I have previously posted about my food allergies. To summarize, I am allergic to all things living and can't eat raw fruits and vegetables, which is called Oral Allergy Syndrome. I can eat raw foods but I normally have a minor sore throat. Recently, I had a reaction to shellfish. This really worried me that I might have an allergy to it. I decided that it was best that I see an allergist. I haven't visited an allergist in almost 15 years. They try to help, but I tend to know about what to do than they do. I figured maybe there has been some new treatment or research that would help me.
I didn't really get the help from the doctor that I had hoped for. Long story short, two blood tests and a skin test later I found out that I am not allergic to shellfish, but also found out I have a peanut allergy and a couple other tree nut allergies. The peanut allergy is a total shock to me. I eat peanut butter granola bars almost every day and eat peanut butter on a regular basis. I can't think of ever having a reaction. The nurse told me that if I can eat it then I'm "one of the lucky few." Confused. I decided it was best to eliminate peanut from my diet and reintroduce it in a few weeks. During this process I got some blood test results and asked the nurse how long the peanut protein stays in the system. She asked the doctor and he said if I didn't notice a change after not eating the peanuts that I can eat it again. Well, that was not an answer. It was almost like the doctor didn't even care. I explained that I have so many reactions daily that it really would be hard to know if I had a mild reaction to peanuts. By daily reactions I mean sneezing, minor throat irritations, etc. I just live with it without really noticing much anymore. The nurse understood my logic, but didn't really have any further advice.
I am going to see a dietician in June and hope to have a plan of action in place by then. I'm going to slowly try different fruits and vegetables to see what really bothers me a lot and what I might be able to tolerate in small doses. As for the nuts, I think I'm going to stay away from all except nuts I am not allergic to that are packaged in a plant that doesn't cross contaminate. Boy oh Boy, it would just be nice to eat...
A little update
10 years ago
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