Living with multiple allergiesFinding answers...

By Ruth Holroydhttp://www.whatallergy.com

Houses of Parliament, Allergy Group, 16th Oct 2013

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?

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!

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?

So what happens?

Not just peanuts...

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

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’...

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

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

Be positive - communicate

• A5 double sided• Detailed list of

allergens• Cross

contamination• List what I can eat• Build a rapport

Typical lunch on the go...

Holidays with allergies

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

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

Thank you!

• To finish, a poem

• Any questions?

Ruth Holroydwww.whatallergy.com ruth@whatallergy.com

Twitter: @whatallergyFacebook.com/whatallergy