how can i over come my fear? i am really scared of eating in public places such as a cafe or restaurants. How can i over come my fear? Also Im not scared of the ingredients, just if the food has been cooked in a pan that has been used to cook nuts.

It takes some time to get used to an allergy and get over any large amount of fear. Especially if you've recently had a reaction.

If you find that your fear if really interfering with your life--you might want to see a therapist.

Regarding eating out--I suggest calling places in advance and frequenting places that seem to be comfortable with allergies. I would also look for places that don't have a lot of nut based dishes.

When you order, ask to speak to the manager or chef and explain your allergies and cross contamination.

If you still don't feel safe--try sticking with a salad or another dish you might feel more comfortable with.

Give yourself some time and take baby steps.

Be careful of salads... most restaurants serve walnut & dried fruit(cranberry)in their salads. Or almonds. Salad preps don't change their gloves in between salads. Also, when making salads at a salad bar, or in the kitchen ingredients can mix together and cross contaminate. Dressings aren't always safe either.

When we eat out we always ask to speak to the manager and if the quick answer is a casual "no we don't have peants" we don't eat there because we think they don't understand the cross-contamination potential.

Go to achooallergy.com and order peanut chef cards. They detail peanut allergies and how to properly prepare and clean utencils for peanut allergy patrons. I am 22 years old and have had a peanut allergy all my life, so i understand how you feel. After i was hospitalized a years ago, I only ate turkey on wonderbread for an entire month after because I was so scared of anything else. Once you take control (ie allergy cards and medical bracelets) it is a lot more comforting to dine out.

I just developed a peanut allergy at age 54. My first symptom was anaphylactic shock. I'm so scared to eat anything, much less dining out. Does anyone know of a book that tells how to live with this? I feel like I have SO MUCH to learn, and I need help!

I just developed a peanut allergy at age 54. My first symptom was anaphylactic shock. I'm so scared to eat anything, much less dining out. Does anyone know of a book that tells how to live with this? I feel like I have SO MUCH to learn, and I need help!