Well things have been going well for me but have to admit that I have missed posting. My allergies are still really bothering me but I know that is something that I will have to life with for the rest of my life.
Tonight we went out for dinner to one of our favourite restaurants and had some problems with the sauces that they use. Of course they have changed the plum sauce that that meant having to check everything all over again.
At least checking made sure I was safe which made me feel good.
Well now I am off to do some crocheting as I have some lapghans that I want to get finished very quickly.
Bye for now.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Crazy life
Yes I am still around it's just life has been extremely busy the last couple of months. I have lots of stuff to write and now just need the time to write it all.
Food allergies continue to be a challenge.
Now off to get some much needed sleep and then hopefully in the next few days I can post some of what has been going on.
Food allergies continue to be a challenge.
Now off to get some much needed sleep and then hopefully in the next few days I can post some of what has been going on.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Frustrating month
I haven't posted in the last month as I have been dealing with a lot of emotional feelings.
April sure isn't a good month for anyone with food allergies who eats in restaurants. It seems that April is the change the menu and challenge the food allergic people. My two favourite restaurants have both had menu changes and I haven't been dealing with these changes too well.
One restaurant added crab cakes to their menu and fry them in the same oil as all of their other fried foods so it means that most of the items I was having at this restaurant are no longer available to me. I have written an e-mail to this restaurant's head office because I don't think they realize how one food addition can change what was a safe restaurant into somewhere that it's very difficult to eat.
The other resturant has changed the sauce of two of their foods and this change has meant that two of my favourite meals are no longer available to me. I found out that miso paste has cottonseed in it so that upset me a lot. I have also e-mailed this resturant's head office because of the menu change and because their fryer oil is 100% vegetable, not a known oil just a mystery oil.
I know that restaurants need to change their menus now and again but this last month has been very hard because of what some people would say were little changes have resulted in an emotional roller coaster for me.
Now to see what responses I get from these e-mails. I will post the results and hopefully they will be good.
April sure isn't a good month for anyone with food allergies who eats in restaurants. It seems that April is the change the menu and challenge the food allergic people. My two favourite restaurants have both had menu changes and I haven't been dealing with these changes too well.
One restaurant added crab cakes to their menu and fry them in the same oil as all of their other fried foods so it means that most of the items I was having at this restaurant are no longer available to me. I have written an e-mail to this restaurant's head office because I don't think they realize how one food addition can change what was a safe restaurant into somewhere that it's very difficult to eat.
The other resturant has changed the sauce of two of their foods and this change has meant that two of my favourite meals are no longer available to me. I found out that miso paste has cottonseed in it so that upset me a lot. I have also e-mailed this resturant's head office because of the menu change and because their fryer oil is 100% vegetable, not a known oil just a mystery oil.
I know that restaurants need to change their menus now and again but this last month has been very hard because of what some people would say were little changes have resulted in an emotional roller coaster for me.
Now to see what responses I get from these e-mails. I will post the results and hopefully they will be good.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Frustration then Happiness
Today was a mixture of frustration and then happiness. Dealing with restaurants can sometimes be very frustrating but other times it can help lead to a smile.
I am again going to explain a two restaurant evening that we had.
Restaurant 1
We went to a local pub which I have been eating ate for a while and normally have been able to eat without too much of a problem. The last time we were there I had a problem with the chicken wings but I was going to give the restaurant a second chance and I did tonight.
This is the last time we will be at this pub due to the server that we had and the response that we got from the kitchen. I ordered my wings and asked that the server let the kitchen know that I had a shellfish allergy. Normally that hasn't been a problem and they took precautions to ensure I could eat. Tonight the server came back and her response was "They can't guarantee that they would be safe". My choices were to figure out something else to eat or have nothing. After hearing a comment like that I wasn't going to eat because I felt that the kitchen staff was not going to watch and handle my food with care. Maybe they couldn't guarnatee that the wings were safe but the server never gave me any choices which was very frustrating. In most cases if I haven't been able to have some type of food most restaurants or pubs have been welling to suggest something else that I could have, tonight there was no willingness to help with alternatives.
I have now walked away from this pub for a long while, frustrated and may never know if it was the kitchen that couldn't deal with my shellfish allergy or if was just the server that couldn't deal with it. For now I cannot risk that establishment and will not go back until I know that real changes have been made.
Restaurant 2
After leaving the first restaurant and me not eating we headed off to a restaurant that shows that they really care and is able to deal with my various allergies and doesn't seem to have a problem with challenges.
We were seated with a server that we know and I was able to order my Fajitas without any problem and enjoyed my dinner. The manager was also there that knows us and I know that the kitchen is very careful to ensure that the possible exposure to my allergens is pretty limited. I know that there is no guarantee that I would not have an allergic reaction while eating out but at least it limits the possibility.
I never ask for a 100% guarantee that there will be no exposure to my allergens while my meal is being prepared but what I am asking is that some precautions are taken. My feeling is that with dealing with severe allergies there is no 100% guarantee to avoidance to my allergens, you just try and limit the exposure.
Yes my evening started out with a frustration but am happy that after changing restaurants I was able to smile and feel that I got at least some guarantee to limited exposure. Maybe it wasn't 100% but it was a lot better than 0% which was what I felt I would have got at the first pub.
I am again going to explain a two restaurant evening that we had.
Restaurant 1
We went to a local pub which I have been eating ate for a while and normally have been able to eat without too much of a problem. The last time we were there I had a problem with the chicken wings but I was going to give the restaurant a second chance and I did tonight.
This is the last time we will be at this pub due to the server that we had and the response that we got from the kitchen. I ordered my wings and asked that the server let the kitchen know that I had a shellfish allergy. Normally that hasn't been a problem and they took precautions to ensure I could eat. Tonight the server came back and her response was "They can't guarantee that they would be safe". My choices were to figure out something else to eat or have nothing. After hearing a comment like that I wasn't going to eat because I felt that the kitchen staff was not going to watch and handle my food with care. Maybe they couldn't guarnatee that the wings were safe but the server never gave me any choices which was very frustrating. In most cases if I haven't been able to have some type of food most restaurants or pubs have been welling to suggest something else that I could have, tonight there was no willingness to help with alternatives.
I have now walked away from this pub for a long while, frustrated and may never know if it was the kitchen that couldn't deal with my shellfish allergy or if was just the server that couldn't deal with it. For now I cannot risk that establishment and will not go back until I know that real changes have been made.
Restaurant 2
After leaving the first restaurant and me not eating we headed off to a restaurant that shows that they really care and is able to deal with my various allergies and doesn't seem to have a problem with challenges.
We were seated with a server that we know and I was able to order my Fajitas without any problem and enjoyed my dinner. The manager was also there that knows us and I know that the kitchen is very careful to ensure that the possible exposure to my allergens is pretty limited. I know that there is no guarantee that I would not have an allergic reaction while eating out but at least it limits the possibility.
I never ask for a 100% guarantee that there will be no exposure to my allergens while my meal is being prepared but what I am asking is that some precautions are taken. My feeling is that with dealing with severe allergies there is no 100% guarantee to avoidance to my allergens, you just try and limit the exposure.
Yes my evening started out with a frustration but am happy that after changing restaurants I was able to smile and feel that I got at least some guarantee to limited exposure. Maybe it wasn't 100% but it was a lot better than 0% which was what I felt I would have got at the first pub.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Ups and Downs
I was having a really good month so haven't been posted and maybe that is part of the problem.
Friday I didn't have a good day as I ended up have another severe allergy reaction. I am not 100% sure what it was from but I think it was due to clams being cooked at the show that I was at. I waked by an area and it didn't seem to bother me but I walked down the next aisle and ended up feeling really rotten.
This reaction hit me very fast and thank goodness my husband was with me and I took a benadryl and thought it was going to be ok. I walked a few more feet and ended up feeling worse. Thank goodness a security guard was near by and got me a chair. This ended up with first aid being called.
This is the first time that I have every had emergency aid but thank goodness that the reaction ended up being not too severe and after getting some rest I was feeling better. I did end up drinking a litre and a half in about an hour.
I have been pretty scare the rest of the weekend but thank goodness having my husband around has helped me deal with the fear. Now to see how things go over the next week.
Friday I didn't have a good day as I ended up have another severe allergy reaction. I am not 100% sure what it was from but I think it was due to clams being cooked at the show that I was at. I waked by an area and it didn't seem to bother me but I walked down the next aisle and ended up feeling really rotten.
This reaction hit me very fast and thank goodness my husband was with me and I took a benadryl and thought it was going to be ok. I walked a few more feet and ended up feeling worse. Thank goodness a security guard was near by and got me a chair. This ended up with first aid being called.
This is the first time that I have every had emergency aid but thank goodness that the reaction ended up being not too severe and after getting some rest I was feeling better. I did end up drinking a litre and a half in about an hour.
I have been pretty scare the rest of the weekend but thank goodness having my husband around has helped me deal with the fear. Now to see how things go over the next week.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Lessons I have learned
While dealing with my various food allergies I have learned quite a few lessons and I hope that I can help others deal with their food allergies a little easier. Here are some of the lessons that I have learned.
1. Never to afraid to ask what is in something because ingredients do change and something what was safe may not be safe any longer or something what wasn't safe may be safe now.
2. Read ingredients on items you are going to purchase each time for the same reason you always ask about ingredients.
3. If you think something is wrong with the food that you received never be afraid to push it aside and don't feel that you must eat it. This is one lesson that has been very hard for me to learn.
4. Know that in most cases people you are eating out with will understand if you cannot eat something. Business lunches are very stressful but you have to take the same precautions when dealing with servers and kitchen staff. People that can't deal with reasonable precautions really don't care and these are the people you limit your business lunches with.
5. Let others know that you have severe food allergies and teach them how to use the auto injector (epi-pen or twinjet). You never know when someone may have to help you or someone else with a severe allergy reaction.
6. Understand that you are not different than anyone else, we are all unique. Dealing with severe food allergies is difficult but everyone has their own challenges that they deal with.
These are just some of the lessons that I have learned and I hope these will help others. I will continue to write up the lessons that I learn so that I can help others.
1. Never to afraid to ask what is in something because ingredients do change and something what was safe may not be safe any longer or something what wasn't safe may be safe now.
2. Read ingredients on items you are going to purchase each time for the same reason you always ask about ingredients.
3. If you think something is wrong with the food that you received never be afraid to push it aside and don't feel that you must eat it. This is one lesson that has been very hard for me to learn.
4. Know that in most cases people you are eating out with will understand if you cannot eat something. Business lunches are very stressful but you have to take the same precautions when dealing with servers and kitchen staff. People that can't deal with reasonable precautions really don't care and these are the people you limit your business lunches with.
5. Let others know that you have severe food allergies and teach them how to use the auto injector (epi-pen or twinjet). You never know when someone may have to help you or someone else with a severe allergy reaction.
6. Understand that you are not different than anyone else, we are all unique. Dealing with severe food allergies is difficult but everyone has their own challenges that they deal with.
These are just some of the lessons that I have learned and I hope these will help others. I will continue to write up the lessons that I learn so that I can help others.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Quiet week
I haven't been posting this week as things have been very quiet for me. My allergies have been Ok and have really been watching what I have been eating.
We did go out for dinner a couple of times to restaurants that were very safe and we both enjoyed our dinners. It's nice going to someplace where I do feel safe and can relax some while having dinner. I know that I always have to be somewhat alert but knowing the restaurant understands how to deal with my allergies makes it a little easier.
Well now to see how next week is.
We did go out for dinner a couple of times to restaurants that were very safe and we both enjoyed our dinners. It's nice going to someplace where I do feel safe and can relax some while having dinner. I know that I always have to be somewhat alert but knowing the restaurant understands how to deal with my allergies makes it a little easier.
Well now to see how next week is.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
6th Sense????
How do I explain today (Saturday)?
After a very chaotic and stressful week for the both of us. Tonight we went out for dinner to our favourite restaurant as I knew it was somewhere that I could order and feel safe with the staff there. Tonight was a little different than normal for me and now to try and explain what happened. We sat in a booth which was fine but all of a sudden I started to shake which I don't remember doing before and I was very worried about it. I couldn't answer my hubby about what it was I was feeling, other than being really scared about that spot. My comment was if I got up I was going to leave the restaurant and I am not sure why because this is a restaurant I trust. To explain my title for this post, this was a very odd feeling that I have only had once before and had tonight at dinner and I felt that something was very wrong and that I just had to get out of there. There was nothing logical about it, just pure emotion driving me that I had to move from there. Maybe something very bad would have happened but after being moved I felt safer.
We did get moved and got a server that I really trust (thanks to my DH seeing this server and getting us moved). My hubby did keep looking back at that first seat to see if anything went wrong there (like a car smashing in). Once we were seated our server ask me for my piece of paper (see note) and once my order was placed I started to relax which was good because I was stressed and worried and couldn't explain why. Maybe I knew something that others didn't know. My meal arrived and wasn't up to standards but I got it fixed and had no allergic reactions. My only reaction was the feelings that I went through at the beginning of our dinner.
I really can't explain the feelings that I was going through at the beginning of my meal but maybe my 6th sense was telling me to seat in a section with a server that knew me and my allergies.
To my server tonight what can I say but THANK YOU SO MUCH!!for taking care of me, you helped me feel safe and figured out a meal that you knew would be safe.
What this experience showed me is when you don't feel good about something you have to listen to yourself (gut feel) and get it resolved. Tonight it meant I had to change where I was sitting and get a different server. Maybe another evening it would mean leaving a restaurant and doing something different. Having allergies which are life-threatening means that sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling like I did tonight.
I am so glad that I trust this restaurant I knew that tonight they would take care of me as I didn't have a lot of energy to take care of myself.
NOTE: The piece of paper that the server asked for was two sided. One side explains what my allergies are and examples where to find the ingredients. The other side is a couple of my favourtie foods and one of the items is my favourite at this restaurant with all of the modifications listed. A number of the servers like this piece of paper because it makes it easier to get my meal right.
After a very chaotic and stressful week for the both of us. Tonight we went out for dinner to our favourite restaurant as I knew it was somewhere that I could order and feel safe with the staff there. Tonight was a little different than normal for me and now to try and explain what happened. We sat in a booth which was fine but all of a sudden I started to shake which I don't remember doing before and I was very worried about it. I couldn't answer my hubby about what it was I was feeling, other than being really scared about that spot. My comment was if I got up I was going to leave the restaurant and I am not sure why because this is a restaurant I trust. To explain my title for this post, this was a very odd feeling that I have only had once before and had tonight at dinner and I felt that something was very wrong and that I just had to get out of there. There was nothing logical about it, just pure emotion driving me that I had to move from there. Maybe something very bad would have happened but after being moved I felt safer.
We did get moved and got a server that I really trust (thanks to my DH seeing this server and getting us moved). My hubby did keep looking back at that first seat to see if anything went wrong there (like a car smashing in). Once we were seated our server ask me for my piece of paper (see note) and once my order was placed I started to relax which was good because I was stressed and worried and couldn't explain why. Maybe I knew something that others didn't know. My meal arrived and wasn't up to standards but I got it fixed and had no allergic reactions. My only reaction was the feelings that I went through at the beginning of our dinner.
I really can't explain the feelings that I was going through at the beginning of my meal but maybe my 6th sense was telling me to seat in a section with a server that knew me and my allergies.
To my server tonight what can I say but THANK YOU SO MUCH!!for taking care of me, you helped me feel safe and figured out a meal that you knew would be safe.
What this experience showed me is when you don't feel good about something you have to listen to yourself (gut feel) and get it resolved. Tonight it meant I had to change where I was sitting and get a different server. Maybe another evening it would mean leaving a restaurant and doing something different. Having allergies which are life-threatening means that sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling like I did tonight.
I am so glad that I trust this restaurant I knew that tonight they would take care of me as I didn't have a lot of energy to take care of myself.
NOTE: The piece of paper that the server asked for was two sided. One side explains what my allergies are and examples where to find the ingredients. The other side is a couple of my favourtie foods and one of the items is my favourite at this restaurant with all of the modifications listed. A number of the servers like this piece of paper because it makes it easier to get my meal right.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
From Bad to Great
This post is going to be a longer post as I try and explain my experiences yesterday.
Of course my thoughts were I figured tonight was going to be a bit of an experience but not what I ended up dealing with.
Restaurant #1
Of course going in to a new restaurant I have to ask all the standard questions and of course the first one is "What oil do you fry your fried food in, is it canola, or soy, or what is it?"
I thought that would be an easy question but this time I got an answer that I never have heard before. Here is the answer from the chef "It's vegetarian oil", that sure doesn't answer the question because of course that left a lot of choices.
So here I was feeling pretty nervous so we ordered drinks and an appetizer and that was it. Our server was very understanding and knew why we were not going to order dinner there. A manager finally appeared and went to check the oil because we said we could not trust them now that they said vegetarian oil. The manager came back saying it was vegetable oil and the chef would prepare my food separately and use butter to cook my food. After getting the first answer on the oil I wasn't going to trust this restaurant to good my dinner for me considering they didn't seem to have any understanding about allergies.
We finished our drinks and appetizer and headed off to another restaurant and hopes that it would be better.
Restaurant #2
Of course started out again with my standard question "what oil" and immediately got an answer of "Soy oil". Now there's a restaurant that I trust because of how quickly a server can give me that answer.
I ordered my dinner and something that I thought would be OK but now the stories starts. Of course I ordered and the serve takes the order with all the precautions about cottonseed and shellfish allergies.
Our server returns and says that a manager will be coming over to see us because they have some concerns. Gee that didn't surprise me.
The manager comes over to understand my allergies and that I appreciate because with the cottonseed a lot of people don't know what it is or where to find it. Off she goes to talk to the kitchen to talk to the staff to ensure that my meal is going to be prepared in a safe manner.
Oh, oh, back comes the manager and the kitchen has a few concerns about what I ordered so no problem I change some of my order to make sure that it's going to be safe for me. Back to the kitchen she goes.
Now this is where I start to laugh and really trust the restaurant as the manager returns due to a couple more concerns about the changes to the order. So I changed my order totally from the originally one but that was fine because I was getting something I liked.
My order is finally placed and the kitchen is fully aware of my allergies and understands them. Working with a manager and the kitchen is something that I have learned to deal with and it doesn't bother me anymore when I see a manager.
Once my order has been punched in our server comes over and repeats the entire order with all the modifications to me to ensure that it was correct. Another good thing and made me happy.
Finally dinner arrives as it was served by the manager and she checks to ensure that everything is fine. I think some of the customers were trying to figure out what was going on because of all the attention our table was getting. My dinner was really good and I enjoyed it and wasn't worried about possible reactions.
After finishing dinner I decided to order a specialty coffee for dessert and it was to come with whipped cream on top. Instead of the whipped cream coming on top of my coffee, we got tocheck the ingredients on the whipped cream container before it was added. Another postivie mark for caring people.
What a wonderful feeling having a restaurant that cares and understands allergies and how to deal with them. Here was a restaurant that didn't know my allergy to cottonseed but were willing to figure it out and accommodate it.
What I can say is a "Job WELL DONE!!!!"
Our server (John) enjoyed seeing me make notes. To him "Yes, you were a good looking server." Maybe now I need to have a server competition.
So this was my one day or should I say my dinner experience. Being able to deal with good and bad service is something that I have learned now to deal with. Knowing when to not trust a restaurant is something that I am learning and I know that if I don't feel good about answers I don't eat there.
Of course my thoughts were I figured tonight was going to be a bit of an experience but not what I ended up dealing with.
Restaurant #1
Of course going in to a new restaurant I have to ask all the standard questions and of course the first one is "What oil do you fry your fried food in, is it canola, or soy, or what is it?"
I thought that would be an easy question but this time I got an answer that I never have heard before. Here is the answer from the chef "It's vegetarian oil", that sure doesn't answer the question because of course that left a lot of choices.
So here I was feeling pretty nervous so we ordered drinks and an appetizer and that was it. Our server was very understanding and knew why we were not going to order dinner there. A manager finally appeared and went to check the oil because we said we could not trust them now that they said vegetarian oil. The manager came back saying it was vegetable oil and the chef would prepare my food separately and use butter to cook my food. After getting the first answer on the oil I wasn't going to trust this restaurant to good my dinner for me considering they didn't seem to have any understanding about allergies.
We finished our drinks and appetizer and headed off to another restaurant and hopes that it would be better.
Restaurant #2
Of course started out again with my standard question "what oil" and immediately got an answer of "Soy oil". Now there's a restaurant that I trust because of how quickly a server can give me that answer.
I ordered my dinner and something that I thought would be OK but now the stories starts. Of course I ordered and the serve takes the order with all the precautions about cottonseed and shellfish allergies.
Our server returns and says that a manager will be coming over to see us because they have some concerns. Gee that didn't surprise me.
The manager comes over to understand my allergies and that I appreciate because with the cottonseed a lot of people don't know what it is or where to find it. Off she goes to talk to the kitchen to talk to the staff to ensure that my meal is going to be prepared in a safe manner.
Oh, oh, back comes the manager and the kitchen has a few concerns about what I ordered so no problem I change some of my order to make sure that it's going to be safe for me. Back to the kitchen she goes.
Now this is where I start to laugh and really trust the restaurant as the manager returns due to a couple more concerns about the changes to the order. So I changed my order totally from the originally one but that was fine because I was getting something I liked.
My order is finally placed and the kitchen is fully aware of my allergies and understands them. Working with a manager and the kitchen is something that I have learned to deal with and it doesn't bother me anymore when I see a manager.
Once my order has been punched in our server comes over and repeats the entire order with all the modifications to me to ensure that it was correct. Another good thing and made me happy.
Finally dinner arrives as it was served by the manager and she checks to ensure that everything is fine. I think some of the customers were trying to figure out what was going on because of all the attention our table was getting. My dinner was really good and I enjoyed it and wasn't worried about possible reactions.
After finishing dinner I decided to order a specialty coffee for dessert and it was to come with whipped cream on top. Instead of the whipped cream coming on top of my coffee, we got tocheck the ingredients on the whipped cream container before it was added. Another postivie mark for caring people.
What a wonderful feeling having a restaurant that cares and understands allergies and how to deal with them. Here was a restaurant that didn't know my allergy to cottonseed but were willing to figure it out and accommodate it.
What I can say is a "Job WELL DONE!!!!"
Our server (John) enjoyed seeing me make notes. To him "Yes, you were a good looking server." Maybe now I need to have a server competition.
So this was my one day or should I say my dinner experience. Being able to deal with good and bad service is something that I have learned now to deal with. Knowing when to not trust a restaurant is something that I am learning and I know that if I don't feel good about answers I don't eat there.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Finally Cottonseed is an allergen!!!!
I know that I am allergic to cottonseed oil and cottonseed fibres but today I have finally found it considered an allergen which is wonderful. I was checking the Pizza Hut Canada site and was so happy to see that they considered Cottonseed as an allergen.
I know that there are a lot of different allergens but I have never seen cottonseed on the summary page of allergens before today. All I can say is GREAT!!
My travelling went well and I didn't have any issues which was also nice and am now back to dealing with my allergens in my comfort zone. Travelling is something that I do for work and pleasure so I am getting better at dealing with it.
Last night we went out for dinner and I wanted fajitas and thank goodness I was able to have them with just a few mods (no rice, no flats, no cajun spice on the chcken but extra cheese and natcho chips). Going to a regular favourite restaurant meant I didn't have any issues. This restaurant has always been good with me and finding these restaurants are hard. I think a lot of the staff, even ones that have never served me, at this restaurant understand that there is someone that has severe food allergies and they try their best to deal with the allergies and I appreciate the effort.
Friday evening we went out to a Pub and what was nice was our server was so understanding and more than willing in helping me figure out if I could have the fried food or not. The nice change was I was able to have fried food because they used canola oil so I enjoyed chicken fingers and fries, something that is rare for me.
Well another week and hopefully this will be a good week.
I know that there are a lot of different allergens but I have never seen cottonseed on the summary page of allergens before today. All I can say is GREAT!!
My travelling went well and I didn't have any issues which was also nice and am now back to dealing with my allergens in my comfort zone. Travelling is something that I do for work and pleasure so I am getting better at dealing with it.
Last night we went out for dinner and I wanted fajitas and thank goodness I was able to have them with just a few mods (no rice, no flats, no cajun spice on the chcken but extra cheese and natcho chips). Going to a regular favourite restaurant meant I didn't have any issues. This restaurant has always been good with me and finding these restaurants are hard. I think a lot of the staff, even ones that have never served me, at this restaurant understand that there is someone that has severe food allergies and they try their best to deal with the allergies and I appreciate the effort.
Friday evening we went out to a Pub and what was nice was our server was so understanding and more than willing in helping me figure out if I could have the fried food or not. The nice change was I was able to have fried food because they used canola oil so I enjoyed chicken fingers and fries, something that is rare for me.
Well another week and hopefully this will be a good week.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
The Joys of Travelling
Here I am sitting in a hotel room writing about the joys of travelling due to the fact that I am now away from my comfort zone and having to deal with my allergies. Normally I don't find dealing with the allergies too bad but considering I don't speak French it does make it a little harder.
Last night the trip here was pretty good but have to admit it was a little harder when I was dealing with a meal being served beside me of shrimp and scallops. I was a little nervous but everything was fine and I enjoyed my dinner.
Now to see how the rest of this trip goes but I know that I will have to really watch what I am eating. At least the next couple of meals will be with people that I know and some of them speak french so that should make it a little easier.
On this trip I also made sure that I brought some munchies that were safe for me so that if I find eating out a little difficult I can always eat some of my goodies.
Last night the trip here was pretty good but have to admit it was a little harder when I was dealing with a meal being served beside me of shrimp and scallops. I was a little nervous but everything was fine and I enjoyed my dinner.
Now to see how the rest of this trip goes but I know that I will have to really watch what I am eating. At least the next couple of meals will be with people that I know and some of them speak french so that should make it a little easier.
On this trip I also made sure that I brought some munchies that were safe for me so that if I find eating out a little difficult I can always eat some of my goodies.
Monday, January 29, 2007
So Far So Good
Well I haven't been posting much the last few days because things have been basically normal for me. That's besides dealing with a migraine yesterday that is.
I have been dealing with the allergies with good results over the last few days. I have been able to get salads with dressing that I can eat with no problem and without any issue once I identify it's due to food allergies.
Also I think just being vocal about the allergies and how I need things changed just a little to make them safe for me has helped a lot. I know that I am going to have good days and then some bad days but at least feeling better about the allergies does help.
Some days it's hard and I keep saying to myself why me but I guess I was given the allergies for a reason. I'm not sure what the reason is but I have them and will have to learn how to deal with them and educate others at the same time.
Maybe if I could just get over all the fears things would be a lot easier for me but little steps in overcoming the fears is at least progress. I don't know what children go through when they learn they can't eat something but I sure know the fear and anger I have gone through.
I hope that me writing my feelings will help others deal with their own fears.
I have been dealing with the allergies with good results over the last few days. I have been able to get salads with dressing that I can eat with no problem and without any issue once I identify it's due to food allergies.
Also I think just being vocal about the allergies and how I need things changed just a little to make them safe for me has helped a lot. I know that I am going to have good days and then some bad days but at least feeling better about the allergies does help.
Some days it's hard and I keep saying to myself why me but I guess I was given the allergies for a reason. I'm not sure what the reason is but I have them and will have to learn how to deal with them and educate others at the same time.
Maybe if I could just get over all the fears things would be a lot easier for me but little steps in overcoming the fears is at least progress. I don't know what children go through when they learn they can't eat something but I sure know the fear and anger I have gone through.
I hope that me writing my feelings will help others deal with their own fears.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A good day
I am very happy to post that today was a good day and I was able to have an enjoyable dinner without any issues or attacks.
We normally go out for wings on Tuesdays and thanks to the staff at the bar it makes for an evening where I normally have no problems. Having people that understand my allergies and are able to deal with them without a problem is wonderful.
I can honestly say that after going through the problems over the last few days it was so nice to be able to go out and have a dinner without any problems.
I know that when I do have attacks or even get worried about a possible attack I get very afraid to eat and know that it's something that I have to deal with. It's hard to explain to others the feelings that I go through but fear is the best way to explain it. Being unsure of what food I can eat so that I don't have a reaction is very difficult. I know that people say you just have to deal with the allergies but normally these are people that don't understand them and don't know the feelings that we go through that we can't even explain.
I really hope that even by writing this out I am going to be able to over come this feeling when I have it and I will be writing when I have this feeling to maybe put words to the feeling.
Well off to see what tomorrow and the next few days have in store.
We normally go out for wings on Tuesdays and thanks to the staff at the bar it makes for an evening where I normally have no problems. Having people that understand my allergies and are able to deal with them without a problem is wonderful.
I can honestly say that after going through the problems over the last few days it was so nice to be able to go out and have a dinner without any problems.
I know that when I do have attacks or even get worried about a possible attack I get very afraid to eat and know that it's something that I have to deal with. It's hard to explain to others the feelings that I go through but fear is the best way to explain it. Being unsure of what food I can eat so that I don't have a reaction is very difficult. I know that people say you just have to deal with the allergies but normally these are people that don't understand them and don't know the feelings that we go through that we can't even explain.
I really hope that even by writing this out I am going to be able to over come this feeling when I have it and I will be writing when I have this feeling to maybe put words to the feeling.
Well off to see what tomorrow and the next few days have in store.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Another not so good experience
Gee today I thought I was going to be able to talk about a nice experience we had at a classy restaurant where we have had great experiences before but boy was I wrong today.
This restaurant normally is able to handle the modifications to a meal with little or not difficulty. Gee someone like me saying that with my allergies is saying a lot.
Today I decided I wanted something with bar-b-que sauce only to find out that it might have had some cross contamination with shellfish. Our server was excellent and I actually felt sorry for him because he had to come over and explain that I couldn't have my meal because of the bar-b-que sauce. Our server asked the manager to come and speak to us but I am very disappointed to say that considering he walked by our table (at least 7 times, yes I counted) he never did come and speak to us. I was able to have a different meal but was very disappointed that I couldn't have what I would have really liked.
This experience is a case of some managers/staff not being able to handle allergies very well and maybe not knowing how to talk to a customer about it. I am not sure if it was the kitchen and/or the manager that wasn't willing to assist in making my experience enjoyable. I did appreciate the effort that our server went to ensuring that I was at least able to enjoy what I had.
I think the next time we are planning on going to this restaurant I will make a phone call before hand to ensure that the manager who we know understands food allergies well is working.
I know people have said to me that I just shouldn't eat out at restaurants but it's difficult when you are a professional to avoid eating out.
This restaurant normally is able to handle the modifications to a meal with little or not difficulty. Gee someone like me saying that with my allergies is saying a lot.
Today I decided I wanted something with bar-b-que sauce only to find out that it might have had some cross contamination with shellfish. Our server was excellent and I actually felt sorry for him because he had to come over and explain that I couldn't have my meal because of the bar-b-que sauce. Our server asked the manager to come and speak to us but I am very disappointed to say that considering he walked by our table (at least 7 times, yes I counted) he never did come and speak to us. I was able to have a different meal but was very disappointed that I couldn't have what I would have really liked.
This experience is a case of some managers/staff not being able to handle allergies very well and maybe not knowing how to talk to a customer about it. I am not sure if it was the kitchen and/or the manager that wasn't willing to assist in making my experience enjoyable. I did appreciate the effort that our server went to ensuring that I was at least able to enjoy what I had.
I think the next time we are planning on going to this restaurant I will make a phone call before hand to ensure that the manager who we know understands food allergies well is working.
I know people have said to me that I just shouldn't eat out at restaurants but it's difficult when you are a professional to avoid eating out.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Results of Challenge
Saturday evening was really nice and we both had a good time at the birthday party. I avoided the food and with a lot of them knowing of my allergies it made it easy to enjoy myself.
I did run into a challenge when we went out for dinner before the party. We went to a restaurant and I had to ask what oil they fried their friend food in. Of course it was "vegetable oil" so it meant that I had to avoid any of the fried foods. That was fine so I decided what I was going to order and it avoided any food that could cause a reaction. I ordered and the waiter informed me that the hash browns were fried in vegetable oil as well (oh just joking). Of course I immediately let him know that having a life threatening oil wasn't something you joked about. It did make me a little more nervous and aware of what I was eating and I think the server learned that you don't joke about food with someone with severe food allergies.
Today was a good day for me as we went to one of our favourite and usual restaurants for dinner. The staff there understands my allergies and are very careful to ensure that I don't have any reactions. Having people in a restaurant that understand food allergies and how to assist a guest makes it some much nicer.
I know that no matter where I go I have to watch what I eat but at least today I was able to enjoy my dinner. Just by getting to know the staff at a restaurant means that at least they are aware of the allergies and are more than willing to assist in ensuring that we have an enjoyable time there.
One thing that it important is even when you get to know some of the resturant staff you have to remember that when they aren't serving you or when they are busy you have to remind them of the allergies for your own safety.
Another thing that is very important is just because one restaurant in a chain may be safe other restaurants in the same chain may not be safe.
I did run into a challenge when we went out for dinner before the party. We went to a restaurant and I had to ask what oil they fried their friend food in. Of course it was "vegetable oil" so it meant that I had to avoid any of the fried foods. That was fine so I decided what I was going to order and it avoided any food that could cause a reaction. I ordered and the waiter informed me that the hash browns were fried in vegetable oil as well (oh just joking). Of course I immediately let him know that having a life threatening oil wasn't something you joked about. It did make me a little more nervous and aware of what I was eating and I think the server learned that you don't joke about food with someone with severe food allergies.
Today was a good day for me as we went to one of our favourite and usual restaurants for dinner. The staff there understands my allergies and are very careful to ensure that I don't have any reactions. Having people in a restaurant that understand food allergies and how to assist a guest makes it some much nicer.
I know that no matter where I go I have to watch what I eat but at least today I was able to enjoy my dinner. Just by getting to know the staff at a restaurant means that at least they are aware of the allergies and are more than willing to assist in ensuring that we have an enjoyable time there.
One thing that it important is even when you get to know some of the resturant staff you have to remember that when they aren't serving you or when they are busy you have to remind them of the allergies for your own safety.
Another thing that is very important is just because one restaurant in a chain may be safe other restaurants in the same chain may not be safe.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Another Day and another challenge
Today is going to be another challenging day for me as we are going out tonight to a birthday party and it's in a pub and they use vegetable oil for cooking (may contain cottonseed). So my challenges today are being careful with what I eat while I'm there as well as just the smells that are going to be around me.
The one thing that I will do before going to the party is to make sure that I have some dinner that is safe for me so that I am not tempted to eat some of the food that I was able to eat before all of these allergies. I find that making sure that I eat before going means that I don't risk the reactions.
I know that I can't avoid everything but having people around me that understand my allergies and know what I can and can't have makes it a bit easier.
Trying to overcome some of these fears is the hardest part of all of this. Today I know it's going to be rough but I will still go and enjoy myself but know that the food has to be avoided.
Will post tomorrow to let you know how the event went and the challenges that I actually faced.
The one thing that I will do before going to the party is to make sure that I have some dinner that is safe for me so that I am not tempted to eat some of the food that I was able to eat before all of these allergies. I find that making sure that I eat before going means that I don't risk the reactions.
I know that I can't avoid everything but having people around me that understand my allergies and know what I can and can't have makes it a bit easier.
Trying to overcome some of these fears is the hardest part of all of this. Today I know it's going to be rough but I will still go and enjoy myself but know that the food has to be avoided.
Will post tomorrow to let you know how the event went and the challenges that I actually faced.
Friday, January 19, 2007
January 19, 2007
Have you ever asked yourself why me?
I can say that I have asked that a few times and sometimes it's very frustrated. The reason I am saying this is because I have asked this each time I have discovered another food I am severely allergic too. Yes I am anaphylactic to a number of foods and sometimes it is very upsetting.
It's hard dealing with these allergies as most of the foods I am allergic to are foods that I have been eating most of my life. The last food I just discovered as being allergic to is shellfish and I have never really liked it so I don't miss it. I do miss some of the other foods that I can no longer have. I am allergic to cottonseed, pineapple, raspberries and shellfish. I am also anaphylactic to codeine and all of these lift threatening allergies have developed since I have been an adult. Yes I am adult onset anaphylatic.
Somedays are really good and other days are rotten. I think what is frustrating is the number of people that don't understand allergies and figure that they know better than me how to handle them.
What I am going to try and do in this blog is explain some of the good days and even some of the bad days and the fears that I deal with while living with this. Some of the fears are not wanting to eat after having a severe attack but getting through it.
I hope this helps others deals with the emotional roller coaster that we all go through.
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