Food Allergies Survival Guide
Buck and I have been married for over 30 years. About 15 years ago, a friend from Seattle invited us over one evening for dinner. He brought in fresh shrimp, crab and salmon and we had a feast.
That evening my husband woke me up about 3 AM to tell me he wasn’t feeling well. I do not wake that easily so I asked him what was wrong and went back to bed. A few minutes later he woke me again to tell me he felt worse. I looked over and he was swollen and beet red. His voice was high-pitched. It was time to take him to the hospital.
Fifteen minutes later, when we arrived at the hospital, the staff took one look and rushed Buck into the back and immediately started him on Adrenalin. He was having an anaphylactic reaction to the shellfish. Had we waited longer, Buck might have gone into shock or even died. After being tested, we found out that Buck was allergic to shellfish and a long list of other common foods, such as melons, potatoes, and eggs. Buck in addition to many others suffer from such food allergies.
The years after we discovered the food allergies have been challenging. We finally know the reasons for Buck’s itchiness and redness after meals, and have to work hard to avoid the foods. At the same time, everyone else in the family is deprived of the foods they once enjoyed.
Following are some tips for surviving the discovery of food allergies:
- Research how to live safely with food allergies. You will find that there are not only foods to avoid, but food groups. For example, you would not only avoid watermelon, but cantelope as well. Create a new menu devoid of allergens but one that will be enjoyed by all, which will prevent resentment of family members.
- Read the labels on cans. There are many egg-based foods, e.g., egg noodles, that should be avoided. Also, potatoes are used as a starch in many foods. Educate all family members.
- When eating out at a restaurant, let the waiter or waitress know about the food allergy. Shellfish allergies are common. Find out whether a deep fryer has been used for cooking seafood as well as other foods, or whether shrimp, for example, is contained in a recipe.
- Get a prescription of epinephrine from your allergist or physician and keep it with you at all times. Make all family members aware of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions.
- For those in your household not allergic to shellfish, enjoy it when not in the company of the person with an allergy. Often, just the smell of seafood can set off a small reaction.