Tips for new allergy sufferers?

[mosesfrank]

Hi all,

I've been having problems lately while eating out, so I went to an allergist specialist, and low and behold, it turns out I have food allergies. And the odd thing is, is that some of the foods I did eat from time to time in the past, and they've only now surfaced as allergies. It turns out this is not uncommon, which kind of sucks. So now I'm here, and was wondering if you guys could give me some tips.

What should I watch out for? Especially with eating out or traveling?
Do waiters usually know what's in the food they serve? Do you ever worry about if they are telling the truth?
What do you find most annoying about your food allergy?
What is the most difficult/cumbersome part of your allergy-prevention routine?

[rebekahc]

I think the answers to your questions really depend on what you're allergic to.  What have you had reactions to? 

[PurpleCat]

It also depends on where you live.  Here our restaurant staff have very good training that is required, however, when we travel to other states it can be different.