Sitting in the Allergy doctor’s office this morning working on a fitness test for my asthma, the blood work results came in from the lab. Remember my episode last week where I nearly bit the dust? Well, my suspicions that I have developed a meat allergy due to the Lone Star Tick is indeed true. I have been diagnosed with the “Alpha-Gal IGE” allergy which means that my body is sensitive to the sugars in mammal meat proteins. Going forward, no beef, pork, lamb or game meat is allowed. It certainly isn’t worth the risk.
So the closest I can get to a nice big juicy medium-rare grilled steak is enjoying beef on the hoof. Even the deer in the woods will taunt me “Nah, nah, nah..you can’t eat me…”
On the up-side, I can still eat poultry and best of all – LOBSTER !! Big hot red delicious Maine Lobster. As we are heading up to Maine tomorrow, this is great news.
I’m actually just fine with the diagnosis. I’d much rather know what caused my anaphylaxis shock as I can manage it from happening again. Just don’t eat meat. This is much better than not knowing what caused it and having to think twice about adventuring out into nature alone for hours like I so enjoy doing. So I can walk the trail around Long Pond with no worries. Can’t wait to get there.
Categories: Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Going for a clam bake, eh. Thank goodness, you found out. Does that mean even a small slice will trigger this? You need iron, Bella. Well, I’m glad your sense of humour came back.
You know I am ! Indeed, a small slice can trigger it. Better to be safe than sorry. Guess I’ll need to be eating spinach like Popeye then. 🙂
I have never heard of that before, but it is great that you are okay with the diagnosis, and good that they could diagnose it. Enjoy those lobsters.
Oh the lobsters have been glorious but I haven’t had nearly enough yet. I wanted to share the story so that more people are aware of it. Thanks for being you Leanne.
The main thing is that you’re OK! Have fun in Maine, bring us back lots of photos!
That’s what I’m saying Jerry !! Working on the photos, although solid rain for two days is now overhead.
I’m glad you’re accepting you’re diagnosis so well. I’d be devastated. I’d Seriously have the smallest palette of food to choose from. Even grass fed meat? Cows were never meant to eat corn…. I’m very curious about this allergy. It sure is a weird one. Enjoy your lobster!
Nope..not even grass fed meat. No lamb either. I started to say oh no..no pate! But Duck Pate – yeah baby!
Indeed it is an odd one and who knows how it began. Lobster has been heaven here.
So sad, but it is always better to know. I have really never heard about meat allergy, but I know a lot of happy vegetarians! Best of luck, there is no nead for meat for good photography!
What’s lucky is that only mammal meat is off the menu. All poultry and fish is just fine. Agreed…much rather not eat meat and get out to shoot then be stuck at home in fear. 🙂
Knowing is a great thing; glad you have it figured out. Lobster is definitely the bright side of no beef 🙂 I’ll take lobster, shrimp and a whole bunch more seafood over red meat any day.
I’m with you Dan, and truly do appreciate your support on this. Thanks for being there.
Very scary time Emily. The news is good to know, even if you are going to be so severely restricted, nothing is worth the risk of going into shock again. My friends are leaving for Maine this weekend too, I’m so jealous of you guys – have a great time, hope you have wonderful weather and lots of delicious lobsters! Glad to know you are well.
You know if you think about it, it’s not that bad. All seafood and all poultry is fine. Healthier too!
Scary stuff but so glad to hear that you’re ok! Have a wonderful time in Maine!!
Thank you so much! So far the week has been wonderfully resting. Just what I needed.
I’ve never heard of that before, but am so glad your medical team figured it out!
Hope you have a great time in Maine!
So happy to share my experience with me. Knowledge is power and if I didn’t know someone that had this, I never would of guessed what had happened. Loving Maine this week.
Wow! That’s crazy. I know someone who is allergic to all animal products, except lamb and bison. Allergies are quite interesting.
That’s interesting. The tough part is that you don’t know your limit unless you try things and risk another anaphylaxis attack. Not worth it. I can eat cheese and milk and some that have this can’t. Who knew? Thanks Eugenia.
So happy for you that your condition has been diagnosed. I’m sure it’s great news for the mammal kingdom. They’re probably having a party this weekend to celebrate. 🙂 Gorgeous photos, Emily. Enjoy your trip to Maine, and the lobster too. xx
You are too much – you know the mammal kingdom have been partying. I’m thrilled to know how to keep myself safe. Although I do wear an alert bracelet (Road Runner ID) just in case of emergencies.
Like this but do find it sad that they have to have numbers in their ears
This cow was at the Maryland State Fair. Don’t know why farmers number their cows either. Odd. Like us wearing earrings I guess.
And so frightening to have the condition – glad you are happy about continuing the outdoors walks
Oh me too Diana, it would have been so tragic if that was the case. Appreciate your kind comment.
Interesting! I’ve never heard of it, but I popped out into this world a vegetarian (in a family of BIG meat-eaters)… My body naturally shunned meat. Perhaps it was telling me something to the same effect!
Now that is really interesting – amazing how each person is so very unique. Share the knowledge my dear, you never know who may have something similar.
This is good news!! Now you know what is and isn’t possible. Thank you for the update! 🙂
You’re absolutely right Rebecca. Knowing is such power and can be so liberating.
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!
That’s good to know. At least now you know what to avoid and enjoy your chicken and lobster. Will the allergy last a lifetime, though? How weird is that!
From what I read it will last a lifetime, although it’s fairly new to science. I’ll test again in a year and see what the numbers say.
I bet the poor cow finds this news a bit of a relief! What a terrified looking creature.
Oh you are funny Anna. This cow was actually pretty chilled in the barn at the State Fair. I think I disturbed her nap. 🙂
Marge sent this to me. So glad your alive, well, and galloping on to better things.
Appreciate your kind words Ellen. Thank you so much!