Little rant

[Tammy2009]

Sorry in advance, I'm just super frustrated and need a little rant.  I am so viligant for my allergies, read labels every time I buy something, not allowing any wheat/dairy into my house at all and I still get sick every couple of weeks.  So tired of it!  I was up all last night with horrible diarrhea, asthma attacks and nausea.  Now I'm tired, nausea, freezing cold and can't think straight and still wheezing.  Everything I ate yesterday was fine and I've had before!  The only difference is a new brand of muffin (although on the third out of the pack) I ate on an empty stomach instead of with other food and that's when everything started.  However it is certified gluten free, and a brand I've used before for other items.

I seriously hate my body for being so sensitive, why can't there be red flags saying sorry I have been contaminated with wheat, don't eat me!

I, going on vacation with a group from my church and we have one person with severe severe allergy to nuts - so "no nuts at any of the meeting and don't bring any with you".  Okay fine but he is only allergic to peanuts, if I want nuts in my room at night I should be able to have them!  I dont say anything when you guys bring tim bits to the meeting and everyone has crumbs all over the table ..... I am just extra careful!   Grrrr allergies suck.

Okay rant over.  

[jemma116]

I agree with you that it is very harsh for you not to be able to bring your own nuts, and especially since you have different food allergies and have to avoid certain foods so that you do not become ill.

Personally I think that the organisers are being over cautious.  As long as you keep the nuts away from that person, wash your hands after touching the nuts should you have to shake hands and the nut contaminant would still be on them; after eating the nuts you will be in close proximity and not kissing.

I presume that you will not be sharing a room with the person with a nut allergy.

Personally, if I wanted to have something and was not sharing a room with someone and took all the precautions so that the person could not get in contact with my nuts, I would definitely take them.  

The other thing to consider is that no doubt there will be food in the café/restaurant where you will be eating as nuts can be in foods like cereals, used in the kitchen and so on.

At the end of the day, it is your decision whether you comply with the rules and whether you are prepared to take a risk that that person could end up getting a severe shock.  I would trust that the person does carry an Epi Pen in the event that he/she goes into a state of shock.

My doctor's wife has an allergy to nuts, but that did not stop him from eating one of my fruit cakes that had nuts in it.  He just remarked that he would have to eat it before he went home and would have to wash his face and mouth before kissing or touching his wife.

Do remember though that some people have an allergic reaction to a substance when then touch it and not always when they eat it.

With regard to the new product that you ate that caused you to have a bad reaction, it may be that the product was made in a factory that uses the foods stuffs that you have an allergy too and may have got contaminated.  The manufacturers usually write a disclaimer saying that the product is made in a factory handling nuts or other products that could cause allergies.

I think that you should also inform the organisers of the trip of your allergies too, so that you are not given foods that can cause you to feel ill.

Best of luck and I do hope that you still enjoy your trip (with or without your nuts).

[SassyLassie]

I am so sorry you are having all these issues, that really *****.

I do not know why some foods can cause reactions while the same food by a different brand, doesn't. It may be how it is made.  Food allergies are the pits to handle. The way food is labelled anymore does not help either.

I do not see any reason why you should not be able to bring your nuts with you, just make sure the other person does not get any of them. I would do it anyway.