept having, I would have either (a) already had a complete nervous breakdown or (b) tucked us both in bed, pulled up the covers, duct-taped the door closed, and never left the house. ;):yes: so true.
I am nothing less than dazzled by the sheer competence and get-on-with-it attitude of all the moms dealing with this. You all are the rock stars here.
Swaygirl