Updated Test Results - December 2016

Test Results (December 2016)
Trends from June to December (2016)

I have been diligent with my diet over the last 6 months - with only a few incidences of "unplanned" dairy or cross contact - causing either minor itchiness or upset stomach.  No further tick bites to date ... thanks to cooler weather, Deep Woods Off spray and insect repellent clothing.  My diligence is paying off in lower allergy testing values across all categories.

I am glad to see that my test results are trending in the right direction, and I am very pleased with my new results for Alpha Gal.  With a starting point of 77.5 - I never thought it would be down to single digits!

According to my allergy doctor at Duke - I get to start food testing dairy - starting with skim milk - 1 Tablespoon, then working my way up to greater quantities ... then onto 1% milk.  I see low fat cheese on the horizon - which would be awesome!  I will post results from my dairy trials in future blog posts ... stay tuned!

Back to testing results
(and enough of my dreams about cheese) ....

Interesting correlation between Alpha Gal Testing Results and results for other tests separately for IgE, Beef, Pork and Milk.


Allergy Blood Test         June 2016               December 2016

Alpha Gal                                   77.5                                8.15
(negative is <0.35)

IgE                                               317                                 113
(standard range 4-269)

Beef                                            15.3                                6.08
(negative is <0.35)
(equivocal is 0.35-0.70)

Pork                                             8.18                                3.00
(negative is <0.35)
(equivocal is 0.35-0.70)

Milk                                              3.01                                1.38
(negative is <0.35)
(equivocal is 0.35-0.70)

Answers to all my Crazy Questions .....

I have been accumulating questions for my next allergy doctor's visit (which was today).

As you can imagine - people ask me crazy questions and give weird and unfounded suggestions about this allergy.  If you are an Alpha Gal Allergy sufferer, you may be asked some of the same questions by friends, coworkers and relatives.

So here's the list - along with answers received today ....


Q -Any active cure or research for a cure?
A - No .... other than limiting exposure to the allergen and avoiding future tick bites .... which will caused your alpha gal "numbers" to come down over time.

Q - What about therapies like Plasma Exchange or Immunoglobulin Therapy?
A - These would not work on Alpha Gal Allergy

Q - Could a Fat Blocker (Orlistat or Alli) be used as a means to reduce fat absorption, therefore reduce absorption of Alpha Gal ...taken before or after a meal?
A- No, this would not work since the pill would separate the saccaride from the fatty acid.  The fatty acid absorption is blocked, but the saccaride component is not.

Q - Should I be concerned about developing other auto-immune diseases - Am I predisposed for MS, Lupus, etc?
A - No

Q - Am I able to take the Flu Shot?
A - Yes (no gelatin component)

Q - Am I able to take the Shingles Vaccine?
A - Not recommended for me since it does include gelatin (beef by-product) and since my Alpha Gal numbers were so high originally (77.5).

Note:  Other vaccines containing gelatin:  DTAP (pediatric), Measles (pediatric) and Yellow Fever

Q - Ridiculous Question:  Am I not able to eat whale, porpoise and bat (which are all mammals)?
A - No.  Alpha Gal is found in all lower primate and all non-primate mammals - so the only general classifications of mammals that do not have Alpha Gal are:  Man, Gorilla and Orangatang.  That means that less intelligent monkeys are off the food list ... like I really want them, right?  I have come to grips that I will not be able to travel the world with Indiana Jones!

Holiday Sugar Cookie Recipe - Alpha Gal Friendly

Sugar Cookie Recipe - Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients:

3 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (note:  Do not compact the flour)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick of vegan butter substitute - I like and tolerate Country Crock (although it does contain Whey)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (at room temperature)
1 Tablespoon Unsweetened, Vanilla Almond Milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Recipe:

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.

Combine Flour, Baking Powder and Salt in a bowl

Separately in a Larger Bowl, Cream Butter Substitute, Sugar, Egg, Almond Milk and Vanilla

Add Dry Ingredients into Larger Bowl in thirds - mixing well each time.

Kneed into a ball - cut in half and wrap in parchment - cool in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes

Roll out and use cookie cutters.  Place on non-stick cookie sheets.

Bake (375 degrees) for 9-11 minutes.

Decorate with Icing.

Australia - Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA)

Interesting Video from Australia - Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) ... 
Also known as Alpha Gal Allergy in the United States

See Video:  http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4570488.htm

The parts I found interesting:

(1)  Allergy sufferers may have had low grade MMA for a while before the severe allergy started.  This low-grade MMA may have previously been chalked up to occasional intestinal distress.

(2)  The allergy may not be just to the Alpha Gal saccharide (that comes from the mammal), but a combination of the Alpha Gal from the mammal bitten by the tick before you and a binding protein from the tick itself.  The combination of both the saccharide and the protein (as a bound agent) may cause the severe onset of auto-immune response in some humans.

(3)  After onset of severe MMA (or Alpha Gal Allergy), a future tick or chigger bite (producing just the tick protein) can cause an immediate and severe allergic reaction - causing anaphylactic shock without the typical delay of reaction from MMA or Alpha Gal Allergy.   Basically, you are now allergic to both the Alpha Gal saccharide (with delayed reaction) AND you are allergic to the tick protein with an immediate reaction.

(4)  The method of removing ticks can be crucial for avoiding immediate and severe tick bite reactions.  Adult Ticks should be frozen off (using a product like wart freezing agents), then removed.  Nymph Ticks should be treated and killed with a permethrin cream (used for lice and scabies), then scraped off.  The key is that ticks should never be squeezed by fingers or tweezers in the removal process.

Thanksgiving Treat

OMG! - just did a pre-Thanksgiving Taste Test ....

From Whole Foods ...

Hail Merry (brand) Sweet Potato Tarts - 6 pack
(Gluten and Dairy Free)
Found in the refrigeration aisle near canned biscuits

Topped with So Delicious CocoWhip
(Dairy Free)
Found in the freezer area near other "Cool Whips"

To die for ... a little hint of salt and nuts.  One word ... "Yum!"

PS - Hail Merry had other small dessert options .... and I can't wait to try them!

French Toast - Alpha Gal Style

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

(Gluten Free / Dairy Free)

Ingredients:

4 slices - Udi's Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Gluten and Dairy Free)

2 Large Eggs

1 Tablespoon - Sugar

1/4 Cup - Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1 Tablespoon Dairy Free Margarine (I use Earth Balance)

Directions:

Beat Eggs, Almond Milk and Sugar

Soak Bread for 15-30 seconds in Egg / Milk / Sugar mixture

Melt Margarine in Frying Pan at Medium to Medium/High until sizzling (but not burning)

Fry Bread Slices (both sides) until golden brown

Serve with syrup, powdered sugar or other favorite toppings like fruit compote and dairy free coconut-based whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Football Season - Time for some Chili !!!

Quick / Easy (and Alpha Gal Friendly) Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2-3 Pounds of (raw) Meat - Chicken Breasts or Ground Turkey
• Chili Seasoning Kit - I like Carroll Shelby's Original Texas Brand
• 2, 15 oz cans of stewed tomatoes - chopped up or shredded with your hands
• 2, 8 oz cans of tomato sauce (plain - no flavorings)
• 2, 8 oz cans of water (using the tomato sauce cans)
• 1, 15 oz can of Light Red Kidney Beans - drained
• 1, 15 oz can of Dark Red Kidney Beans - drained

Brown the meat and drain fat.

Here's an idea to make your chili more flavorful .... grill chicken breasts on a charcoal grill - do not cook to "well done" since it will be cooking longer in the chili pot.  Chop or shred the chicken to sizes that will work well with spoons, and add to your stock pot.  

Note:  I have a separate grill that I use for my allergies.  See previous blog on grill related cross contact causing an Alpha Gal Allergy reaction.

Add Chili Mix ingredients except for the "Masa" (Flour)

For the Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit - I typically use about half the salt packet, and about 2/3's the packet of cayenne pepper.  Suit yourself on taste.  I definitely use the entire (large) packet of the Chili Seasoning.

Add:  Chopped/Shredded Stewed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce and Water

Cook on low (or medium low) for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally

Add Light and Dark Kidney Beans, lower temp to simmer.  Simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the kidney bean casing becomes firm but not popped open.

Add about 1 tablespoon of flour ("Masa") - simmer for another 5 minutes.

Top off with tortilla chips (gluten free) or Saltine Crackers.

Sorry - no cheese or sour cream toppings!  I know, this is hard to give up.

Alpha Gal Friendly - Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• * Optional:  1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/4 teaspoon dried)
• * Optional:  3 Tbs fresh parsley
• 3-4 Tbs - Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2.5 - 3 pounds ground turkey breast
• * 1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup ketchup

*  You can use seasoned breadcrumbs instead

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium saute pan, over medium-low heat, cook the onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional thyme until translucent. 

Add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, tomato paste (and optional fresh parsley) .... and mix well. Set aside and allow to cool.

Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, and onion mixture in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into a loaf on an ungreased sheet pan. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. 

Bake for 1 hour until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. and the meatloaf is cooked through. Allow to rest before slicing.

Hint:  A pan of hot water in the oven under the meatloaf will keep the the meatloaf moist 

Allergy Message in English and Spanish for Restaurants

I recently had another allergic reaction due to butter being in a sauce that was not mentioned on a menu.  I was at a business dinner and didn't want to make a big deal about my allergies, so I rolled the dice on a Salmon entree with a lemon white wine sauce.  Big mistake.  I am done playing Russian Roulette at restaurants.

This morning, I created a 2-sided business card on VistaPrint - English on one side, Spanish on the other side.  From now on - I am going to give the waiter this card with every order.

Readers:  Please feel free to use the following to either print or create your own business cards.

Cross Contact - Food Allergies

Yesterday, my husband and I were traveling and I didn't have too many viable choices for a lunch spot.  We ended up going to Jersey Mike's so he could get a sandwich and I figured I could find something there to eat.  Most sub places have tuna fish salad which has become a regular staple in my diet this summer.

So I am watching the guy at the front of the line, slicing meat for each sandwich order.  He is also the order taker, and is wearing gloves.  All the meat off the slicer is being handled by his gloved hands.

I order the tuna salad "bowl" versus a sub.  Before I get a chance to ask him to change his gloves for me, he reaches into the lettuce to start the preparation of my Tuna Salad Bowl.  Immediately, I told him I only wanted the tuna salad - no veggies.  I am highly allergic, so I am not willing to risk the cross contact between things I can eat, and those that I cannot.

Here's some interesting information about how to avoid cross contact ...

https://www.foodallergy.org/cross-contact

News Links - Alpha Gal Allergy

Recent:

NPR News - 6/25/18

TODAY News: 6/26/18



Older:

RadioLab Podcast Story & Interview

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/allergies/tick-bite-linked-rise-red-meat-allergies-why-now-n559346

CNN Article from 2012 - Alpha Gal Allergy

Interview - UVA Research

Wall Street Journal Article

Preventing The Next Tick Bite

As most allergists and scientists will tell you, your Alpha Gal testing numbers will come down over time .... provided you don't get another tick bite.

I'm an outdoor person, so naturally I said I couldn't make any promises on avoiding another tick bite.  I live in the woods, have an outdoor dog, have 2 horses that are in pastures previously occupied by cattle, and live in North Carolina where ticks are prevalent.

My allergy physician team (at Duke) suggested that I check into Permethrin Clothing that is used by forest rangers.  So far, I have purchased a polo shirt, socks and a hat.  The chemical treatment on the clothing lasts for about 70 washings.   The clothing has a distinct chemical odor, but I can live with it.

Here's a couple of resources

http://www.insectshield.com/

https://www.rei.com/s/permethrin-insect-repellent-and-clothing?ir=collection%3Apermethrin-insect-repellent-and-clothing&page=1

Salmon Cakes / Salmon Burgers

Quick and Easy Recipe for either Salmon Cakes or Salmon Burgers

Ingredients:

Canned Salmon - 2 cans (7.5 ounce each) - I use Royal Red brand

2 Eggs

1/2 Green Pepper - chopped

1/2 Red Pepper - chopped

1/2 sleeve - Saltine Crackers (or other Gluten Free crackers) - crushed

Salt & Pepper

Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees - place foil-lined pan in oven to also preheat.

Mix together in a bowl (hands work best):  Salmon, Eggs, Chopped Green and Red Peppers, Crushed Crackers, and Salt & Pepper to taste.

Pat out salmon patties or burgers - no more than 3/4" thick.

In a non-stick pan, add 1 Tbs of Olive Oil - brown salmon patties on both sides.  After browning, place in pre-heated pan, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes to ensure thorough cooking of egg ingredient.

Serve on buns or with a salad.
Suggested sauces or drizzles:  Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hot Sauce or Mayonnaise-based Dill Dip (no dairy).

Shrimp / Chicken / Anduille Gumbo Recipe - Red Meat Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
I package Chicken / Turkey Anduille Sausage (chopped) - no pork casing
4-6 boneless chicken thighs
1 pound raw, peeled and de-veined shrimp
Cajun Seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning) 
6 Tablespoons gluten-free flour
1 green bell pepper, chopped 
2 small celery stalks, chopped 
1 small onion, chopped 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 35 oz can of Stewed / Can Tomatoes (I use Cento Italian Style)
32 oz low-sodium chicken broth 
2 bay leaves 
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hot) 
Optional:  Sprinkle of Filing Powder (Cajun Seasoning: Sassafras)
Cooked White Rice

Directions:
Heat 1 Tbs oil in a 6+ quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped sausage then saute until browned. Transfer to a plate then set aside. 

Lightly season both sides of chicken thighs with Cajun Seasoning then place skin side down in dutch oven or pot. Sear on both sides until golden brown, 3-4 minutes a side (does not need to be cooked through,) then transfer to plate with sausage and set aside. 

Remove pot from heat for a few minutes to cool slightly then place back over medium heat. Add remaining 2 Tbs oil then sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly until mixture is the color of caramel, this is your roux.)  It gets quite gooey. 

Add bell pepper, celery, garlic and onion then saute until vegetables are slightly tender - do not overcook - scraping the bottom of the pot to make sure roux doesn't burn. Add tomatoes - pulling them apart and crushing them with your hands as you add them.  Pour in the rest of the tomato sauce from the can.  Stir in chicken broth and continue to scrape the bottom of the pot.

Pull apart chicken into small pieces and add to the pot.  Also add back the chopped sausage.  Add 1 Tbs of Cajun Seasoning, 1/4 tsp paprika, 2 bay leaves and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hot).

Turn heat up to bring gumbo to a low boil, then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1-1/2 hours.

Add raw shrimp and turn up heat to Medium High for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink.  Optional:  Sprinkle with Filing Powder and stir in after the shrimp is cooked.  Remove Bay Leaves before serving.  Serve over or under cooked white rice 

Chocolate Cake!

Okay, I'm not a big sweets person, so I surprised myself that with all the food items I have to give up that Chocolate Cake is what I have been craving all week - not steak, not cheddar cheese, not any of the things that you would guess.

So - I decided I would figure out how to make a yellow cake with chocolate icing that contains No Gluten and No Dairy.  I was surprised how easy it was and what was available in your everyday grocery store.

Betty Crocker - Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix

• Make according to directions, but substitute a lactose free, gluten free butter substitute - I used Blue Bonnet Lactose Free (which comes in sticks).

Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Frosting (in a can) - gluten and dairy free (made with soy).

Simple.  Craving Satisfied.

Living Dairy Free - Nutrient Replacement

Essential nutrients found in dairy products that will need to be replaced in your Alpha-Gal Diet:  

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Riboflavin
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin B12
• Protein

Here are some non-dairy alternatives for obtaining these nutrients without taking supplements.

CALCIUM

• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Breakfast cereals
• Some fruit juices
• Leafy greens
• Legumes
• Tofu
• Some fish
• Almonds

VITAMIN D

• 15 minutes of sun exposure each day
• Eggs
• Fish
• Fortified cereals
• Cod liver
• Fortified almond and soy milks

RIBOFLAVIN - VITAMIN B2

• Fortified cereals
• Sweet potatoes
• Asparagus
• Spinach\
• Mushrooms
• Rasberries

PHOSPHORUS

• Eggs
• Poultry
• Fish
• Legumes
• Whole grain breads

VITAMIN B12

• Eggs
• Poultry
• Fish
• Fortified cereals
• Fermented foods, such as tempeh, and tofu.

PROTEIN

• Eggs
• Fish
• Poultry
• Edamame (fresh soy beans)
• Tofu
• Soy milk
• Legumes
• Quinoa
• Whole grain breads
• Nuts, such as almonds

Goofed up - Cross Contact

So, last night we were doing the pizza thing - ordering family style (cheese and pepperoni) and also ordered my "special" pizza - no gluten, no red meat, no cheese.  These are take and bake pizzas from Papa Murphy's.

Order of operations matters not only with math, but also with shared utensils.  I cooked everyone else's pizza first and sliced their pizza.  Then I cooked my pizza and didn't even think about the pizza cutter.  I cut my pizza and 6 hours later, woke up itchy .... and stayed itchy for the next 12 hours.  I have been trying to avoid antihistamines use as I am approaching my appointment at the Duke Allergy Center.  It's been a long day with little sleep.

New rule:  2 pizza cutters .... perhaps a whole new set of kitchen tools that are deemed "clean".

Where in the World is Alpha Gal?

Here's an interactive map for people who are self-reporting that they have the Alpha Gal Allergy.  I was amazed to see all the pin-dots knowing that these numbers are most likely just a drop in bucket for the number of actual cases.

I added my pin, and hope that others will too.  Here's the link:  Where in the World is Alpha Gal?

Day 11 - Blood Test Results Are In

I've always been driven to achieve good grades & high scores - I guess that is my "Alpha" personality.  In reality, the blood test for Alpha Gal is a Pass / Fail scenario.  While I was hoping to fail, I have been anticipating that my test results would be positive.  Since I adopted the Alpha Gal Allergy Diet, I have had no further allergic reactions - therefore the elimination method is just being verified by the blood test.

Today, I received my results, and the test result number is 77.5 which is a Class 5 (Very High Positive).    In-Range results (as a "Negative") would be a value less than 0.35.

In reality, any number over 0.34 is a disappointment and I would have liked for my number to be lower, yet it is also a relief to know for sure that I do have Alpha Gal Allergy.  I'd rather have a label on my condition and have a diet plan than to live through the daily terror of wondering if an unknown food item is going to kill me 6 hours later while I sleep.

Information from The Mayo Clinic's Website regarding Alpha Gal testing values are shown below.  I am not a medical professional, so I don't want to speculate as how severe an allergic reaction could be based on a number.  I've read other blogs & websites that indicate the testing values do not directly correlate to an individual's condition, list of foods that should be avoided (such as dairy), or severity of allergic reaction.  I have also read that the numbers may reduce over time provided there are no further tick bites.   This topic is certainly on my list of questions for my upcoming appointment at Duke.

Class	IgE (kU/L)	Comment
0	<0.10	Negative
0/1	0.10-0.34	Equivocal
1	0.35-0.69	Low Positive
2	0.70-3.4	Moderate Positive
3	3.5-17.4	High Positive
4	17.5-49.9	Very High Positive
5	50.0-99.9	Very High Positive

6          > or = 100    Very High Positive

Day 10 - Pizza? Really?

Here's a take out idea from Papa Murphy's Pizza .... Papa Murphy's is a "Take & Bake" pizzeria - they make it and then you take it home and bake it in your oven.  I called them earlier to make sure there was no dairy or red meat by-products in the Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce.

The good news - you can pick up this pizza for yourself, and also pick up a pizza for the rest of the family at the same time.  Easy mid-week meal.

https://www.papamurphys.com

Here's the pizza I had tonight - No Red Meat, No Cheese, No Dairy - and Gluten Free.  There are plenty of other veggie ingredients to choose from.  I added a little bit of vegan provolone cheese (dairy free) before I baked it.   Quite delicious!  It it encouraging to make some new combinations.  Also to mention, you bake it on the paper pizza tray it was prepared on, so little chance of cross contact with allergens.

• MEDIUM GLUTEN FREE CRUST

• 

  Olive Oil & Garlic
• 

  Chicken
• 

  Mushrooms
• 

  Tomatoes
• 

  Artichoke Hearts
• 

  Spinach

Day 9 - Back to work, and seeking out resources

It is the Tuesday after Memorial Weekend .... back to work!

Although not mentioned in my blog bio, my primary industry is Commercial Real Estate.  It just so happens that I currently head up Real Estate and Facilities for Veritas Collaborative, which is specialty hospital for patients with eating disorders.

As I am struggling with this diet, my shopping lists, menu ordering, etc - It occurs to me that I have some great resources at my disposal that I am friends with at the office - Chefs, Dietary Specialists, Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists.  Hmmm .... so I started off with our Director of Culinary Services.

Since we have many patients with food allergies that must be accommodated, I asked our Culinary Director if she had ever had to meal plan for a patient diagnosed with "Alpha Gal".  First of all, she laughed because I am known to be an "Alpha" personality within the office.  She had never heard the term "Alpha Gal", but when I described it, she immediately knew what I was talking about.  Her hairdresser has this allergy.

She followed up later today with a suggested card that can be printed at home and taken to restaurants to inform the chef of the allergy and how best to prepare your meal.  Please feel free to cut and paste this message into a printable format for your use at restaurants.

Printable message for restaurant use:

I am highly allergic to all red meats, dairy and byproducts.  I can eat:

-NO beef, pork, lamb, venison or bison

-NO dairy products—butter, milk or cheese

-NO food with ingredients that include the byproducts of red meat, red meat fat or dairy products—this includes gravy, sauces, marinades and the like

-NO food cooked using pots, pans, grills or utensils that were used to cook red meat, red meat byproducts or dairy products

If I eat any of these foods, I may suffer a fatal allergic reaction.  Thank you for preparing my food using these guidelines.

Day 8 - Asking for Help & Getting Settled In

After yesterday's outing to Whole Foods, I came to grips that I am not handing this well.  I have been experiencing a lot of anxiety every time I have been to the grocery store in the last week - even at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods where there are numerous options to choose from that suit the Alpha Gal Allergy Diet.

I spoke with my husband about it last night ... and told him that I needed some support.  I need a shopping buddy.  Someone who can make food decisions for the rest of the family, along with being there for me in case I start feeling "sketchy".  Also - I am scared to touch meat packaging for items being purchased for the rest of the family.

This is the new normal and I need to rely on my family for support and encouragement.

Day 8:  Challenge #1
(Glass Half Empty)
Our teenage girls are having a massive cookie bake-off this morning.  Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies - one of my favorites.  I haven't had even a bite.  It's just not worth having a reaction.  I opted for a piece of my dairy free chocolate bar instead.  It was good, but not the same.

Day 8:  Challenge #2
(Glass Half Full)
Decided to research all the long term health benefits for cutting red meat out of my diet.  There's no time like your 50's to start a new healthy lifestyle, right?

The Benefits of Cutting Red Meat Out of Your Diet

• Meat consumption raises your estrogen levels.
• Women who eat red meat have a greater risk of breast cancer.
• High red meat consumption increases your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Just the act of cooking red meat may increase your risk of cancer.
• Many women lose weight when they switch to fish.
• Meats are high in certain endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• People who eat more fish (and less meat) have lower rates of breast and prostate cancer.
• Red meat is associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
• Red meat increases uric acid and creatinine which increases risk of gout and kidney problems
• Meat can be contaminated with superbugs, which can trigger food-borne illness.

Day 7 - Compiling Food Lists

I am one week in .... and have had my blood drawn at Any Lab Test Now (see Prelude Blog).  Test Results should be in within 3-4 days.

So, what is the next step?    I really need to develop a better grocery list, so I headed off to Whole Foods for a sight seeing tour ... adding some new items to others I have already found.

Here's where I am so far:

Shopping List for Alpha Gal Allergy (that is also Gluten Free)

Meats
No Meats from Mammals 
No Beef, Pork, Lamb,Veal 
No Venison, Bison, Squirrel Rabbit
All meats can be prepared any way you like, just beware of cross contamination with beef/pork and no dairy can be included in your recipe - meaning NO butter, NO cream, No milk.  Olive Oil is your best bet for a cooking oil.
Chicken - any cut.
Chicken Sausages - read the labels carefully. Some use pork casings
Turkey - any cut, or ground turkey
Turkey Bacon - I preferred uncured, peppered from Trader Joe's
Emu
Ostrich
Alligator
Eggs - hard boiled, poached or scrambled
Fish - Fresh or Frozen -
(Tilapia, Salmon, Tuna, Mahi, Wahoo, Shrimp, Scallops, Lobster)
Tuna Fish Salad (mayo, celery, salt and pepper)

Dairy Substitutes
Look for labels that indicate "Vegan" and "Gluten Free"
Almond Milk - I prefer the vanilla flavored unsweetened
Rice Milk - which I have heard works well for baking
Vegan Cheese - not my favorite, but the provolone cheese melted is ok
Earth Balance Spread - Organic / Vegan
Coconut Milk
Ice Cream made with Coconut Milk

Veggies / Fruits / Salads / Dressings
Eat all you want - just no added cheese, no milk based dressings
Coleslaw with Mango Salsa (try the Island Salsa from Trader Joe's)
Mayonnaise is okay
Dipping Sauces /Dressings - avoid milk, cheese & whey ingredients

Snacks
White or Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips - I like the $2 Santitos
Salsa - all sorts
Trader Joe's Savory Thin Cracker (Gluten free)
Plain Potato Chips (no flavorings that contain whey)
Plantain Chips
Newman's Fig Bars (dairy & wheat free)
Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars - dairy, nut & soy free

Breakfast Foods
Cheerios (regular and frosted) with Almond Milk
Corn Flakes (regular and frosted) with Almond Milk
Rice Krispies
Chex Cereal - Corn or Rice
Gluten free Oatmeal
Grits
Gluten Free / Dairy Free Frozen Donuts

Day 6 - Reading Menus and Asking Questions

First, let me say this .... I've always been annoyed with people ordering in a restaurant that are asking too many questions about the food - how it is prepared, asking for items to be put "on the side", asking for substitutions, or even asking for something to be prepared especially for them (that really isn't on the menu).   My first thought was always, "Why didn't you just stay home and prepare your own damn food?"

Now, I have to be that person.  Argh.

So here I am - Day 6 .... Going to a festival where the food offerings come from a Food Truck Rodeo. As our family is figuring out how we are going to divide and conquer, my husband points out there is a vendor that is serving grilled shrimp on a stick.  (Hmmm, maybe I can eat?)  So I go over to this vendor, and they have been thoughtful enough to have a complete description of exactly how this shrimp skewer is prepared.  I look at the rest of their menu, and realize that there is nothing on their menu that could be a "cross contamination" issue for me.  Yay!

After the festival - we went out for dinner at our usual pub.  This outing was not so easy.  Their specialties are burgers and mac & cheese.  I opted for the spicy shrimp tacos - with a Sriracha sauce and cabbage.  I scrape everything out of the tortilla and ate it like a salad since I am also avoiding gluten.  As I am finishing up and scraping the plate clean, it all of sudden occurs to me that the sauce is creamy.  Oh no!  Did I just ingest dairy?  Not wanting a surprise attack of hives in the middle of the night .... I had to ask the waiter how that sauce was prepared.  He asked the chef and said it was prepared with oils, not dairy.  Whew!

Yep, I just became that annoying person.

I guess I am going to have to get comfortable with asking more questions and even asking for something to prepared "special".  It sure beats having an allergic reaction.

Day 5 - Mixed Grill - Beware!

In an effort for keeping the diets normalized for others in our household, we decided to grill out .... steaks on one side of the grill, and my salmon burger on the other side.  We even put a broiler rack on top of the grill so my food wouldn't touch.

Time of meal - 9pm.  6 hours later - woke up with itchiness all over.

My advice, get a 2nd grill dedicated to chicken, fish and veggies only.

Here are some suggestions to avoid cross contact with food based allergens from FoodAllergy.org:

• Use utensils, cutting boards and pans that have been thoroughly washed with soap and water. Consider using separate utensils and dishes for making and serving safe foods. Some families choose a different color to identify the safe kitchen tools. 
• If you are making several foods, cook the allergy-safe foods first. 
• Keep the safe foods covered and away from other foods that may splatter. 
• If you make a mistake, you can’t just remove an allergen from a meal. Even a small amount of cross-contact makes a food unsafe. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything else if you have handled a food allergen. Soap and water or commercial wipes will remove a food allergen. Sanitizing gels or water alone will not remove an allergen. 
• Scrub down counters and tables with soap and water after making meals. 
• Do not share food, drinks or utensils. 

Day 4 - The Waiting Game

I am fairly sure I have an Alpha Gal Allergy from a tick bite that is making me react to red meat and dairy.  While I am waiting to get confirmation from a blood test, I've decided it is in my best interest (for staying alive) that I go ahead and just adopt the appropriate diet.

This diet is incredibly hard!  I love red meat.  I love steaks and pork bbq.   I love cheese.  I really love bacon.  Chocolate, Ice Cream and Butter - all off the list as well.  On top of the Alpha Gal symptoms ... I also have a sensitivity to gluten.

Shopping and eating out in the last 4 days has been a real joy .... NOT!

Decided to share my diet diary to help others as I have been carefully reading a lot of food labels this week.  Basically, for me, it is a Vegan Diet adding in chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.

Tonight's dinner was quite delightful - so I thought I would share:

Tilapia cooked stove top with Olive Oil and Penzey's Northwoods Spice

Trader Joe's mixed coleslaw (regular cabbage, red cabbage & shredded carrots)

Coleslaw Dressing - Trader Joe's Island Salsa

Feeling a bit more normal tonight now that I have abandoned the Cheerios.   One day at a time.

Prelude to Alpha Gal - Up to Day 3

21 Days Prior

For 3 weeks, I was experiencing some crazy food allergies - chronic hives and 2 incidences of anaphylaxis.  After incident #2, I made an appointment at the Duke Allergy Clinic - but could not get a new patient appointment for a month.  While waiting to see an allergist, I kept a food diary, trying to eliminate anything that I thought might be a trigger.

Environmental Incident:  After washing my dog, I found a very small tick attached to the back of my ear while taking a shower.  Never saw the tick, just felt it and pulled it - and down the drain it went.

Allergy Incident #1 - went out to dinner - Steak, Potato and Salad Bar.  Finished the meal around 7pm.  Woke up at 1am with hives all over my body, swelling lips and face, swollen throat.  Took Benedryl and soon after, I gave myself an EpiPen shot.  My initial thought was it was something on the salad bar.  I called the restaurant to get more information about a potential veggie wash.  Nothing obvious other than what I thought was marinated mushrooms actually was smoked oysters.   As I am completely miserable with the itchiness and swelling, I went to the computer and Google'd images for "hives". Scrolling through pretty awful "selfies", I found a picture of a man whose hives looked just like mine. I read his story about being bitten by a tick that caused him to have a life long, severe allergy to all red meat and dairy.  My thought - there is NO WAY I have this .... this sounds crazy and extremely rare!

Allergy Incident #2 - Had a lettuce wrap sub ... Italian meats and dressings.  Time of meal:  2pm.  At 7pm, I had the hives again.  Took some Benedryl and drifted off to sleep.  The next morning - still had hives but didn't have to use my EpiPen.  Now I am thinking it must be processed meats, possibly preservatives?  Sulfites?  Really hoping it is not sulfites .... which would eliminate wine!

Allergy Incident #3 - Had a Bratwurst in a bun with spicy mustard and cheddar cheese.  Time of meal:  8pm.  At 2am - woke up with hives.  These hives were crazy.  I woke up feeling itchy.  The moment I scratched, it was like "game on".  I had hives the size of salad plates.  My hives had hives.  I took some Benedryl and got it reasonably under control.  Now I am thinking .... for sure, it must be processed meats and preservatives.

Allergy Incident #4 (a real scare) - Had a steak dinner prepared at home with a twice baked potato.  Time of meal 8pm, then woke up at 1am with my finger just killing me.  My hands had swollen up - and could barely get my ring off.  My ears were so swollen and red they felt like they were about to pop off my head.  Face and lips were swollen and my throat was closing up.  Wheezing to catch my breath.  Of course, I used my Epi Pen and took a large dose of Benedryl.

The next morning - I start thinking about Allergy Incident #1.  I thought about the crazy story about the man who was bitten by a tick.  Oh crap, could this be it?

Days 1-3:  Reading Alpha Gal websites, wandering around in the grocery store reading labels .... realizing that I am now on a "Vegan Plus" diet ... Vegan plus chicken, turkey, eggs and fish.  I am scared to eat anything and arming myself with a new 2-pack of EpiPens.  I cried a lot - feeling completely overwhelmed, and realized that I could not wait until the following month to be tested.

There is a consumer driven, testing franchise that I found called Any Lab Test Now.  Here's the website:  https://www.anylabtestnow.com/

There were 2 locations near me.  I called them to see if they would run the test - and yes, they could (even though it was not on their standard list of lab tests).  The cost was $129.  You have to wait 7 days from your last use of Antihistamine (Benedryl or other).  The name of the test is Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha Gal) IgE 95241.  I believe that the number 95241 is the Quest Diagnostics number. The test blood had to be sent off to Quest Diagnostics in Georgia and will take several day to get the results emailed back.