Allergy blood test~~Food Allergy Test

[SilverLining]

Food Challenge booked for August. They provide the sample, I provide bread or crackers that I know to be safe, to spread it on.

Got through the call and felt immense relief. Followed by feeling sick. Nervous stomach sick.

I opted to do sesame challenge first because passing it will make the biggest improvement in my life.

[GoingNuts]

Ooooh SL - I have high hopes that all goes well and you get a PASS!

[SilverLining]

Nurse sent me an email today.

They will supply chocolate tahini. I need to bring safe-for-me bread or crackers to spread it on.

Instructions say to have a light breakfast, even if I don't normally eat one. Wear loose clothing, as nurse will check for possible signs of reaction.

Bring a change of clothes in case of vomiting.

Also says she will try to call me next week in case I have questions. I replied, asking if we can book peanut challenge for near end of August, rather than waiting until after first challenge which will mean October-November. I need this anxiety to end.

I already checked how much room I would have. Three hours is two much to read or play on my phone. I'm bringing a stocking to work on.

[SilverLining]

Both challenges are booked in August.

[PurpleCat]

SL passing those would be life changing for sure!

Very exciting (and yes, nerve wracking too!)

Fingers and toes will be crossed for you!

[SilverLining]

Had a call from the allergist's nurse today. I really like her, she's easy to talk to. She does all the testing and most of the communication with patients.

One of the things I really like, is when I spoke with her about being so anxious about the tests, she did NOT say, don't worry, you won't react, or don't worry, you won't have an anaphylactic reaction. Instead, she said I would be in the best possible place in case I do have a reaction.

[PurpleCat]

    Truth in her words! 

[SilverLining]

I got another call from the nurse today. Apparently the doctor wants me doing the peanut challenge first. She doesn't know why.

My only guess is, since my reactions to sesame have been worse, he wants to start with the lesser evil first?

[GoingNuts]

Sounds like a reasonable assumption.

[spacecanada]

Sending big hugs, SL. Food challenges are scary, for sure! You are going to eat something you have been told to avoid for so long because it could be life threatening. Anxiety is to be expected! I am happy your allergist office is treating you well, that makes a HUGE difference.

I have done many food challenges. Bringing a good distraction helps. I wear comfy clothes, bring my teddy bear, a movie, a book, some music, a water bottle, and a toothbrush and toothpaste for when it ends.

The last one I learnt after vomiting so I didn't feel so gross when going home.

I also bring a safe treat for after. A little reward for making it through.

I hope your challenges are a pass! If not, know that you learnt a lot. I find it comforting in the long run to have very clear answers.

Hugs again! Keep us updated.

[SilverLining]

I plan to bring my iPad and a charger. (They have free wifi and I'll have a place to plug in if needed.) That has my book, my music, and a few apps to watch shows/movies. I'm also bringing a cross stitch project that is near completed. I just need to do outline, so just a few colours, and less concentration required. Also water for me, and crackers for the test.

They did recommend a change of clothes in case of vomiting. Tooth brush and tooth paste sounds like a good addition.

I plan to wear one of my skirts and an oversized t-shirt. Since some reactions have previous started on the back of my legs, I want it to be easy to show without stripping. Also, I just find shorts to restrictive and sweaty.

Nurse also suggested a sweater or something as many people find the AC to cold. I'm unlikely to feel cold, but will pack something just in case.

[SilverLining]

Update.

I did the peanut challenge first. Nurse took me into a room. Took BP (extremely high) and pulse ox (98). Looked in my mouth, and checked skin for any marks. Then brought me first bit of pb on a cracker. After second serving, I felt like my leg was itching, but tried to not scratch it as that would make it look worse. When the nurse came back I told her and we both agreed, it was just dry skin. Test continued with no further issues. An hour after last serving, the doctor came in. He said I was NOT to eat any peanut or even May contains for 24 hours. Any rash or hives, I was to take a picture for him.

Before eating each serving she check my pulse ox. It was always 96 or higher. BP was only taken at the beginning and end. Both times it was very high at the beginning, and higher at the end. lol

Almost a month later I did the sesame challenge. Since my reactions to sesame were much worse, I guess I was a lot more anxious. They provided a chocolate tahini for the test. After the first serving I suddenly felt my mouth itching and the back of my tongue swelling. I took a few drinks of cold water, closed my eyes and did some deep breathing. The fact that I could take a deep breath was encouraging. I started watching a show on my phone (forgot my iPad) and started sewing. After a few minutes I realized the "reaction" had stopped. When the nurse returned with the next serving I told her, and that I thought it was just anxiety. She agreed, and we continued with the test. No more issues in the office. However, about 7 hours after getting home, one arm was itching, and maybe a bit rashy. Since it wasn't spreading, I waited. It went away, before I went to bed. More anxiety.

~~~~

I'm posting about this because anyone suddenly eating something that previously was deadly to them, is going to be anxious. You know your own body better than anyone else, so if you think it's anxiety and the medical professional also things it's anxiety, consider continuing the test.