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To
look at me, I am a perfectly normal kid. I enjoy rock climbing,
horseback riding and I play the drums, but I suffer from anaphylaxis.
This is a life-threatening allergic reaction. In my case it
is an allergy to nuts, seeds and coconut. I must avoid eating
these things, which is difficult because even a trace amount
can trigger a reaction.
I
never go anywhere without my fanny pack, which contains two
Epipens® and medical information. I never take off my medical
alert bracelet. In an emergency, I would need to be injected
with an Epipen® and immediately taken to hospital.
Because
of cross-contamination, it's very hard to eat in restaurants
and other people's homes. If I want to try a new packaged
food, I (or my parents) always have to write a letter to the
manufacturer first to see if it is made on the same production
line as other products that I might not be able to eat.
Did
you know even some toothpastes, shampoos and soaps have coconut
oil in them?
When
I have a reaction, my lips swell up, I vomit and have trouble
breathing.
I'd
like everybody who reads this article to take allergies seriously.
Any kid who has trouble coping should just remember that we're
all special and that my allergies don't stop me from participating
and enjoying life.
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