Page 118 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

It can be pretty overwhelming to go from a normal meal to using an auto-injector, riding in an ambulance, and visiting the emergency room. Following the reaction, it is normal to feel uneasy, anxious or generally a little “off” after everything you’ve been through. The recovery process may take a little while and that is okay. There is no right or wrong way to recover emotionally after a reaction. Just remember that it’s normal to feel shaken up. But you will be okay. Many others have been through and overcome similar emotions after experiencing a serious incident like a life-threatening reaction.
When things go right
An Ironic Reaction, by Erika
I was on my way to an allergy and asthma conference. I had time before my flight and decided that I would grab a salad at the restaurant before going through security. I wrote down a long list of my food allergies and explained cross-contamination to the server. Unfortunately, even though she had assured me that everything would be fine, I suffered an anaphylactic reaction. I administered the epinephrine auto-injector and the restaurant called 9-1-1. They monitored my vitals once I was at the hospital. The conference was starting the next day and I did not want to miss it. I had experienced so many emotions, notably anger, fear, and sadness that I missed my flight and would spend the night in the hospital.
Spending a few hours at the hospital on my own gave me time to reflect. I thought about the fact that I had taken all the necessary precautions and that it was beyond my control. I concluded that I would never eat at an airport before a flight again. I reasoned with myself that it was not worth the risk and considered it a learning experience. I tried to relax. Everything was okay. I was at the hospital, doctors were taking care of me, and I would be on the next flight out to Quebec City. I did not have much time to dwell on what had happened. I needed to focus on getting myself on the plane. When the doctors gave me the green light to leave, my friend picked me up and we drove to the only pharmacy in town that was open. We filled my prescription for a new epinephrine auto-injector as I needed to have a second one with me. I told myself it was a “bump in the road” or “minor detour.” I was not going to miss the conference nor was I going to miss seeing my family. I put the events behind me and boarded the plane with a clear head.
My family took me to the hotel once I arrived in Quebec City. We laughed at the irony that I had an anaphylactic reaction on the way to an allergy and asthma conference! My story was the talk of the conference. I learned that the best thing to do after a reaction is to reflect and then move on. It is important not to be stuck in a negative headspace. Staying positive is always the best course of action.
Recovering Physically and Emotionally, by Karen
I once had to leave work early because I was not feeling well. I did not realize that I was having an allergic reaction because the symptoms were not what I recognized. So, when I had to stop in the middle