Anaphylactic Shock: My Update

Did You Know? A Naturopathic Physician is defined to: “Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.” (via)

I wish I did NOT have an updated post about my allergies & I could come back to you saying everything has been excellent!  OMG I dream of saying – my anaphylactic shock was a complete fluke!  Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

The worst part, I still don’t have answers.

Since my first Anaphylactic Shock situation (here), I ended up having another one.  I chose not to share that info because I instantly knew I wasn’t going to have a clear answer as to why this was happening to me.  All my doctors confidently said: “it won’t happen again”.   And when it actually did happen again, pretty close after the first time, I knew I was in trouble. Which would leave the door open for questions, assumptions & scary conclusions.  I didn’t want that type of vulnerability out there for peeps to pick at.

Fortunately, the second time it happened I was a lot more prepared.  I caught the reaction instantly & Wafiq & I knew what we needed to do. This incident happened in Virginia, at my friends wedding, literally.  I can’t begin to tell you the amount of fear, disappointment & defeat I felt.  When I felt my lip start to swell, my hands & feet start getting hot + itchy, and wheezing under my breathe in a matter of seconds – I felt my heart sink to the ground.  I knew.  I have never felt such an unbearable defeat.

I immediately came back to Austin & met with my Allergist.  He told me horrible information that made me cry… A LOT.  I can’t remember the last time I cried so hard, like really really cried.  I concluded, he was upset because he found out I went to a natural doctor instead of trusting his beloved “there’s nothing we can do” answer after my 1st reaction.  His large ego + small penile area couldn’t handle a 2nd opinion…  He literally said: “I should be afraid everyday“.  He also tried to get me to a psychiatrist so I could be on his 1,923 allergy medications + their 354 antidepressants a day, for the rest of my life.  Going to my counselor wasn’t enough, mmmkay?

[I could go on & on about doctors after going through this health situation, but that’s for another time.]

If you know me at all, you’d know, I refused to accept that asshole’s information.  I might be filled w anxiety, but I’m also generally a crazy stubborn & motivated human being.  I went back to my natural doctor, who did the complete opposite.  She got to work.  Listened to me, and started experimenting with me.  I’m all about that life, totally down to be a human experiment rather than walk around just waiting to have another allergy attack with no answers or suggestions. I’d rather die trying, you feel me?

I also went to my therapist, which OMG I can’t explain the importance of having one you guys.

The thing that’s very hard for anyone to understand that’s heard my story, is that it’s not ONE thing that’s making these allergic reactions happen to me.  There doesn’t appear to be one specific food.  Or one element.  Yes, I’ve been tested for everything I can think of – more than once! And no answers.

When I tell people that answer they don’t want to ingest it.  I wish more than anything I knew it was f-ing oranges, but that isn’t the reality of my situation.  So we’re digging deeper!

I’m on a journey.

To say this has changed my life is an understatement.  But I can’t say it’s changed it for the worse.  I’ve cleaned up my diet a lot, learned an incredible amount of info about food in our culture, & I’ve been constantly making myself proud.  Being mentally stronger than I thought I could be.

I felt like I had to update you guys on this, even though I originally wasn’t going to.  But it’s an elephant in the room for me.  Why won’t you eat canned beans?  Why are you eating so much popcorn (ha!)?  What’s with all the rice?  I’m sticking to a specific diet, that’s really strict, so I eat certain foods – often.  For now.

This has never been my normal, BUT it’s my normal now.  I’m a little human experiment.

I’ve been looking into mold issues, outdoor allergy problems, food allergies, living conditions, & a mix of it all.  I’m trying to get off an incredibly large amount of allergy medicine by taking natural medicines.  I have my natural doc & therapist on hand, but am making an appointment at another Allergist to see what they can recommend for my new allergy med cocktail.  I’ve been following a strict diet for 8 weeks, but I’m going to start reintroducing foods soon.  I’ve been going at this game for a few months now – you name it, I’m trying it!

Because I unveiled my situation here I decided I’m going to give you a peek at a few other things.  How food & alcohol in our culture is kicking my ass.  As my natural doc said “once your eyes are opened, it’s hard to shut them“.  YES.  And also, my anxiety issues & my therapist info.  Because what the hell, why not.  All of this has been a MAJOR part of my life lately & it can be incredibly lonely.

Don’t think I haven’t heard the bazillion criticisms & mean recommendations & eye rolls about my current situation & choices.  Because I have.  But I’m doing the best I can, honestly the very very best I can.  I’ve talked to so many pro’s, read as much info as I can, uber-listened to my body, & am taking all of that into what I think is the best thing for me, in the freaking moment.  And that’s all I can do…

If any of you know anyone that’s had a similar situation or if any of you have a VERY badass doctor or allergist that you think could help – don’t be afraid to share with me!  I can’t tell you how much either of those things would help.  I imagine like a younger doctor, that still has ambition & wants a little human lab rat with a rare condition. Hi!

Other than that, I’m still here living my best life.  I’ve always said (you can go back & back & back through my blog posts & read my notes for verification) that everything happens for a reason.  Absolutely everything.  I’m very trusting of that & I work to be happy every day.  I’m getting more confident in myself & my choices because of this entire experience, so for that I’m grateful.

As far as this entire situation goes? From the words of Olivia Pope:  It’s handled.

I hope you all had a safe + happy 4th of July!  Be thoughtful today <3

Xx

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