Anaphylaxis, it can happen

This week, May 11-17, 2014, is the #FAAW {Food Allergy Awareness week}. Food allergies can occur in anyone and I wanted to write about why I always carry Epi or Epinephrine at all times.

{Photo Credit: Kids with Food Allergies}

Food allergies, for me, did not develop until after the age of 15 or so for me. Don't get me wrong, I have many other allergies. Seasonal, environmental, medication, insects, pollen, and the list goes on. For many, food allergies can occur in children and some may outgrow their allergies. It totally depends on the person. Each case is different. 

Anyways, I did not develop food allergies until around 15. For me, they started as daily hives {later discovered to soy, wheat, and more} and my hands would swell {with shellfish|}. After doing my own research and working with my Allergist, I discovered I had many allergies to foods. Today, a single crumb or morsel can send me into anaphylaxis.

My current list of food allergies includes Soy (all forms), Wheat, Gluten, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Fish, Shellfish, Modified Starches, and Coconut (all forms). That would be six of the Top 8.

I was thinking I was doing pretty good. I had Epi, I had a list of what I couldn't have, and all was dandy. I was wrong. 

Anaphylaxis happened even though I was careful! 

It happened to cross contamination and soy lecithin as well as fish. I had to use epi as well as have it given to me. Within minutes, my symptoms (hives, swelling, others) lessoned. If it wasn't for epinephrine, I can't think of what today would look like.

Accidents can occur and that is why you always have epi.

A label can be misread and anaphylaxis can occur. That's why you have epi! 

A company doesn't list a warning that items are run on the same lines (since warning labels are voluntary) and anaphylaxis occurs. 

Epinephrine is the only drug that can reverse Anaphylaxis (source). 

If you or someone you know has food allergies or any known anaphylactic allergy, they must carry it on them. 

Epinephrine saves lives. I know, I was one of those lives!

Kids with Food Allergies

I have Kids with Food Allergies to thank for my sanity and saving grace when I was first diagnosed with food allergies. That moment when "no one gets it" or when the comments of "just one bite won't hurt" were said. Today, I log onto KFA several times a day (that's where time goes) and receive support, encouragement, and recipes with out my allergens. KFA has been there, for me, through thick and thin. Unless you have gone through the food allergy journey, it is difficult to truly "get it." But there are a few who do "truly get it" without having FAs.

I am truly grateful for the support I receive on KFA. If you have a child with food allergies and are looking for support-KFA is the place. Online forums and allergen-free recipes truly make a difference in life. Membership is free and the support is endless. If you know of someone who needs support through their food allergy journey, recommend Kids with Food Allergies.

Through thick and thin, you are not alone in the food allergy journey. Here is KFA's newest PSA for allergies and support.



Through thick and think, no one should be alone when dealing with food allergies!!