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Becoming allergic to the world!

I am 32 years old and developing allergies at an alarming rate.  Basically I started having all the classic symptoms of celiac disease about 2 years ago, got tested for celiac by blood and biopsy and both came back negative, but I went on a gluten free diet anyway just to see if the problems subsided.  Within 2 weeks of instigating the diet I felt much better, but when the results of the biopsy came back I threw my hands in the air and had a sandwich.  I then had my first allergic reaction to wheat.  Since then, every time I have wheat I come dangerously close to a visit to the ER, I start itching all over, my throat feels tight and I start breathing like a fish out of water.  I saw an allergist and he said I was fine based on the negative skin test, but I continued on my gluten-free wheat-free diet anyway.  Then I started to have reactions to cashews, so I stopped eating those.  Then I started reacting to blue-cheeses, so I stopped eating those.  Then about 2 months ago I started to have reactions to all cheeses, but seemingly not to milk (I only have about 2 tablespoons in my coffee in the morning), so I go to see another allergy doctor.  I tell her my history, that I became allergic to Penicillin and Keflex as a child, then Kiwi fruit at age 13, then eggplant at about 24, dog at age 27, and have suffered seasonal type allergies since about the age of 18.  The doctor did skin tests and all were negative, so she did intradermal on a few, namely dog, cat, weeds, grasses, mold, dust mites, etc., and I then tested positive for dog, weeds, grasses, and dust mites.  She then had blood drawn and ordered a RAST test done for wheat, kiwi, eggplant, cashews, and latex (because I have also noticed slight reactions to that as well).  I asked her about the cheese thing and she told me that since I am fine with milk I can not be allergic to cheese and she left it at that.  Then all the RAST tests came back negative and was told that at best I have food intolerances to those items tested, despite the fact that I have difficulty breathing, tightness in my throat, and itchy skin.  So the other night I took 2 benadryl because I was having sinus problems and I wanted a good night's sleep, I then looked for something to eat and really wanted tomato and mozzarella salad so I ate that, within 5 minutes of completing that meal I started breathing heavy, so I took 2 more benadryl and after about 20 min. felt better.  I went to bed and woke up around midnight itching like crazy, my flannel pj's felt like burlap, so I took 2 more benadryl and finally fell asleep about an hour later.  All that said, I am at my wit's end!  I need help badly, but all the doctors I have tried to talk to about these problems all tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about or that it's all psychosomatic.  No one wants to help and I'm getting to the point that I'm afraid to eat.  Can anyone give me any advise, or know of any reason why I've been developing these reactions to so many things at this age?
4 Responses
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1530171 tn?1448129593
Have you ever considered going to a holistic allergy practitioner?
I have treated myself , family and friends from a wide range of allergies and sensitivities plus a whole lot of other health issues.
The  mainstream medical approach made matters worse in more cases that I care to remember ( far too dysfunctional), so I took matters (health matters) into my own hands.
Studied all pertinent to me health topics with books, tapes, seminars, workshops, internet.
Name it!   It has been a very enjoyable trip and I've never been healthier in my entire life.
Also I've been able to help so many people. All without any drugs, not even aspirin.
You can search for N.A.E.T doctors or practitioners in your area as well as EFT practitioners with "Allergy Antidotes" training. Also check B.E.A.M. therapists.
All those are Energy Medicine modalities and work so well for allergies since allergies are predominantly energy based (or rather energy imbalance based).
Blessings,
Nick
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the comments!  I really appreciate the feedback!  

Since my last posting I saw my allergist again and this time took me seriously enough to prescribe an Epi-pen and suggested I see an immunologist at a research hospital who specializes in Mast cell disorders.  I had to wait over a month to get in to see one of the doctors and drove 2 hours to get there only to find out that they had no idea why I was even there (they lost the information sent by my allergist).  So I told the doctor of all my problems, only to have him tell me that what I go through when I have a reaction to foods is not anaphalaxis.  Then he asked me why I was even there.  I told him what my allergist had said about getting my mast cells tested and he said I don't have symptoms of elevated mast cells, but that he'd go ahead and have them tested as it was a simple blood test.  Anyway, I'm still waiting on the results.  
Once again I feel like I'm getting the run-around, and I'm sooo tempted to walk in to one of these doctor's offices with a piece of bread or cheese and say "Don't believe me?  Watch!"    Let them see first hand what happens.  
No, I really won't do that, but I have certainly thought about it.  Each time I have a doctor's visit I try and tell myself that they aren't going to figure this thing out right then and there, but at the end of each visit I can't help but break down and cry, not for the lack of diagnosis but for the lack of any empathy or even any curiosity regarding all of my bizarre symptoms.  

I just looked up Hereditary angioedema and I'll present that thought to my next doctor's appointment, but I don't think that explains my problem since I have not experience severe swelling of appendages or any other part of my body, and no nausea and vomiting.  But it's certainly worth taking a look into it.  

As soon as the results from the Mast cell testing comes in I'll post on that.  Also having IgE's tested for wheat and dairy.  It'll be the 3rd time testing for the wheat and the first for the dairy, but I have no hopes on either of them having a positive result.  

Helpful - 0
1355118 tn?1298564879
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, welcome to the forum, recurrent attacks of allergy suggests Hereditary angioedema (HAE), which is a rare genetic disorder resulting from an inherited deficiency or dysfunction of the C1 inhibitor. This may be associated with laryngeal swelling leading to respiratory obstruction or other allergic manifestations. Hence, it is important to rule out this condition.

There are many tests (various types of Immunoassays and Total IgE levels) are available which indicates the severity of allergy but we cannot predict betterment. At this time you need to restrict the foods to which you are allergic to.  You need to maintain a diary of things you are allergic and need to prevent further exposure. You will eventually come to know about your improvements.

Treatment options available for the acute attack are C1-inhibitor [C1 esterase inhibitor replacement protein (C1INHRP), Plasma and Antifibrinolytics against prescription.
I suggest you to consult immunologist for further evaluation. Take care and regards.

Helpful - 0
1468453 tn?1303495615
Age 30 is the magic year of body change for many. Especially in terms of allergies. Hayfever seasons. Plants. Animals. Rugs. Dust.Foods.
I lived in a heavy-smoke filled environment (both parents chain smokers). Never smoked a day in my life. Moved out. After age 30, visits to my parents resulted in pure head cold symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, tickle in the back of the throat.
I've had dogs and cats all thru childhood. After age 30 - allergy to female cat dander and kitty litter. Go figure! Only dogs I can have are hypo-allegenic.
Gluten free is the way to go.
As for the cheeses - I stay away from processed. I stick to old.
I use whole milk, butter, and cereal creams. Low Fat anythings just have more processing. I avoid most 'processed' possible.
Checkk your laundry detergent. I've gone back to using Ivory. Good enough for baby's skin good enough for mine.
You might also be allergic to high fructose corn syrup foods. Google it. It's in most restaurant breads, etc. In most things that need shelf life including fresh baked supermarket items. That could explain the itch via the sandwich.
I hope some of these things help you. But I'd really watch for processed stuff and get 2nd opinion bcuz you NEED people to act and get proper tests done. It's YOUR body, not theirs. They get the paycheck while you dish out. Might as well get properly treated. Best of luck.
Helpful - 0
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