Growing Up With Food Allergies
- Community
- Our Truth About Dermatitis and Food Allergies
- Our Soy Story
- Living in the Moment
- Forgiving Yourself for Food Allergy Mistakes
- Power in Numbers
- Our Food Allergy Experience - So Far
- How Food Allergies Can Shape the Person You Become
- Piecing Together My Son's Milk Allergy
- Don't Let Food Allergies Get You Down
- A Diagnosis of Food Allergy and EE
- A Food Allergy That Reemerged
- First Reaction in 14 Years
By Makenna
My food allergies really get to me sometimes. With all of the anxiety, worry, and pressure of having food allergies, it is hard for a teen like me. I developed six of my eight food allergies in the fall of 2010. Believe me, it is devastating – not getting to eat certain foods, especially some of my favorite foods. Sometimes I feel angry and depressed when I think about my food allergies. I have been left out, made fun of, threatened, mistreated, and called names. But I've learned to cope with it and speak out about my food allergies. Being a shy person when it comes to meeting most new people, I had to learn to educate people about my allergies, and make sure they understand that I can get seriously ill when I eat peanut butter or pizza.
One thing that I have learned since being diagnosed with six new allergens is that not all people will understand or accept you. My so-called friends once told me that my epinephrine auto-injector and I were not welcome at their lunch table.
I've learned not to listen to them and find real friends, those who help look after me, who remind me that I can't have a certain kind of yogurt at lunch, and those who understand my situation. I use to be embarrassed to carry around my epinephrine auto-injector with me at all times, but now, I accept it. It's a part of me; I was meant to have these allergies.
Remember, you are special, you were meant to have food allergies. If you feel threatened, speak up, and educate new and old friends, neighbors, teachers, and others about food allergies. Do not be afraid, either they accept you or they don’t. There are always people out there that will understand your situation.
Lastly, do not let your food allergy let you down. You can do everything else that other people can do. Like I always say, if you can't accept my epinephrine auto-injector and food allergies, then you cannot accept me as your friend.
Makenna is 13 years old and is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, tomato, red dye #40, fish, shellfish, and nutmeg.
Connect With Us