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Living with multiple allergies Finding answers...

Living with multiple allergies Finding answers. Houses of Parliament, Allergy Group, 16 th Oct 2013. By Ruth Holroyd http://www.whatallergy.com. Why are we here today?. A bit about me Being on the allergic march... Allergic reactions and reality of avoidance A snapshot of daily life of...

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Living with multiple allergies Finding answers...

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  1. Living with multiple allergiesFinding answers... Houses of Parliament, Allergy Group, 16th Oct 2013 By Ruth Holroyd http://www.whatallergy.com

  2. Why are we here today? • A bit about me • Being on the allergic march... • Allergic reactions and reality of avoidance • A snapshot of daily life of... • Eating out, holidays etc. • My greatest bugbears • Counting blessings – the good • What can we all do?

  3. A bit about me today • Freelance marketing support and copywriter • Blog www.whatallergy.com • Allergy Support Group and event support • Judging freefrom food awards and skincare awards • AllergyWise course • Weekly flood of requests for advice and help • AND I’M NOT A DOCTOR!

  4. Being on the allergic march......a brief history • Born 1973 – chronic eczema, atopic child, hay fever, allergy to cats, dogs, horses, dust etc. causing asthma • 10’s - Peanut and egg allergy – “don’t eat them!” • 20’s – ongoing eczema, cutting out food – success! Can eat egg • 30’s - Anaphylaxis to nuts, all dairy; celery, tomatoes – chronic eczema • 40’s – Prurigo, Allergic to soya (asthma), Kidney beans • Wheat intolerance • Egg intolerance • Broad beans, xanthan gum, any processed foods... • What’s next?

  5. So what happens?

  6. Not just peanuts...

  7. A snapshot of daily life... • Adult services – postcode lottery • Tests, advice, Dietician:- discharged • No food on prescription (like Coeliacs) • Shopping – just fresh food – no ready meals • Prepare and cook every meal • Eating out a military operation • Lots of picnics • Managing dinner invitations • No holiday from allergies – another military operation • 2 years with no anaphylaxis • Monthly minor episodes

  8. My greatest bug bears • No holiday from allergies • Lack of knowledge and understanding • People who don’t listen • It’s all in your head • Have you tried this cure and that cure? • No stupid questions – If you don’t know – ask! • People thinking you’re being fussy • It’s not all about ‘gluten free and peanuts’...

  9. Shopping • Checking labels – new law • Fresh produce • Limited Freefrom foods a treat • Online – 3-4 places • 2-3 supermarkets to get what I need • Buy little and often, cook simple meals

  10. Eating out with allergies • Research venues • Pre-book by email and phone • Check again – chef - menu • Arrive early • When arrive – alert staff of allergens • When ordering – laminated card • Reiterate allergies • Remain alert – eat with your eyes! • Conversation over meal about allergies • Alert for any symptoms; tingly itchy lips, asthma

  11. Be positive - communicate • A5 double sided • Detailed list of allergens • Cross contamination • List what I can eat • Build a rapport

  12. Typical lunch on the go...

  13. Holidays with allergies

  14. Blessing in disguise • See the positives • Learning every day • I CAN eat EVERYTHING ELSE! • Healthier – no processed foods • Learnt about food, what’s real and what’s not • Discovered cooking and baking • Confidence to demand better • Blogging, business • Meeting new people • Helping others • Learning to love myself – even with my dirty little secret

  15. What can we all do? • Talk about it • Raise awareness • Help NASG, Anaphylaxis Campaign and AllergyUK spread the word • Improve our own understanding • EVERYONE should know how to administer epinephrine injection • Help others • Networking and forums • Build confidence – don’t be ashamed

  16. Thank you! • To finish, a poem • Any questions? Ruth Holroyd www.whatallergy.com ruth@whatallergy.com Twitter: @whatallergy Facebook.com/whatallergy

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