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Post by compeateropeator on Sept 25, 2024 12:27:26 GMT
I know you have gotten a lot of replies and good information. I was just going to pass on that I have had some friends in situations where allergies have suddenly started. One of the oddest is friend who has become allergic to beef and pork. We are almost 60 and it only happened about 3 years ago. It started suddenly and the swollen lips and hives were the two things. In the beginning they could not figure out was was causing it as he ate meat all his life and never attempted to stop or go meat free. Now all he can eat is chicken.
They never did determine exactly what caused it. My friend researched and looking into it he believes his was triggered by Lyme disease/ticks. So many things may be in play with this type of thing so seeing an allergist seems pragmatic and necessary. Good luck figuring it out. I was a kid with a lot of allergies as a kid (weekly shots kind of allergies) but did out grow most of them other than the trees/pollens/horses/cats ones. The food ones cleared up.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 12:29:51 GMT
Ooh, I wish I could eat something that would swell my lips up! j/k I'm glad this wasn't more serious for you! I hope you are able to figure out the cause. You don't. Jeremy was shocked when he saw that pic. My lips were like 4x their normal size. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 12:34:12 GMT
compeateropeator my uncle had something similar with shellfish. With that said, both my mom and my sister have a shellfish allergy and they've known since teens, 20s. I didn't think of it until just now, but if I had a delayed reaction, it could also be shellfish for me too. I ate sushi on Monday night with my Chloe. I did have shrimp and crab. And when we were in Ludington, the first night I had a shrimp bowl. Again, would have had to have been delayed reaction.
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Post by compeateropeator on Sept 25, 2024 12:42:21 GMT
compeateropeator my uncle had something similar with shellfish. With that said, both my mom and my sister have a shellfish allergy and they've known since teens, 20s. I didn't think of it until just now, but if I had a delayed reaction, it could also be shellfish for me too. I ate sushi on Monday night with my Chloe. I did have shrimp and crab. And when we were in Ludington, the first night I had a shrimp bowl. Again, would have had to have been delayed reaction. My grandmother became allergic to shell fish in her later years. And it was the same type of reaction that she got. This is great information that you are coming up with as you think things through and hopefully will be able to help you and the doctors pinpoint the causes. I hope you are feeling better. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 12:59:11 GMT
I am feeling better..the swelling is going down. The doctor wrote me a prescription for an epipen so I will hopefully be safe until I can get the allergy testing.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Sept 25, 2024 13:07:48 GMT
Good to hear the meds are working.
You must be shattered at this point, hope the remainder of the day is restful.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 25, 2024 13:13:57 GMT
Ding! Ding! Ding! littlemama is the winner. Doc thinks it was a food allergy. She's not ruling out the dentist. But the heartburn/reflux was a giveaway since I don't tend to suffer from that. The swelling is starting to go down. But I am getting a shot of Benadryl, a round of steroids (again, ugh) and Pepcid. She will observe me for an hour to make sure the swelling is going down. And she wants my doctor to order allergy testing. FYI, blood allergy labs aren't as accurate as skin prick test. While it is a place to start, skin prick is more accurate. And super uncomfortable. But worth it. I saw this because labs showed zero to eggs but I documented my reactions (singles out eggs with no other food at the time). Skin prick showed allergy to egg, egg yolk, and egg white. Had to wait and food test again and yup, allergic Sometimes you will wait a bit and test again as it could be borderline or questionable. Food diaries are great and they may ask you to take away all recent foods and slowly add back to see what happens. Good for high histamine foods that can cause allergic reactions that are from the histamine not the protein. Also did you have eggs or cheese with the last reaction?? |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 25, 2024 13:16:01 GMT
DS 2 was super sensitive to eggs and his face would swell. It's just seems so weird that I would go my whole life eating eggs without any kind of reaction and then all of a sudden it happen like this. I know that yes, this is who allergies work. But still. Take it from me, you can develope allergies at any age and adult allergies are quite common. |
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Post by melanell on Sept 25, 2024 13:22:05 GMT
Hugs! I'm glad they were able to help you with the symptoms, and I hope you can find a more conclusive answer to why you've had these reactions lately very soon.
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 25, 2024 13:28:37 GMT
I'm happy to hear you will have an epi-pen.
We got my DD tested in her late teens. She kept breaking out in hives. We ended up in the ER, too.
She is allergic to cats, grass, and various typical seasonal allergies. The big surprise is she is allergic to corn and oranges! Without testing, I don't know we'd have figured those two out.
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Post by bbkeef on Sept 25, 2024 13:29:26 GMT
It's just seems so weird that I would go my whole life eating eggs without any kind of reaction and then all of a sudden it happen like this My family raised chickens for years. Layers for eggs and also 300 for butchering. I quite literally had fresh eggs or chicken daily. I am now sensitive to the white and yolk. The stomach pain and diarrhea are just not worth having even one egg. If eggs are in baked goods, that doesn't bother me. But yes, my issue came on quite suddenly when I was about 46. I miss eggs terribly, so I hope that's not it for you. |
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Post by Bridget in MD on Sept 25, 2024 13:36:34 GMT
I know you have gotten a lot of replies and good information. I was just going to pass on that I have had some friends in situations where allergies have suddenly started. One of the oddest is friend who has become allergic to beef and pork. We are almost 60 and it only happened about 3 years ago. It started suddenly and the swollen lips and hives were the two things. In the beginning they could not figure out was was causing it as he ate meat all his life and never attempted to stop or go meat free. Now all he can eat is chicken. They never did determine exactly what caused it. My friend researched and looking into it he believes his was triggered by Lyme disease/ticks. So many things may be in play with this type of thing so seeing an allergist seems pragmatic and necessary. Good luck figuring it out. I was a kid with a lot of allergies as a kid (weekly shots kind of allergies) but did out grow most of them other than the trees/pollens/horses/cats ones. The food ones cleared up. That sounds like AlphaGal, where basically I think people can't eat any meat except fish or fowl. jeremysgirl that may be good for you to be tested for that because I know you go camping, maybe you were bit by a tick? |
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Post by Bridget in MD on Sept 25, 2024 13:40:51 GMT
jeremysgirl i just looked up symptoms of Alpha Gal (a friend of mine has it here in MD) and it says: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction to mammalian meat and other products, and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms include: Skin: Hives, itchy rash, or scaly skin
Swelling: Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or eyelids Digestive: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or heartburn Respiratory: Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness Cardiovascular: Drop in blood pressure, light-headedness, dizziness, or a weak and rapid pulse Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after eating meat or other products containing alpha-gal, but can sometimes be delayed. This is because the alpha-gal molecules take longer to digest than other allergens. AGS can be caused by tick bites, particularly from the lone star tick, which is found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States. The best way to prevent AGS is to avoid ticks. There is no cure for AGS, but it can be managed with antihistamines and epinephrine. People with AGS should also avoid red meat and other products containing alpha-gal.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 13:48:50 GMT
You must be shattered at this point, hope the remainder of the day is restful. I'm both tired and wired right now. I don't think I could sleep, though I certainly wish I could. But my mind isn't focusing real well either. FYI, blood allergy labs aren't as accurate as skin prick test. While it is a place to start, skin prick is more accurate. And super uncomfortable. But worth it. Thank you for that tip. Jeremy had food allergy testing and he reacted to so many things that we did a total elimination diet and then just tried things one by one. We could never isolate what is causing his esophagus to tighten. I'll have to ask him which test he did. Also did you have eggs or cheese with the last reaction?? Yes, both. Beef, turkey, and shrimp too. jeremysgirl that may be good for you to be tested for that because I know you go camping, maybe you were bit by a tick? It's always a possibility. But we are pretty good about checking for ticks. And I wear pants, socks, and hiking boots if we are on a non-paved trail. |
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Post by scrapmaven on Sept 25, 2024 13:49:35 GMT
What a stressful way to start a day. Your allergist will get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, Benadryl is a knockout drug. Rest if you need it. I hope that you get an appt very soon.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 13:50:25 GMT
Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after eating meat or other products containing alpha-gal, but can sometimes be delayed. This is because the alpha-gal molecules take longer to digest than other allergens. This is interesting. I've never heard of it. Your friend developed this at what age? |
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naby64
Drama Llama
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Post by naby64 on Sept 25, 2024 13:55:53 GMT
Oh my goodness! You've had quite the roller coaster for the last few weeks. I hope you can get some answers!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Sept 25, 2024 13:56:00 GMT
Sorry you are dealing with this! I'm going to go with eggs being the culprit most likely. DD has always been allergic to eggs. If she gets any her face begins to get red, welts will sometimes appear and sometimes she has swelling. Once she got a larger amount and she experienced throat swelling. That was when she ate a large ice cream custard at college. That's not a thing around here and I'd never had a reason to tell her not to eat it.  . She always carries Benedryl with her now. Definitely go and get the allergy testing done. |
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wellway
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Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Sept 25, 2024 14:01:19 GMT
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 14:20:18 GMT
That's so interesting wellway. I don't live in the regions they state are high in those kinds of ticks. As the article says, migration can play its hand so there's no way to say these ticks don't exist in Michigan. (I hiked in Kentucky in May, though) |
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Post by Bridget in MD on Sept 25, 2024 14:32:08 GMT
Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after eating meat or other products containing alpha-gal, but can sometimes be delayed. This is because the alpha-gal molecules take longer to digest than other allergens. This is interesting. I've never heard of it. Your friend developed this at what age? I've had 2 friends develop it that I know of. One is an elderly lady, I would guess she's in her 60s, and constantly working outside in her yard and garden. The other friend is younger than me, I would guess she is in her mid-late 30s, and she developed it I think maybe 2 years ago? |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 25, 2024 14:32:30 GMT
jeremysgirl also latex can be tested. It's good to know because there is a latex family of foods you can also be allergic to and will need to avoid. The top 2 are banana and avocado. I am allergic to banana, latex, kiwi, avocado and now cherry. Some have cherry as high others don't think there is a cross connection. My allergist Immunologist thinks there is. High cross-reactivity with latex Avocado Banana Chestnut Kiwi Moderate cross-reactivity with latex Apple Carrot Celery Melons Papaya Potato Tomato And a very long list of mild to no cross connection to foods that people can be allergic to with latex allergy.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 14:35:30 GMT
God help me if it's banana pantsonfire. I eat more bananas than any other fruit. 😂 |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 25, 2024 14:39:28 GMT
And if you have any moderate to high allergic reactions, make sure to get an epi pen. I have 4 (2 packs of 2). I keep one set in my cross body bag and another in the downstairs area.
Also in my bag is Flonase, Benadryl, Tylenol, Albuterol, and pepcid.
I have a specific protocol to follow.
And as I learned with my cherry allergy last year, anaphylaxis reactions don't always have facial swelling. I developed hives and then started to get very anxious. Then I thought something bad was about to happen. Then started to throw up.
Anaphylactic reactions can cause mental issues as well like feeling of impending doom.
They were yelling at me on the phone to administer my epi pen.
My allergist Immunologist went over what can be an anaphylaxis reaction again and I did re-education.
And if you get the flu shot, request an egg free one if not already offered. Our medical group went to 100% egg free 2 years ago since many requested it and they had to special order each shot. It was easier to do bulk orders and everyone get egg free.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 25, 2024 14:41:13 GMT
And if you have any moderate to high allergic reactions, make sure to get an epi pen. They did give me a prescription for one and advised how and when to use it. |
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Post by librarylady on Sept 25, 2024 14:41:54 GMT
Years ago I created an allergy to c antelopes by eating several slices for my lunch every day for the summer. By the end of the summer, I suddenly broke out in hives if I ate cantaloupe. I waited several months and then tried a very small piece and gradually introduced it back into my food selections. However I don't eat it 2 days in a row now, just small pieces --wait a few days and enjoy it again.
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Tearisci
Pearl Clutcher
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Nov 6, 2018 16:34:30 GMT
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Post by Tearisci on Sept 25, 2024 14:42:11 GMT
How scary! Glad you went to the ER and I hope that they find the culprit with testing.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 25, 2024 14:54:42 GMT
And if you have any moderate to high allergic reactions, make sure to get an epi pen. They did give me a prescription for one and advised how and when to use it. Good! If not covered (praying yours is), go to epi pens site and print out the coupon. It will cost $35 with it. And ask for the trainer pen too. It's good to have practice with how much force you need and have others practice too. |
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Post by KiwiJo on Sept 25, 2024 14:58:44 GMT
Quick word about sleeping positions if you have heartburn - living on your left side is recommended, and try raising the head of the bed up to 6 inches if you can.
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Post by bbkeef on Sept 25, 2024 14:58:47 GMT
I had a scratch allergy test years ago, but I think it was for the top 15 most common allergens. After I developed my egg sensitivity, I confirmed it by doing a Food Sensitivity Test through Everlywell. It has confirmed a few foods that I react too such as beans, peas, honeydew and eggs. Just throwing that out there in case you want to try that test too.
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