sj75 Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 Following on from my allergic reaction to chestnuts (throat swelling)I spoke to one of my surgeries gp's yesterday who has told me to avoid chestnuts (slightly obvious i thought-lol)and that i should probably try and avoid all nuts now as im likely to become allergic to nuts in general?? has anyone else been told this and is this likely to be the case? he has said that he doesnt think i need an epipen as these should only be used in people who collapse due to their allergy as they dont help with the swelling and i should just carry piriton or clarityn around with me. I said i had heard that each exposure would create a worsening reaction but he said he didnt think this was the case.What does everyone think to this?? it seems to contradict things i have heard previoiusly, should i try and get my own epipen just in case?nearly forgot to mention- he also said that i may notice my existing allergies will get better?? is this right?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 YES! get an epi-pen!And an allergist! Throat swelling is a serious reaction (my son is allergic to milk) according to his allergist, who completely read me the riot act after his oral challenge inside the hospital, where his throat just got "itchy." Don't tempt fate, nuts are in a lot of food! Get the epi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliegee Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 I totally agree with, Firewatcher. Additionally, I had a reaction to pistachios. OBVIOUSLY, I now avoid all pistachios. I continue to enjoy every other nut. I have never herd that an allergic reaction to one thing improves other allergies- HUH? I think your GP needs to go to allergy school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj75 Posted December 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 thanks guys,im not sure how i can pursue this over here (uk) as we dont have allergists so to speak but i think i could be referred to a different specialist who can deal with it. The problem i think i have is that in order to see a specialist i have to be referred by the gp - who clearly doesnt think thats necessary. I know i can buy epipens online but would rather go the proper route and get proper medical advice.I do have private insurance although i know the referral procedure is the same, i think i will ring them for their advice though.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj75 Posted December 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 Well i have spoken to my insurance helpline and to allergy uk who have both also said i should carry a pen. Allergy uk said i should attend an allergy clinic (which are apparently few and far between in the uk). They also said that gps in the uk are reluctant to prescribe the pens due to the cost!! if it came to it im happy to pay for one but am sure it must cost the nhs more to treat those who have had an allergic reaction when they have not had a pen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah4444 Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 I think that on the Canadian Mastocytosis Society there is a link to or information about the UK masto site. It was through the Canadian site that I located a doctor who is familiar with mast cell disorders and who prescribed and epi pen for me (he's a dermatologist). I have no history of allergies but seem to have developed the kind of anaphylaxis that goes along with MCAD. It happens in conjunction with my POTS (they may be the same thing, or one may cause the other - I can't figure this out). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj75 Posted December 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2010 i now have an appointment with an immunologist for the 21st. In the meantime ive got clarityn and benadryl should i need it.Has anyone got any idea what i should expect from the appointment??Ive been told not to take the clarityn for 48 before the appointment and if i can get hold of any of the chestnuts to take them with me!!! this has me quite worried, i hope they are not going to make me eat one while im there????Has anyone had the skin tests? how safe are they?? can they trigger anaphylaxis? what other tests should i expect? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted December 7, 2010 Report Share Posted December 7, 2010 i now have an appointment with an immunologist for the 21st. In the meantime ive got clarityn and benadryl should i need it.Has anyone got any idea what i should expect from the appointment??Ive been told not to take the clarityn for 48 before the appointment and if i can get hold of any of the chestnuts to take them with me!!! this has me quite worried, i hope they are not going to make me eat one while im there????Has anyone had the skin tests? how safe are they?? can they trigger anaphylaxis? what other tests should i expect?First, they'll take a medical history and just check you out. If they do a skin test, it is no big deal: they will put some of the allergen on a plastic, comb-like applicator and press it firmly into your back or arm. If you wheal up then it is a positive. They are very tightly controlled and you can call for help at any time. My son is highly allergic and done fine with every test. I have as well. They will probably slather you with antihistamine cream and give you an oral antihistamine before you leave the office. It would be highly unusual to do an in-office oral challenge on your first appointment, but they are even more tightly controlled. Try to relax and get all your medical records in order. The Immunologist probably won't think they pertain to this, and they may not. Mine got a deer-in-the-headlights look when I initially mentioned mastocytosis or MCAD, but he was ready for me on my second appointment and ran the proper tests.Keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj75 Posted December 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2010 Thankyou, thats very reassuring. I think if they ask me to eat the chestnut i would be inclined to refuse as the outpatient clinic im going to for the appointment is just a small private one without an a and e or itu.I was wondering if they may need the chestnut to use it for the skin prick test? or to combine with a blood sample??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted December 7, 2010 Report Share Posted December 7, 2010 Thankyou, thats very reassuring. I think if they ask me to eat the chestnut i would be inclined to refuse as the outpatient clinic im going to for the appointment is just a small private one without an a and e or itu.I was wondering if they may need the chestnut to use it for the skin prick test? or to combine with a blood sample???They probably need it for the testing. Many nut panels are multi-nut and not just one specific nut. I'd be very surprised if any responsible allergist would make you eat a possible allergen on the first appointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj75 Posted December 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2010 hopefully thats what it is then.im just trying to make a little list of things i need to mention. Chances are he has never heard of pots though and im not sure i know enough about the link between pots and mcad. Will just have to hope hes open minded and willing to learn.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.