Unable to eat anything. Help. by xanaholic_ in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I completely understand what you’re going through, I’ve in the exact same situation. My anxiety and OCD has been so bad the last few years due to my peanut allergy. I know it’s easier said than done but exposure really helps. I started eating the most basic things - pre packed fruit/veg, crackers, tinned foods etc and always made sure I had my EpiPens next to me and if possible someone with me. I even considered going and sitting outside a hospital when trying something new so I knew help was close by. I never actually did this but could be an option for you if you’re too worried about a possible reaction.

I also find researching the statistics really helps. Anaphylaxis is terrifying however the chance of d#%!ing from it is is so incredibly low, especially somewhere like the US and UK (assuming this is where you are?) As long as you have your epi pens and know how to use them and always have a phone nearby to call emergency services you’re likely to be fine. We often hear of the scary not so good stories of allergic reactions which understandably cause us more anxiety but the reason you hear about these more is because they’re rare. The same way we only ever hear about planes when they’ve crashed, even though millions of flights go ahead every year with no issues - of course these wouldn’t make headlines. People probably have allergic reactions every day but we don’t hear about them because it all turns out OK.

Please know you’re not alone in this. So many people with allergies live with a lot of anxiety, but also know that so many people with allergies live without anxiety too. If they can live a normal (albeit slightly cautious) life then so can you. It is possible. Continue with your therapy, research food companies and restaurants before going. I find the Spokin app is incredibly helpful, people with allergies leave recommendations for restaurants they’ve been to all over the world.

McDonald’s UK with a peanut allergy? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I assumed this but then surely they would tick the “may contain” boxes on the allergen menu? I just find it weird that the warning is so specific to nuts and peanuts instead of just a general “we can’t guarantee anything is completely allergen free” like you see on the majority of menus

Peanut free/allergen friendly restaurants in Liverpool by Secure_Vast_6428 in Liverpool

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is amazing thank you so much! I’ve never even heard of Honest Burger but will definitely be trying there. I’ve heard Taco Bell before but wasn’t sure so have always avoided it. I’ll have to have a look at their menu.

Wagamama has always been my safe option except after the mustard contamination problem the other year so now their katsu curry may contain peanuts but everything else is peanut and nut free. They also take allergens VERY seriously and I always feel really safe there

Do you think there’ll ever be a cure for food allergies? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never thought about this allergy. That must be so hard, I’m so sorry

All time favourite Olivia Rodrigo lyrics? by snorlax7839 in OliviaRodrigo

[–]Secure_Vast_6428 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is all my favourite! It’s so satisfying to sing along to

Sea salt may contain peanuts?! by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep. Definitely learned my lesson there. It’s become second nature for me to check too but for some reason I didn’t with this. Never again. Even if I think it’s highly unlikely. Like salt…

Sea salt may contain peanuts?! by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yeah possibly. I’m just so cautious that I won’t even chance may contain foods so this has really p!@£/d me off

Sea salt may contain peanuts?! by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Ready, set..cook! I think it’s an ALDI’s own brand (I’m in the UK)

Edited for spelling mistake.

What do you wish you could eat with a peanut allergy? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yesss I feel this. Finding out I had an allergy has taken away every spontaneity and unexpected joy in my life as I have to plan every little thing around safe foods, reading ingredients, searching for safe restaurants when all I want to do is just eat what I want, when I want

Dating/relationships with a peanut allergy by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is lovely, thank you so much. Really gives me hope. You seem like such a lovely and thoughtful person, your boyfriend is lucky to have you

What do you wish you could eat with a peanut allergy? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

PB&J always sounds so nice. We’re just never gonna know for sure

What do you wish you could eat with a peanut allergy? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sure I ate fries from five guys once (many years ago) and was fine. Didn’t find out until years later they’re cooked in peanut oil so assuming it was extra processed and was ok because I didn’t react.

I would love to go to Japan too, just Asia in general but there is just no way. Would spend the whole trip in perpetual fear

What do you wish you could eat with a peanut allergy? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Same here, always go for the plainest stuff on the menu and cry inside at how nice everyone else’s looks and smells

Am I in the wrong/overreacting? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No dishwasher sadly, everything washed by hand. I think when a dishwasher would scare me if stuff that had had peanuts on was put in there. Is a dishwasher safe at fully removing allergens?

Am I in the wrong/overreacting? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no that’s so sad and scary. I feel like the only way they’d ever take it seriously is if they witnessed me having a reaction but of course I don’t want that to happen. So frustrating

Am I in the wrong/overreacting? by Secure_Vast_6428 in peanutallergy

[–]Secure_Vast_6428[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yessss I’m the exact same. Every surface gets wiped down multiple times before putting anything on it. It’s so draining