LIVING WITH AN ALLERGY BY JOANNE KEELING

I lived for 29 years without any allergies. No one in my family had or has allergies so you can imagine it was a bit of a surprise to suddenly have allergic reactions later on in life.

As a healthy 25 year old I was accepted into the Police Force. A few years into the job and constant usage of latex gloves caused my hands to itch and swell. I had no knowledge of latex allergy. I simply thought my hands did not like being in gloves for hours at a time.

A few strange episodes occurred with my face & lips swelling, coupled with similar symptoms following the use of almond oil. Eventually when I ate an almond cookie and experienced swelling of the tongue, lips and airway problems, I raced to my GP just around the corner and he was sure I had allergies. I was prescribed antihistamines and urgently referred to an allergy clinic. The waiting list for allergy clinics can be long, but please persevere and don’t be tempted to seek any diagnosis elsewhere. Skin prick testing and blood tests in addition to my medical history confirmed a diagnosis of Type 1 allergy to Latex, peanuts and almonds.I left the clinic with a diagnosis but little did I know how tricky and life changing it would be.

Life with allergies became a challenge, but I was faced with a bigger problem. The reality of a huge lack of understanding by people around me was becoming more apparent. I accept that people cannot know everything about all medical problems and those that do know about allergies would not necessarily know about allergies in depth. However, my allergy like many others can kill. Education needed to be as a preventative measure, not simply a lesson to be learnt when a fatality has occurred.

Initially a few anaphylactic shocks were as a result of my own inexperience with allergies, i.e. not checking labels thoroughly in products, or simply being complacent in restaurants I’d always been to. I was not thinking about potential cross contamination issues or changes of ingredients in foods I’d always ordered.

Anaphylaxis was also caused as a result of other people’s lack of understanding or negligence. So, my advice to anyone who has been diagnosed with allergies is to continuously ask questions. Be prepared, research before hand if possible, and ask again when you attendrestaurants or places your allergens may be. It is not your fault, so don’t feel awkward. Your life is precious. There is no room for mistakes. Sure allergies can be tricky but it can be easily managed if you check labels and ask questions. When in doubt don’t risk it. My most important piece of advice would be to ensure you have you emergency medication with you at all times. The autoinjectors could be the difference between life and death. They need to be accessible to you at all times.

Educate your friends and family too. First aid is crucial, and you never know it may just help save your life.

Whilst Dr Google is tempting, remember to stick to official medical websites. Support from forums can be great but information may be misleading.

@AllergyHour on Twitter is a fantastic support network. The allergy charities Allergy U.K, Anaphylaxis Campaign are an excellent source of up to date information, support and advice also.