Desperate for help

[Carolg13]

Hi, my name is Carol, I am a young 58 and have suffered varying reactions when eating.

I live in Bedfordshire with my husband.

25 years ago and occasionally when eating out, I would feint.
This happened maybe 6 or 7 times a year until I was 50.

Since then the reactions have become more severe and ranging from mild rash, red hands and feet to acute rash, unbearable itching, swelling of the whole body and face, throbbing throughout my body, feinting. vomiting, loss of bowel control and feeling absolutely dreadful. Most of these symptoms I believe come under the heading of anaphylactic shock. I am then left feeling drained for the next 24 hours.

I carry 2 epi pens but have never used them.

I have been unable to find any help. Have been to the GP, allergy clinic, hypnotist and brain retraining specialist.

Has anyone heard of similar reactions ........... the one thing to bear in mind is, it is not a particular food allergy, it can happen with any food...... Look forward to hearing from anyone who think they may be able to help.

[nomorepanic]

Hi Carolg13

A huge warm welcome to nmp.

You'll get loads of advice and support here and make some lovely friends along the way.

Best wishes

[squeaky]

I have felt awful after eating for years, my heart thumps violently and I feel hyperanxious and absolutely wrecked. The medics dont take it seriously but it's destroying my life and I do sympathise with you as ordinary life becomes impossible. One thing that was mentioned is a thing called food dumping or gastric dumping where food leaves the stomach very rapidly and causes very unpleasant symptoms. Whilst I am not a doctor it is a well known problem and might be worth asking about. Good luck

[eternally optimistic]

Hi Carol

Glad you've joined this great website.

You will, Im sure, get loads of comfort from it and lots of laughs too.

Take care.

[Carolg13]

Hi Squeaky, thanks for your suggestion............however, I think my problem is the opposite. The brains seems to object to food being put into the body, actually I was just eating a humbug and had a really mild reaction. People may think I am anorexic but definitely not, I am a healthy 9 stone.

I will mention your suggestion to my GP next time I go.

Thanks again ........... Carolg13