I read this post, and identified with it so closely, I could have written it myself. I am a new, albeit reluctant, memeber of people with food alleries (nuts, in my case). Since I went into shock, which was indeed a very traumatic experience, I have had many panic attacks, which I never ever experienced prior to the incident. I haev always been stable and very rational But now I am experiencing panic attacks related to my allergies.
I am careful and rarely eat out. When I do, however, I interrogat the staff until they are ready to spit in my food! But I still worry...
I went to a beautiful restaurant on on the coast in la Jolla and ordered what normally would have been a scrumptious breakfast. But instead I spotted a sesame seed, (which is included in my banned foods that will kill me), in my potatoes. It wasn't meant to be there, but there is always a risk of cross contamination. I saw it, and froze, and panic ensued. I had no more breakfast, and left in a paniced state.
The panic is the oddest thing, and probably the hardest thing to deal with. I don't think others understand the panic. i am not sure i even understand it for that matter - I have the self-talks, the body symptom check, the deep breathing, and attempt to get a grip on the run-away worries and thoughts I am having. I think they are becoming less frequest the further I move away from the incident. and I am prepared. And I have been counceled by my big sister who has had food allergies since childhood.
So thanks for this post - I am happy to find that I am not over-reacting, or even if I am, that it is not such an uncommon thing. i guess it makes me feel a little les crazy!
Thanks again. And sorry for all the misspelled words. I am a fast, but highly inaccurate typist! I think you are on the right track regarding PTSD. However, I have not been able to find anything in my limited search relating a shock incident to the traumatic events usually associated with PTSD. But the logic makes sense to me - for what its worth.
Most articles I have run across suggest the meds cause the attacks etc. I really don't think that is the case. With the litany of drugs I am taking, and have been taking for years, for all my other allergies, I believe I would have had a panic attack before now. This is a cause and effect relationship I am certain.
I am willing to bet it is a pretty common occurrence.
I think you are right.When my son was 2 years old, he suffered an anaphylactic reaction after eating a cookie which we were assured was safe for a child with a peanut allergy. What added insult to injury was the fact that we were in a school setting, visiting a possible school for my older child, and were assured by the school nurse that "nothing serious" was happening. About an hour later, we were home and his symptoms were worsening. Finally, I was holding him in my arms as I injected him with the epi-pen and called 911. He had a full blown anaphylactic reaction. Now, at the start of the school year, every time I have to fill out a form about his allergy, symptoms, etc. it brings me back to that time and the horrible sense that I won't be there all the time to look after what he eats, to warn those around him, and/or to inject him if no one else seems to notice that something is really wrong. It would be very interesting, and I would be interested in participating in a study, regarding food allergies and ptsd. I am sure there is a link.
I had this happen to me, too. In February when eating at a resturant, I went into an allergic reaction. It resulted in a trip to the ER and several visits to doctors and tests. No problem with my throat was discovered, yet I remain panic-y when eating. It's like I can't swallow. I try to swallow and its like my throat stops, like the food will get caught. Once I force the food down, I'm ok. It's the act of swallowing that gets me and I panic. I can only take a couple of bites like this before I am totally unable to swallow anymore. I KNEW it was PTSD but none of my Dr's will believe me. I am allergic to wine and sulfites and some preservatives. I can't go into a sit down type resturant without feeling like I'm going to have a problem. I don't eat out much anymore but when I do, like when its inconvenient to go home to eat, I can only take a few bites before I feel like Im gonna pass out. Now I am trying to control my emotions since the Dr's can't seem to help me, as well as simply avoiding similar foods that gave me the first attack and not eating out, and eating all natural products at home. Thank you for writing your story. I feel better knowing that someone else had this happen.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I think the body has it's own intelligence, one that's mostly out-of-reach of the brain in our head. And that system reacts to perceived danger. The nervous system has learned from experience and starts to get, well, nervous! Your itchy throat set off alarm signals; your conscious mind worked to calm them down.
It's important to remember that the alarm was valid, even though the food turned out to be safe. Often those of us with multiple allergies are treated as psychiatric cases, which is demeaning. Be careful that your observations are not used later by people who want to discredit you.