First anaphylactic shock

[Anonymous]

If you or a loved one one had recently an anaphylactic shock for the first time, how’s the recovery? What do you do at home to start feeling emotionally and physically good again? Do you have a doctor recommendation?

[Anonymous]

Physical recovery was honestly fine. I was surprised by how quickly I felt back to normal. Mentally I was a little out of sorts because I had no idea what caused the reaction. I was eating and drinking foods I'd had before and nothing was that odd about the ingredients. So knowing I was allergic to something and not knowing what was a little jarring.

I had two more episodes before we were able to narrow it down. Even now (a decade later) we still don't know the exact thing that causes it but have narrowed it down enough so that I can avoid drinks that would have it in it and haven't had an anaphylactic reaction in years.
Last year I did drink something that I didn't think would cause a reaction, but after a couple sips I noticed I was reacting. Benadryl took care of it without needing to use my epi pen.

No doctor recommendation. Didn't live in the area when this all started.

[Anonymous]

Oh I had one of those recently. Like within last few days. Still working out triggers. Did you receive medical care? It’s overwhelming to experience a racing unchecked reaction in your body. Like a fright train ripping through you. Not being in control of breathing is terrifying.

I’m still on recovery meds so mostly tied up in that and trying to listen to body. Rest.

Seeing allergist asap too

If you see a therapist it would not be a bad time to book an extra session.

[Anonymous]

What caused these reactions? Does anyone here have the alpha gal issue from a tick bite?

[Anonymous]

Howard Boltansky- immunologist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What caused these reactions? Does anyone here have the alpha gal issue from a tick bite?

I do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What caused these reactions? Does anyone here have the alpha gal issue from a tick bite?

I do.

Are you allergic to all the alpha gal things- dairy, meat, seaweed? It seems like a nightmare landmine. I am waiting for my test, and so far I've had no reactions, but I am already a vegetarian. I've given up dairy now. My understanding that this can develop over time after a bite, and the things I worry about are cross contamination in restaurants, etc. Also, stunned at how many people including doctors are unaware of it.

Good luck to you, PP.

[Anonymous]

For allergies - Talal Nsouli. Offices are in DC and Burke.

[Anonymous]

I’m still mentally physically drained after the anaphylaxis caused by an insect bite. I had never experienced this before.
Last night, I prepared a simple butternut squash soup and cod filets. No dairy, no wheat.
Back to school night is approaching and I’m gathering my pieces to find strength. My kids’ smiles help me moving forward.

[Anonymous]

I feel like I’m getting over a chest cold after an episode this weekend. It was my second reaction and more breathing related than hives this time. My palms swelled up too. Unsure if it was an insect bite or food trigger this time.

Has anyone had more of a bronchial response than in your throat? Like lungs couldn’t fill. They felt like damp compressed sponges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Physical recovery was honestly fine. I was surprised by how quickly I felt back to normal. Mentally I was a little out of sorts because I had no idea what caused the reaction. I was eating and drinking foods I'd had before and nothing was that odd about the ingredients. So knowing I was allergic to something and not knowing what was a little jarring.

I had two more episodes before we were able to narrow it down. Even now (a decade later) we still don't know the exact thing that causes it but have narrowed it down enough so that I can avoid drinks that would have it in it and haven't had an anaphylactic reaction in years.
Last year I did drink something that I didn't think would cause a reaction, but after a couple sips I noticed I was reacting. Benadryl took care of it without needing to use my epi pen.

No doctor recommendation. Didn't live in the area when this all started.

"Benadryl took care of it without needing to use my epi pen."

Can you do that? I thought you always needed an epi pen AND benadryl not just one without the other.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you’re supposed to do it that way - treating only with antihistamines- you’re supposed to use the EpiPen with anaphylaxis even without major airway complications.

Benadryl can potentially knock a reaction down but it the reaction can rebound and worsen. At least that’s what doc told me in er. They used massive steroid dose for me done my breathing had improved. - new poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What caused these reactions? Does anyone here have the alpha gal issue from a tick bite?

I do.

Are you allergic to all the alpha gal things- dairy, meat, seaweed? It seems like a nightmare landmine. I am waiting for my test, and so far I've had no reactions, but I am already a vegetarian. I've given up dairy now. My understanding that this can develop over time after a bite, and the things I worry about are cross contamination in restaurants, etc. Also, stunned at how many people including doctors are unaware of it.

Good luck to you, PP.

Mammal meat and all things dairy. I seem to be okay enough with more hidden things, though at the beginning I bought an allergy app to scan barcodes to quickly decode stuff and completely went vegan for about 3 months to let my body detox. I’ve since been able to add back in little things (no issue with my gummy vitamins, despite gelatin, for instance)

Something that is super bad is fumes though. If I walk around a bbq grilling burgers, my eyes will swell shut. My whole house is now beef/pork free for that reason. My kids and spouse can eat it when they go out to eat without me.

[Anonymous]

Alpha gal again: I basically don’t eat out anymore. Cross contamination is challenging, but also servers have no clue what is in dishes and I’ve had too many accidental encounters with mammal.

Another thing I didn’t think of was dog kibble/treats. I’ve switched to only chicken or turkey or fish based foods for them and noticed an improvement in my hives and itchiness on a daily basis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alpha gal again: I basically don’t eat out anymore. Cross contamination is challenging, but also servers have no clue what is in dishes and I’ve had too many accidental encounters with mammal.

Another thing I didn’t think of was dog kibble/treats. I’ve switched to only chicken or turkey or fish based foods for them and noticed an improvement in my hives and itchiness on a daily basis.

I'm probably headed that way. I'm not even sure if I have it- was bitten by Lone Star in July. So far one small hive episode, to what I have no idea.