Severe allergy to shellfish?

Question

I am allergic to shrimp and am absolutely terrified of eating out because of it. I am scared of there possibly being cross contamination in the food I eat, and of people eating shellfish and touching me.
I don't remember a time when I didn't have this allergy, but as I get older, I have become even more paranoid about it.

I don't know how to cope with this. Any help please?

Answer 1

I agree with consulting your doctor about the use of an epi pen, but, as a personal chef--believe me when I tell you that you aren't paranoid about your situation.

Cross contamination can happen long before you eat your meal in a restaurant--all it takes is for a food handler to mix something in a container that had shell fish residue in it--or use tongs that mixed Shrimp Salad to mix your tossed salad. Or to turn your steak with tongs that turned a shrimp kabob, or to wipe their hands on their towel after cleaning oysters, and then to slice tomatoes for your garden salad, etc. etc. So, telling a manager or server will not help the situation much.

If you are dangerously allergic to shellfish, you are pretty limited in your choices when you go out--so do your homework in advance--find out what restaurants serve a menu that contains no shellfish, shellfish broth or any other product pertaining to shellfish. Make your friends aware of your situation--if they ARE friends, they would not want you to be in a harmful situation and will understand your concerns.

How do I know this? Because I have food allergies that can be fatal and have learned the hard way--thank goodness for epi pens. Obviously avoidance is best but that doesn't mean that your life should come to a standstill--don't let yourself become a victim to your allergies.

In my case, I cook some of the things for my clients that I'm allergic to, fortunately--I can have my sous chef or the client taste the items to make sure they are up to our standards. It's when I go out that I have to be careful--because one of my foods is fresh strawberries and here in Florida, they are used a lot in tropical drinks, dishes and as garnish. So, I have to worry about that--even the juice touching my plate can set me off--so no salad bars, no places that serve strawberry margaritas or daiquiries--or have stawberry cheesecake, you get the picture. Green beans are another one so I really have to do a dance where they are concerned. But, I live a normal life--I don't freak out--I just do my homework and make sure in advance that the restaurant, home, etc. that I go to doesn't have these things--and I tend to go to the same places over and over again that I have had no problems with.

My friends and family are very supportive--because they have seen me in the emergency room, so just take care of yourself-- have a good time and don't let this rule your life!

Good luck!!

Answer 2

You have every right to be freaked out. THere is so much cross contamination in resturaunts. There is a huge chance that you could have a serious reaction. I had a friend whose husband was allergic to fish and all shell fish. He went to Long John Silvers (don't know if you have that where you are) But he ordered chicken. He had a huge allergic reaction and almost died. They fried the chicken and the fish all in the same thing. So do be careful where you eat. It is dangerous. Alot of those food workers are being paid little money and working hard and al ot of them don't really care about the cleanliness and prepeeration of the food they just want to get it done.

Answer 3

Well, if have a severe allergy to shellfish then you should be carrying an Epi-pen with you. Obviously, you will avoid shellfish but if there is a cross-contamination, that can be unavoidable. You need to let a restaurant manager be aware of your allergy so that they can be extra careful when preparing your meal. Epi-pen is prescription only so you need to discuss this with your Doc. I hope that this helps.

Answer 4

I have a different perspective on this...mainly because my oldest son has severe allergies to dairy and peanuts and I have had to help him get over his anxiety.

I tell my son that the best thing he can do is be sensible...when you have a dairy allergy it doesn't make much sense to go to a ice cream shop (if you have a shellfish allergy don't go to long john silvers). If someone you are with orders shrimp at TGIFridays, let them know you have severe allergies and that you have tactile reactions.

(2) Take your epi-pen every where you go and don't be afraid to use it.

(3) Wear a medicalert bracelet and necklace.

You need to live a normal life. Anxiety is not healthy. Try talking to a counselor if it inhibits your ability to function. This is ultimately what really worked with my son.

Answer 5

Advice depends on your allergic reaction. If its very mild, then the best thing I can suggest is to just go to a restaurant and eat - it will make you realise how small the risk is. But, if you're allergy is quite severe then its safer to be careful. ask the restaurant staff what other foods they cook, if there are any with shellfish in, and whether they could prepare your food separately.

Answer 6

Talk to your doctor, and get an epi pen (epinephrine). If you were out, and somehow ingested some shellfish, your epi pen will keep you alive, you would then go to the hospital.
Ask you doctor more about your allergy, and tell him you are feeling this way, he may suggest some counselling.

Answer 7

Oh dear.

Your best bet for avoiding that kind of cross-contamination would be to eat in places that don't serve fish.

With all the E.Coli and tainted product scares we've had recently, I don't blame you for being terrified!

Answer 8

What exactly happens when you come in contact with shellfish?

For the person below me, what on earth did that guy expect? It's a fish restaurant!