Do you have food allergies?

Have you heard of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?

Food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and going vegan - at least for now!

For the past couple of years I’ve experienced food getting stuck in my esophagus. Like really stuck. Like stuck in the bathroom for 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get the food either down or up.

I finally went to the doctor to get some answers and after an endoscopy and biopsy, I learned I have EoE.

EoE is a chronic immune system disease that happens when white blood cells build up in the esophagus. The doctor referred me to an allergist and I had a skin prick test done for food and environmental allergies. Turns out I’m allergic to beef, pork, chicken, codfish, dairy, eggs, bananas, and peanuts - oh yeah, and grasses and weeds too. Good news - I’m not allergic to wheat, soy, or turkey!

Honestly, I’m worried I’m allergic to more than that since I was allergic to most of the foods tested. So I’m making another appointment for more testing. Believe me, it’s not fun to get food stuck in your esophagus.

So I’m basically a vegan now.

I never imagined going vegan. I love beef (grass-fed of course). I also love bacon, cheeseburgers, fish and all types of food. I’m a pretty adventurous eater and love trying new foods while traveling, like octopus in Greece and escargot in France.

I think I might still be in shock about the whole thing. But I’m ok with it for now. Ask me in a month.

I’ve also adopted some specific vitamins and minerals into my routine because my new daily medication and diet mean I need to supplement the vitamins and minerals I’m getting daily.

That’s a lot about me.

I’m curious. Do you (or your kiddos) have food allergies?

Have you dealt with a diagnosis that has required you to make some significant changes to your diet?

Are you vegan?

Please share any tips, recipes, experiences you’ve had - I need all the help I can get!