So, I am sure your first thought is why in the world I have posted a picture of my lunch. Well, I mean it is the internet and people post pictures of their food right? But the reason for this one is that is actually represents a little bit or normal, in my weird health situation.
You see, I have something called Mast Cell Activation Disorder/Histamine Intolerance. Basically my body creates too much or reacts badly to histamine. Its kind of like my system thinks its allergic and on high alert all the time. It causes itching, rashes, flushing, body aches, coughing, skin sensitivity, strong reactions to pollen and insect bites, as well as migraines, IBS, chronic fatigue. In severe cases it can cause anaphylactic episodes. It can also affect teeth and gums, in my case causing excess production of plaque and making my teeth brittle. (I also have fibromyalgia, but I will cover that in a different post) There are various treatments which can include high doses of antihistamine, cough medicines, singular, flonase, pecide and various vitamins/supplements. There are also other prescription treatments that right now I do not need.
In addition, food is something you have to watch carefully. Foods can either contain histamine, be histamine liberators, histamine stabilizers or neutral. Thankfully there are lists you can use to help figure out what are things to stay away from completely, what may be a problem, and what are considered generally safe. But, even with those lists you still have to figure out things that you may or may not react too. And sometimes my gut doesnt care if it is a safe food or not.
To be honest, the food aspect has been one of the most overwhelming parts of this condition. Giving up things like dairy, gluten, tomatoes, soy, seafood, strawberries, high fructose corn syrup, just to name a few. And, leftovers need to be eaten within a day or so or they can cause reactions. We eat mostly organic, meats that are grass fed if at all possible, and no nitrates/nitrites added.
I have worked hard to find things I can eat that are tasty and appetizing to look at, and similar to what others eat. Thankfully, through much trial and error I have found brands of foods, recipes I can make, and have learned to cook things that I can eat that don't cause reactions. And we have even found some restaurants where there are things I can order safely.
All of the above said, to say this. That picture of my sandwich is a picture of a small victory. A lunch that I used to take for granted, and now am so grateful that I can eat. A small victory that is actually a pretty big deal for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment