Understanding Shellfish Allergies: My Personal Experience
At 26 years old, I’m a Caucasian male with a confirmed shellfish allergy, as documented by an allergist. My journey began when I noticed troubling symptoms, such as a constricted throat and odd sinuses whenever I encountered shellfish. To date, I have suffered from four significant allergic reactions. The first incident occurred when I came into contact with a boiled crab shell; after inadvertently touching my face, I quickly developed swelling. The second instance involved someone in another room opening a clam, which triggered severe shortness of breath for me. The third episode happened during lunch when I found it difficult to breathe, only to discover that a colleague had brought sushi containing crab and was seated directly across from me. This particular episode led to a professional diagnosis when I had to visit the emergency room during work hours. Unfortunately, the allergist treated my symptoms like they were fabricated. Most recently, I faced my fourth allergic reaction due to lobster rolls at my workplace. This time, I encountered two exposures: one in the office while clocked in and uniformed, and the other occurred when I had to cross through the kitchen while being taken to the security team. The security personnel noted my labored breathing, swelling in my neck and throat, and a feeling of mental disorientation. They attributed the situation to my own actions, suggesting it was not the company’s responsibility, even though they had provided shellfish in the office, despite my documented allergy. Upon arriving at the emergency room, the medical staff claimed that shellfish allergies do not manifest this way, insisting they aren’t airborne and implying that I must have had some sort of direct contact. They mentioned that such reactions are exceedingly rare. However, I can confidently state that since the age of 18, I have touched only one crab, yet I’ve experienced multiple reactions without direct contact. Their assertion that incidents like mine are infrequent seemed significant to me. Additionally, some medical professionals suggested I see a psychiatrist, theorizing that my symptoms stemmed from an anxiety attack rather than an allergic reaction. I am bewildered by this response, particularly because they administered an EpiPen and a Benadryl drip while seeming to doubt the legitimacy of my attack. When I inquired about whether my symptoms matched those reported by the security team, my questions went unanswered. I am seeking clarity on this entire situation. Can anyone help explain what might be going on?
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 4:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a very challenging and distressing experience with your shellfish allergy, especially given the seriousness of your reactions and the dismissive attitudes you've encountered. Let’s break down some key points regarding shellfish allergies and your symptoms, as well as practical steps for managing your condition moving forward.
Main Points:
-
Shellfish Allergies Are Serious: Shellfish allergies can lead to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which may require immediate emergency treatment, such as the use of an EpiPen. Symptoms can develop from direct consumption, contact, or, in some sensitive individuals, even airborne particles.
-
Multiple Exposure Reactions Are Possible: While most reactions occur from direct contact or ingestion, there is evidence that some people can react to airborne allergens, especially if they are highly sensitive. Your experiences suggest you may have a heightened sensitivity.
Explanation:
Shellfish allergies are one of the more common food allergies and can provoke a range of reactions from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis, characterized by throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. It's understandable to feel frustrated when your experiences and concerns are downplayed by healthcare providers.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of any allergic reactions, including the type of shellfish involved, the circumstances (regarding proximity, potential airborne exposures, etc.), and your symptoms. This can help establish a pattern that can be useful for future medical consultations.
-
Always Carry Emergency Medication: Make sure you have access to an EpiPen or similar emergency medication prescribed by your allergist. Ensure you and those close to you (friends and coworkers) know how to use it in case of another severe reaction.
-
Avoid Shellfish Completely: Given your history, the safest path is to avoid all shellfish entirely. Communication with your workplace regarding your allergy is crucial. Consider informing your HR department or a direct supervisor to ensure proper protocols are followed in the workplace.
-
Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel that your current allergist or the medical professionals you’ve seen are not taking your concerns seriously, consider seeking a second opinion from another allergist. Look for someone with good reviews and experience with patients who have severe food allergies. You deserve a healthcare professional who listens and respects your experiences.
-
Consider Allergy Education: Educating yourself and those around you about shellfish allergies can help them understand the seriousness of your condition. Materials from reliable sources (like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) can also be shared with your workplace.
-
Explore Psychological Support if Needed: Although your symptoms appear to stem from a physical allergy, persistent experiences of anxiety around reactions can be common. If you find anxiety about your allergy becomes overwhelming, consider talking with a mental health professional who can provide strategies to manage anxiety.
Closing:
Your journey with shellfish allergies is indeed complex and requires ongoing attention and care. It's important to prioritize your safety and well-being, and to seek providers and environments that take your health seriously. Please continue to advocate for yourself and your health needs. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Bilateral Wrist Pain: Considerations for Left Wrist Arthroscopy?
Greetings, everyone, I would like to gather your insights regarding my current health concerns. **Patient Information:** - **Age:** 37 - **Gender:** Male - **Height/Weight:** 177 cm, 64 kg - **Relevant Medical Background:** - Chronic exocrine pancreatic insufficiency - Persistent gastritis - Osteopenia in the hip region - Lumbar spine disc protrusions - No known inflammatory rheumatic conditions. **Symptoms Experienced:** - Pain in the left wrist has persisted for around 5 weeks - Pain in the right wrist has been ongoing for about 3.5 weeks - Discomfort intensifies with movement (twisting, opening doors, gripping) - Minimal pain at rest, which is not entirely absent - No discomfort at night, nor disturbances in sleep - Typically wakes up without any pain - Occasionally, pain radiates toward the forearm - No signs of numbness or neurological issues - No history of trauma or falls. **Conservative Treatment Attempted:** - Left wrist was kept in a brace for roughly 4 weeks - Took Diclofenac retard 75 mg daily for one week, but noted no significant improvement - Steroid injections have not been administered yet. **MRI Findings of the Left Wrist:** - Mild dorsal subluxation of the ulna, while the joint itself appears otherwise normal - Alterations in the STT joint and the thumb's base joint with cysts noted - Mild degenerative changes observed in the wrist - Thickening of the radial collateral ligament present - Degenerative alterations in the TFCC, classified as type 2A according to Palmer - Early signs of exostoses and osteophytes - Presence of partial tears and lesions in the extrinsic ligaments - Some ligament displacement on the palmar side of the ulnar head and the distal radioulnar joint - Synovitis identified at the ulnar head and distal radioulnar joint. **Diagnosis:** - Suspected instability in the distal radioulnar joint with the presence of dorsal subluxation of the ulna and irritation in the ulnar ligaments - Noted synovitis at the ulnar head and distal radioulnar joint - Complex degenerative and ligament issues suggest a potential ulna-plus variant - Degenerative alterations in TFCC (Palmer 2A) and slight degeneration in both the STT and thumb base joints. **X-ray Analysis of the Left Wrist:** - X-ray taken in two perspectives - There is a 15° palmar tilt of the distal radius (normal range: 0–20°), which aligns with the typical radial inclination - Ulnar variance according to Gelberman measures 2 mm (normal range: −2 to +2 mm), falling within a standard 2-sigma range - No significant step formation noticed at the distal radius or ulna's joint surface. **Assessment:** - No signs of an ulna-plus variant present. **MRI Findings of the Right Wrist:** - No considerable bone marrow edema detected - The wrist's shape and structure, including the distal radioulnar joint, appear normal without any indicators of subluxation - The triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) is intact, and there are no indications of tearing - Mild irritation of the joint capsule on the dorsal side of the ulna suggested, likely due to tendon traction, with no synovitis observed - All articulating surfaces show well-preserved and uniformly intact cartilage. **Referral from Hand Surgeon:** - Recommended hospital department: Hand surgery - Diagnosis: Potential traumatic rupture of wrist ligaments from a left-sided injury (S63.3) - Proposed treatment: Arthroscopy. **View of Orthopedist:** - Patient advised to continue waiting despite referral from the hand specialist - The orthopedist noted no abnormalities during ultrasound examination and could not determine a clear diagnosis prior to MRIs and referral to the hand surgeon. **Questions for Discussion:** 1. In light of the findings (TFCC degeneration classified as Palmer 2A, synovitis in the DRUJ, mild dorsal ulnar subluxation, and partial ligament tears), do you consider arthroscopy a justified next step, or would you favor further conservative treatments (like injections or extended immobilization)? 2. How often does arthroscopy lead to a restoration of near-normal long-term wrist functionality rather than merely alleviating symptoms in similar cases? 3. If the underlying joint mechanics remain unchanged, what would be the likelihood of symptom recurrence? I genuinely appreciate any guidance and experiences you can share. Thank you!
Understanding Menstruation and Period Pain: Navigating What's Normal
At 19 years of age and identifying as transgender male (without any gender-affirming treatments yet), I find myself navigating the complexities of menstruation and the accompanying discomfort. My BMI categorizes me as overweight, and while I haven’t been regularly exercising, I recently left a job where I lifted heavy items. My daily activity still keeps me quite mobile, managing to walk around 15,000 steps each day, primarily relying on walking, cycling, or public transportation for my travels. Ethnically, I'm Caucasian, with roots mainly in Irish, Polish, and Italian backgrounds, although I’m unsure how much that’s relevant to my discussion. This year marked my first attempt at tracking my menstrual cycles, with the durations of my periods being 42 days, 30 days, and 38 days respectively. Currently, I am not on any medication. In my past, I was prescribed Prozac for a brief six-month period when I was 15. My experience with that medication wasn’t positive, and after expressing my concerns to my psychiatrist — who dismissed my worries — I decided to stop suddenly. Surprisingly, I faced no withdrawal symptoms and felt relief almost immediately afterward. I’ve been diagnosed with autism (requiring low support), bulimia, and a few other mental health issues that probably don’t have much bearing on this situation. Physically, I don't have any diagnosed medical conditions that I’m aware of. From what I learned in my human sexuality class, menstrual cycles typically range from 21 to 35 days. This information has amplified my long-standing worry about the pain I experience during my period, especially since my cycles tend towards the longer side. My period experiences have varied significantly; on one occasion, I had no symptoms leading up to my period, but then suddenly faced severe cramps with no warning. This escalated so quickly that I lost sensation in my legs, and I began bleeding only moments later. Conversely, there are times when I don’t experience any symptoms at all, which, although delightful, is quite rare. Typically, the discomfort is so intense that over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief; I have even unwittingly taken too much medication in desperate attempts to alleviate the pain. Using a heating pad at maximum temperature, alongside pain relief, sometimes helps, but on some occasions, neither has any effect. During my periods, I have also experienced nausea, numbness, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to light. My menstrual flow seems to fall within the moderate range; while there are infrequent times when I need to change sanitary products every hour, this isn’t the norm and adds to the unpredictability of my cycle. Additionally, the number of days I bleed can be quite sporadic. My mother has never fully understood the extent of my pain and only bought a heating pad after she grew exasperated with my attempts to soak towels in warm water. This suggests to me that she doesn’t grasp the severity of what I endure, leading me to question whether I might be overreacting. Regardless, it feels as though I'm one of the few individuals I know who consistently suffers from incapacitating pain, although I don’t face any discomfort outside of my menstruation. Is this level of pain considered normal? My mother has suggested that I see a gynecologist, but the very thought of it terrifies me for various reasons. Furthermore, there isn’t anyone in my family I can approach for guidance, as discussions about menstruation are generally taboo. I had to learn about it all on my own when I had my first period. I might seek professional help from a gynecologist at some point, but I prefer to delay that unless absolutely necessary.
Experiencing Gluteal Inhibition and Motor Control Issues Following a Fall
I am a 59-year-old woman in good health and fitness, adhering to a daily exercise regimen that includes spinning, weightlifting, and bootcamp workouts—essentially, I enjoy staying active! Nine weeks ago, I had an unfortunate incident where I fell backward onto a sofa armrest, impacting my left glute quite hard. Since that event, I have developed a persistent issue with my hip and groin. Comprehensive examinations, including X-rays and an MRI conducted on my lumbar spine, hip, and thigh, have revealed no structural injuries, hematomas, implant complications (I have a left total hip replacement), or nerve compression. However, I am experiencing: * A deep throbbing and aching sensation in my groin, outer hip, and glute region. * These symptoms seem to shift unexpectedly; at times my groin aches, and at others, my glute is affected, without any recognizable pattern. * While walking might feel manageable initially, pain tends to intensify about 30 to 90 minutes afterward. * I can engage in exercises without difficulty at the moment, yet discomfort surfaces later, particularly after lower body workouts—it's as if I pay for it after the fact. * Application of heat provides some relief. * I do not experience any clicking, instability, or sharp pains. * Notably, this pattern echoes a similar episode I had years ago, where no underlying structural issues were identified, and it eventually faded without explanation. * Prior to my fall, I maintained a strong and fit physique, exercising daily. Despite consulting with physiotherapists who are puzzled by my condition, I discovered through ChatGBT that my symptoms align with gluteal inhibition or a motor control dysfunction known as Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI). In AMI, the glutes may ‘switch off’ post-trauma, leading to overcompensation and discomfort in other muscle groups like the TFL, adductors, and deep rotators. This perspective certainly resonates with my experience. Has anyone else dealt with similarly persistent symptoms alongside normal imaging results, coupled with significant aching and throbbing, particularly following physical activity? If you have, I would love to know what has aided your recovery or relief. Thank you!
Chronic Discomfort in Nose and Throat at Home
I am a 38-year-old transgender individual, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds. My medication regimen includes lamotrigine, estradiol, levothyroxine, guanfacine, and gabapentin. Additionally, I have a medical history that includes bipolar disorder, vaginoplasty, and an appendectomy. Greetings, I've been facing a troubling issue over the past few years, marked by irritation in my nose and throat when I find myself in specific settings. This sensation is notably intense in my own residence, where I experience a nearly continuous discomfort in these areas. To elaborate, the moment I enter an environment that triggers these symptoms, I start to feel a swelled sensation in my nose, accompanied by mucus accumulating in my throat. As I linger in such places, the discomfort intensifies further. A consistent characteristic of these environments seems to be the presence of strong, unpleasant odors. Ideally, I would remove myself from this situation; however, since I have recently signed a lease for my apartment, that’s not an immediate option. I have already undergone allergy testing, consulted with an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and met with my primary care physician, but unfortunately, I have yet to find any satisfactory answers. Currently, I am largely in a state of persistent pain while at home, which has become exceedingly challenging to manage. While I'm not necessarily looking for a definitive solution, I am feeling quite lost regarding how to proceed from this point. A friend mentioned the possibility of it being Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Any insights or guidance would be immensely appreciated, as I long to reclaim a sense of normalcy in my life.
Persistent Pain in My Left Arm
A 24-year-old woman describes her experience with discomfort in her left arm. While she is slightly overweight, she maintains a generally healthy and active lifestyle, rarely consumes alcohol, but does engage in vaping. For the past few weeks — possibly pushing into a second month — she has been enduring significant pain in her left arm. The discomfort begins at the back of her bicep and extends to her armpit, gradually shifting down to her elbow over several hours. At the same time, she experiences numbness and pain in her wrist and hand, which tends to subside while she is asleep but returns quickly upon waking and moving around. Importantly, she reports no accompanying pain in her chest, neck, or jaw. However, she does note a sharp sensation located between her shoulder blades that resembles pinched nerve pain, an issue she has encountered before, alongside a history of bulging discs in her spine. She also mentions experiencing occasional heartburn and neck stiffness, yet her resting heart rate remains consistently within the 60s to 70s beats per minute range, and during physical activity, it typically doesn’t exceed 120 bpm. Given these symptoms, she is wondering if there is cause for concern.