In case you missed it, my first ever book has just been published. 'The Reluctant Allergy Expert: How to kill the fear that allergies could kill you' is out now and packed with information, advice and tips on how to thrive despite living with or caring for someone with life threatening allergies. [Ed: This book has been renamed and has a new cover...now called Anaphylaxis: … [Read more...]
Surviving the work Christmas party with life threatening allergies
Going to your work Christmas party when you're just too scared to eat out EVER again is daunting. The temptation to cancel was immense. That would have been by far the easier option. But it would have meant missing out on the social aspect, the fun, the dancing and spending time with my work colleagues. It's important for work dynamics to also spend time outside work getting … [Read more...]
The emotional toll of living with a life threatening allergy
I thought I'd write about this because I'm taking my anger out on others. I am very angry at the moment. And for that I apologise. If you have been on the receiving end, I am sorry. I don't want to feel like this. I have already apologised in person but I'm doing again. For the world to see. Sorry to the Plusnet person... but seriously you better fix my wifi or I will be … [Read more...]
Allergy fear-induced panic attack in a cafe…
Recently I experience the best of times and worst of times. It was a Saturday and I broke my ParkRun PB (24:46 at Rickmansworth). I also broke a few of my rules for staying alive and faced some pretty startling side effects. I wasn't going to share this blog because I prefer to share positive things and messages. And also because quite frankly I'm embarrassed. But I found it … [Read more...]
What anaphylaxis feels like and how to live with the fear
I could probably write a whole book about this and maybe I will, but for now this is more about a kind of therapy for me. In September I ate out in a cafe in America and had the worst allergic reaction of my life. I often joke about it when anyone asks me, "When was the last time you had a reaction?" I'll say something like, "A few years ago, I'm due another one!" and try … [Read more...]