only gastrointenstinal symptoms with PA?

hello and welcome adele,

so sorry to hear that you're developing peanut troubles!!! my first advice would be to see a doctor and an allergist; a little allergy testing won't hurt and it can only inform you a little more as to what the cause might be.

that said, i am adult-onset pa only; i do not test positive on the blood or skin tests, though, and experience no hives. my only symptoms are immediate gastrointestinal issues, and a closing of the throat and airways. for now, for you, it could be more of an intolerance to the peanuts (similar to lactose intolerance in other people), but in my mind an allergy development may not be far behind... much of my own investigations have led me to believe that in some cases of adult-onset allergies, the allergy is an immune response to undigested protein particles entering the bloodstream. this can certainly become a possibility if, as it sounds like, you may no longer be fully able to digest the peanut proteins; gallstones or other digestive system problems may sometimes be the underlying cause.

please don't take my word for it though - talking to a doctor is always the best and only thing to do when something in our bodies seems to be changing. i just wanted to send you my best wishes and hope that you feel better and get some answers soon!

take care,
andromeda

I agree with Andromeda. You should see a doctor for testing.

The symptoms definitely could be a food allergy. It is not the most common symptoms with peanut allergy - but there are other foods that cause gasto issues. And, peanut allergy [i]can[/i] cause those symptoms.

See your doctor. I was recently diagnosed with adult onset PA - with mostly the same symptoms - a stomach ache that could have killed a monster and terrible muscle spasams. Since then things have gotten much worse and after a quick visit to the doc I now religously carry several epi pens, benadryl, and an inhaler as my reactions have jumped from simply ingestion to reacting to airborne particles (found that one out after I went into a pet store!) as well as getting to add new and prevously much loved items to my never can eat again list including tree nuts, all legumes, and for some reason that we can't figure out - recently colored sodas such as coke, pepsi, rootbeer - apparently there was a recently industry wide change in one of their 'unlisted' ingredients used in these products. Still trying to figure that one out.

Anyway, I'd urge you to go to the doctor and get tested, or at least to find out what to look for in case you start getting more severe reactions as they could be life threatening.

Nola

Thanks to Andromeda, Annamarie & Nola for your replies. I will make an appointment with the dr. I appreciate your advice.

Adele, be sure to let us know what the doctor says. And if it is a peanut allergy - you know where to come to get help with learning to live with it. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Good luck to you.

I had an adult acquaintance who always noticed her lips tingled when she ate peanuts, her whole life.

Then one day she ate fries fried in peanut oil at her work, a big university in LA. Minutes later she began to feel very ill and decided to go to the ER, right there at the University.

By the time she got there she was in full cardiac arrest.

She went from tingling lips to anaphylaxis in one big jump.

So go and get tested, and good luck.

Peg

Thanks again everyone. I've made an appointment with an allergist. Will let you know the results.

Adele,

I'm the same way with lentils. I used to eat lentil soup, religiously, every week when my local deli had it. Then I started getting GI symptoms, and at first just assumed it was my "sensitive stomach". Sure enough, the symptoms got worse and worse until they were just like yours.

BTW, it's my son who's PA. Guess he got it from me. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/redface.gif[/img]

Amy

[This message has been edited by Going Nuts (edited February 01, 2005).]

Thanks for your input, Going Nuts. Regarding your reaction to lentils - has this become a full-blown lentil allergy? I see the dr. on Feb. 9th but have talked to him on the phone. He said the scratch test is not definitive. I could test positive and not be allergic to peanuts, or could test negative when I am. So why have the test? What else could cause such a miserable reaction to peanuts?

Adele, to tell you the truth I've never been tested - I just recognized the symptoms from something I read.

The other thing about allergies with primarily GI symptoms is that sometimes they don't show up on allergy tests because they are not igE mediated - I can't remember the term used to describe them - I just got home and am absolutely brain dead!

If I think of it I'll come on later.

Amy

Amy and Adele,

They may be IgG mediated rather than IgE - a different class of anitbody (or I even think there's IgA and other types as well...biology was never my strong point in school! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ). This is what my allergist suspects with me, since I test negative on both the skin and the RAST tests. These commonly-used tests are only accurate for IgE-mediated allergies. I think there is a test out there for the IgG-mediated allergies (ELISA test, maybe?), but it is far less common and perhaps only available through physicians who are open to non-western ways of doing things.

Andromeda

Hello, Thanks to everyone who replied to my question a week or two ago. I visited the allergist today and found out that I do have PA. For your info, the allergist said that you can have only gastrointestinal symptoms...which I did. After half an hour of asking questions on previous history, he was pretty sure I would test positive, which I did. If this isn't adult onset of PA (at age 55) I don't know what is! I'm picking up an epi-pen tomorrow. I think I can handle this. If I miss my favorite Snickers bar, I'll remember how lousy I felt with the last reaction. Though I didn't choose to join the PA club, I'm glad there's a nice bunch of people out there ready to give advice to a newbie. Is there anything else that those with PA also often react to? I was also tested for TN (all negative) - though they didn't test me for almonds - the one TN that stuffs me up and makes me sneeze. Many thanks for your help.

Hi Adele. Sorry to hear about your dx. We always hope it's something else more simple and not a life threatening allergy.

I'm TNA and PA (adult onset). I just found out last week at the allergist that I was never tested for almonds, so I requested it. It was negative, but I will still avoid it and every other nut as best I can. The chance of cross contamination is too risky.

Make sure you read all labels carefully, even if it's something you always buy b/c manufacturers can change the ingredients at any time. If unsure about something, call the manufacturer and ask. I avoid anything that says "may contain peanuts or other nuts" and "processed in a facility with other nuts". Check cosmetics, lotion, soaps, medicine. In other words, check EVERYTHING. You'll be amazed where you find peanut oil or other nut oils.

Just keep the epi-pen with you at all times. My first three reactions my eyes swelled shut. The fourth, my throat started swelling. That's when I finally realized what was causing the reactions. Hopefully your symptoms will never progress, but they do have a tendency to get worse very quickly. Just be careful and do a lot of research.

Take care and best of luck to you!
Belinda

Thanks Belinda for your reply. I hope you and the other members don't mind all my questions. I should have questioned the allergist more but I was struck speechless when he handed me a prescription for an eip-pen! Are you highly sensitive to PN and are you more sensitive now than you were with your first reaction? I'm NOT highly sensitive. I ate a small handful of peanuts (1/4-1/3 cup) before I reacted to it. The allergist told me that though it took a lot of peanuts to get me there, the reaction I had was anaphalactic. The dr. said 'do not eat peanuts' but I don't understand if I can safely eat traces because I'm not super-sensitive, or if each exposure, even to trace amounts, will make me more sensitive? Do you eliminate everythingi n your diet including things like 'hydrolyzed plant protein'? How in the world do you know what you're eating in a restaurant? I've read that PN can be found in salad dressing and barbeque sauce. If these aren't made in the restaurant but bought ready-made, it seems that even the cook wouldn't be well informed of whether an item on the menu is peanut-free. In the meantime, I'm reading previous postings on this web site's message boards trying to educate myself. I've not been able to wear lipstick...and now I know why! I appreciate all the advice I can get. Many thanks!

I have adult onset peanut and sesame seed allergy. I know you asked Belinda these questions, but I'll answer for me. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] At first my reactions were an inconvenience, then an embarrassement - then anaphylactic. Well, the sesame is DEFINITELY anaphylactic, the peanut I'm not quite so sure of. I think it is - and I have no intention of trying it.

For me, even trace amounts cause a reaction. A serious reaction.

I can't help with your questions about hydrolized plant protein, or vegetable oils. In Canada, if peanut (or sesame seed) are used it has to say that. I'm not sure about the US. Is that part of the new labeling laws? When do they come in to effect?

Quote:I'm NOT highly sensitive. I ate a small handful of peanuts (1/4-1/3 cup) before I reacted to it.

Your doctor said you had an anaphylactic reaction - don't lull yourself into feeling safe that you are not highly sensitive. You are. How much you ate may not even weigh in to this. Some people react instantly. Others, it takes hours. My sister, it takes days. It is possible that even one peanut could have caused just as serious a reaction in you. I'm not trying to sound mean here - I just don't want you to let your guard down because you think you'll be OK.

peanut = poison

***********

Ask all the questions you want. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] That's why this board is here. So people can ask and people can answer. And when it comes to the day-to-day living with pa - the allergist will be of limited assistance anyway. We can't say "been there -done that" Instead, we say "we are there-we're doing it"

Oh mannn! I want that on a t-shirt. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

------------------
[b]***ADDICTED***[/b]

Thank you AnnaMarie! I don't know what hydrolyzed plant protein is either, but it's on the list of things to avoid when you have PA - as is lethicin, and other ingredients that I can't spell or pronounce. I don't know anything about labeling laws here in the US but will make sure I find out. I went to the grocery store today and spent some time reading labels, especially on foods that have bothered me in the past. I have had mild asthma for the past few years - just cough-variant, usually triggered by food. Now I wonder if the guilty ingredient is a peanut by-product. You have to be part detective to deal with all of this. Thanks again AnnaMarie. I appreciate your feedback. I will be careful! Adele

Adele, anything made with *plant protein* *plant* or *vegetable* - could involve peanut as it is a plant and a vegetable.

I know there are new laws in the works in the US, but since I'm Canadian I haven't been following it closely. I'll try to search up some info from this site and put a link here for you. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Here's a thread from the TAKE ACTION forum of this board. It's long, but should answer some of your questions.

[url="http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum23/HTML/000117.html"]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum23/HTML/000117.html[/url]

Thanks AnnaMarie...I'll check out the link. Last night I discovered the 'search' function on PA.com so was able to answer a lot of my own questions. Sorry I didn't notice this earlier. Cheers, Adele

Adele Hi and welcom to PA.com
You have gotten a lot of good advice here
Keep doing what you are doing and read, read and read all labels every time.
Researh on this site is a wounderful thing
Ask any ? We are here to help.

[b]Keep you epi with in arms reach,[/b]
as time goes on you will find your level of safe zone.
If you donot know what a ingredient is do a search here and then on the net gather lots of info and then make a educated decision.

In 2006 the FALCRA will go into affect this is a very good start for those with food allergies.FALCPA as tweaks that we are going to have to address over the course of implementing it.It is [b]One big step for the food allergic community.[/b]

Hang in there and remember we are here to help.

------------------
Love this site
Synthia
ps my spelling is ----off, sorry

[This message has been edited by synthia (edited February 11, 2005).]

Thank you Synthia for your reply. For those that have adult onset PA, did you lose alot of weight after the diagnosis? Seems that all the goodies are on the 'don't dare eat' list. I leave on Tuesday for a two-week trip to the peanut capital of the US....South Carolina,
where in some restaurants, boiled peanuts are automatically served to nibble on while you're waiting for your meal. I'm trying to find out all I can before I leave.
Thanks again for everyone's input. Cheers, Adele

Adele, I tend to be small anyway. (5'2" weighing 105 - 110 lbs.)

Early after developing allergies I think I lost about 20 lbs. In my case, I didn't know what I was reacting to and I developed a major fear of food. All food.

I no longer eat in restaurants, but that is probably more due to the sesame seeds then the peanuts.

Take a look in the restaurant forum - maybe you can find how others deal with eating out, and where they feel it is safe to do so.

********

I know this is all so overwhelming at first. In time it [b]will[/b] all become second nature.

Thanks AnnaMarie for your feedback. What would I do without the computer! I've been online this morning and found that most major restaurants have web sites with email addresses (including the restaurants where I eat in South Carolina) so have emailed them. Fortunately I eat to live, I don't live to eat. When in doubt I can always have a baked potato or something safe. I expect to be skinny in no time at all! Cheers, Adele

Hi Adele. Sorry I haven't gotten back on since I posted yesterday.

I'm not sure how sensitive I am to peanut. I found out I was allergic in October. There were things I was eating that were bothering me in ways that my doctor thought it was just outside allergies. (Stuffy nose, itching, swelling glands) The things I was eating were candy, Reduced Fat Cheese Nips, granola bars, and M&M's. (A lot of may contain items) I was tested for outside allergies and just asked my allergist to throw peanuts in b/c when I was tested 4 years ago it was negative and I've been TNA for 15 years (was 18 at the time of dx). Anyway, it was positive, only a two, but enough for me to know what that could mean. I don't know how quick I would react to peanut ingestion, but my reaction to tree nuts is immediate. For instance, at a restaurant I only took two bites of food and knew there were nuts in my food, and yes I did tell the waiter about my allergies. I never got hives. I get an extreme burning in my mouth, throat, and deep in my ears along with itchiness.My throat starts closing and I got chest pain and tightness with the last reaction and coughing. Every reaction I've had has always been worse than the one before. So, like Anna Marie said, never let your guard down.

About the dressings in restaurants, I've wondered the same thing. I've eaten it and then afterwards thought about it and then was paranoid the rest of the night. I don't eat out anymore b/c I'm too paranoid right now and am still learning a lot myself, but I will eat at a few select places again.I call manufacturers about dressings I buy b/c of the natural flavors listed or spices. I haven't been to a bar-b-que place since dx with PA. My local Pizza Hut even uses peanut oil.

I finally found some Revlon lipstick that is ok. I don't like it as much as others, but the places in the mall here always have something in it I can't have.

Also, when you travel, you may want to take two epi-pens. One is only good for 15-20 minutes, and if you are 30 minutes away from the hospital, you want to be prepared.
My dh travels and I'm alone with two kids two weeks at a time sometimes longer, so I keep two with me and 2 in my cabinet at home. Yes, I am a little paranoid!

I did lose weight at first, about 6 or 7 pounds. But, after I discovered Kellie's Candies and Vermont Nut Free Chocolate from our friends here, I've gained some back!

Grocery shopping is sooooo depressing and it takes me twice as long now! If something has just vegetable oil, lecithin, or hydrolized plant protein on it I call the manufacturer and ask what the source is. If they cannot tell me, I do not use it. Most time I have been told it is from soy, but if they don't know, that's not a chance I'm willing to take.

Take care!

Hello BelindaA, Thanks for your answers. All this info has given me lots to think about. I've got two epi-pens. I live alone but because prepared foods often make me cough (asthma) the food I eat at home is pretty basic. I'm mainly concerned about how I'm going to eat when I'm travelling - keeping PA in perspective without become obsessive about it. In the past if I ate the wrong food, I just coughed my fool head off. Now if I eat the wrong food, I could end up in the ER - and me with a $2500 deductible!

Are your kids small or are they old enough to give you the epi if need be? I didn't have a clue that this world existed! I've been reading all the postings by parents that have had to deal with their little ones having life-threatening PA just from kissing someone. I feel fortunate that I haven't had this worry for the first 55 years of my life. Best of luck to you BelindaA. And thanks so much for all your advice. It all helps! Cheers, Adele

Hi Adele!

My son will be 11 next month and my daughter turned five Feb.8. My son does know where I keep my epi-pens and I have showed him many times how to inject me. I also have instructions by the phone to call 911 and what to say.

I also worry about traveling, but I'm sure there's a lot of people here that have dealt with this a lot longer than us that can offer some good advice! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

I also worry when I have had a "mystery" reaction about going to sleep b/c it seems like they have always happened at night time. For instance, if I were a child, my mom or dad would take turns watching me throughout the night. (Not saying that this allergy is better for children by any means)
But, my dh is never here and I don't have anyone watching me. That makes me nervous. It seems like all of my mystery reactions happen when he is out of town. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

Best wishes!

[This message has been edited by BelindaA (edited February 11, 2005).]

Hello BelindaA, You are all great. Thanks for taking the time to answer my many questions. Glad to hear your son knows how to take care of mom in an emergency. It must give him a sense of security to know he can help you if you need it. And come to think of it, it must give you a sense of security too, especially when your other half is out of town.

My dr. told me that [url="http://www.foodallergy.org"]www.foodallergy.org[/url] would be helpful...and I've just found it. Forgot it was .org and not .com So this is the FAAN that I have seen reference to on PA.com? But where do I find definitions for the PA.com abbreviations; DH DD DS, etc? Is this 'dear husband' - etc?

I can think of so many incidents over the past few years that were probably related to peanuts but I didn't make the connection. Especially when travelling.

Excuse my venting, but it has been an interesting few days. I've gone from thinking 'it's no big deal if I can't eat peanuts'....to 'WHAT! Read labels on EVERYTHING for the REST of my life? No bakeries, ice cream shops, Mexican or Chinese (or pizza?) restaurants There must be stages in this process; denial, anger, etc. etc. until finally you get to the acceptance. Not there yet but I'm working on it. Thanks again for your help and excuse my venting.... Cheers, Adele

Hey Adele!

Dh, ds, and dd are dear husband, son, and daughter. Took me a little while to figure that out b/c my dh was not dear here lately. He was the d_mn husband! If you read my intro you'll understand.

The eating out gets to me b/c we are so busy with baseball, dance, and other sports that it was easier to eat out. I've also left the grocery store in tears a few times!

Just gotta believe that we'll adapt sooner than later! Oh, and I also do a LOT of praying!

Take care!

Adele,

I'm so sorry to hear that you've tested positive for PA, but glad that you're taking it seriously and asking questions and finding out as much as you can. It's a huge life adjustment for us adult-onsets, but you seem to be off to a good start with the label-reading and the contacting of restaurants. This will definitely become second nature to you very quickly!

I just wanted to share with you that my own reactions got a lot worse very quickly in terms of severity of symptoms, but also in terms of reacting to smaller and smaller amounts of peanut. My last reaction, about a year ago, wasn't technically ingestion even, really, just touching my lips while i had peanut residue on my hands from contaminated surfaces at work. Full blown anaphylaxis as a result, whereas only a year before (maybe 5 to 10 "exposures"?) I could barely tell I was having any reaction after eating a bowl of noodles with peanut sauce. Very scary, and just something for you to keep in mind even if your reactions seem somewhat mild now for small amounts of peanut.

Incidentally, since then I've become a total clean freak and really wash my hands thoroughly before touching anything that I eat. I keep handi-wipes with me always and often use them at restaurants right before eating.

Which brings me to the eating out question. When I'm traveling or eating out around home, I find that there's a few places and types of places I'm less uncomfortable at than others...which isn't to say that I'm totally comfortable with eating out but that I have at least been able to eat out successfully without any trouble *y*e*t*. Italian or large chain restaurants are the types I seek out, and if they're not available I review the menu of the place carefully; if there's lots of nut items then I find somewhere else. I tell the waitstaff of the allergy, and steer clear of desserts (sigh!) and breads and most sauces. I'm not recommending this for you really because I feel like so far I've just been lucky to not have had any problems; I just wanted to reassure you that it is possible to eat out if you're careful about where you go, what you decide on, and who you talk to. You'll definitely need to find your own comfort zone with this, and always be prepared with the epi-pen(s)! (I keep some Benadryl with me at all times too.) Also, I'm usually more comfortable at large chain restaurants than the small, local places, since the waitstaff usually seem to at least understand the consequences of a food allergy. Too many workers at the small restaurants will be like "you're what?" [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

On trips I also make sure to bring lots of safe snacks with me, and maybe do fresh fruit from a grocery store for breakfast. I went to Italy last year with a shoulder bag full of Nestle Canada, Vermont Nut Free, and Enjoy Life Foods treats for me and my mom to share; what a lifesaver that was! All in all, traveling is possible and still very enjoyable; food just no longer becomes the focus of the trip.

Best wishes for now, and ask all the questions you'd like. That's definitely why we're all here! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

Andromeda

ps - I did lose a lot of weight initially, but have levelled out again with all the tasty treats available online and with lots of home baking. There's definitely no need to be without food - just to be more careful about what food you choose [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Hi All (& Andromeda), Thanks for your input. It really helps to know that you don't avoid restaurants or travelling as this is a big part of my life and my work. I was in Italy in October so it's good to know you were also there with no problems as I'll be going back next year.
If you carry your own snacks, do you have problems with the 'no food' restrictions from country to country?

Could be worse I guess. It could be wine I'm allergic to!

I called Nestle (US) asking about their milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars and was told that they are peanut free and are made on peanut free equipment.

I emailed a restaurant in downtown Charleston SC called 'Sticky Fingers. (Ribs, etc) asking if they had peanuts in their restaurants. I got a great email back from the operating partner for the downtown Charleston Sticky Fingers. He said that he also has a peanut allergy and this is why he knows there are no peanuts in Sticky Fingers though all of the desserts, except the peach cobbler have TN. Good enough for me though I'm guessing that highly sensitive PA people would avoid it because of the TN.

At this point I'm not as concerned about having a major reaction - I'm more concerned about become more sensitive over time (like you did, Andromeda) and THEN having to worry about major reactions. I do carry Benedryl in my purse.

Question for everyone: When do you decide you need epi?

Thanks Andromeda for your help. Much appreciated!
Cheers, Adele

Adele,

Sorry to hear you tested positive but I'm very glad you got tested. My son is 20 and always has GI symptoms with his reactions, but not ONLY GI symptoms.

I'll bet that your symptoms would progress over the years as you continue to be exposed to peanut.

You are lucky you have the internet, when our son was diagnosed there was no internet, or at least we did not have it yet. You can get a wealth of info here so keep reading and good luck.

Peggy

Hello Peg, Thanks for your reply. The internet is great. Don't know what I would do without it. Everyone on PN.com has really helped. Just a few more questions..... Can you tell me when your son makes the decision to use epi? Does he get a stomach ache when he starts to react? Does he get different symptoms with each reaction or is it different every time?

I've been reading old postings on this web site, and found that sometimes children have only GI reactions. Also found this on [url="http://www.foodallergy.com;"]www.foodallergy.com;[/url]

"Can you have anaphylactic shock with only gastrointestinal symptoms?"
"Yes, you can have anaphylaxis with only gastrointestinal symptoms. The term shock refers to a drop in blood pressure, especially if there has been severe vomiting or diarrhea."

Thanks again for your help. Cheers, Adele