The Ultimate Frustration

... my worst episode occurred one evening after going out to dinner with a friend. Lobster and a variety of other fine foods triggered multiple swellings all over my body. The worst part was the sensation of a rope around my neck. My airway was constricting, which sent me into a panic mode. Rather than call an ambulance, I rushed myself to the hospital where I received an IV that included prednisone and Benadryl. I recovered in the emergency room for about four hours before they let me depart. That morning I was in Dr. B's office listening to his every word about life style changes, increases of medication, epipens and "triggers". My Zyrtec dosage was increased to 20 mg daily, just before bedtime. Lobster was out... as well as "any" shellfish I was inclined to eat. My new diet would include "gluten free" foods. You have no idea how that impacted my life... a complete loss of a major food group.

It's extremely rare that such outbreaks result in death, however my whole attitude about food changed in ways that even I wouldn't have imaged. I read every label... and continue to to this day... of every food item I'm considering purchasing. That list would grow exponentially over time.