Page 121 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Erika - It can take a few weeks to get back to my usual self after a severe allergic reaction because I feel tired and weak.
Karen - It can take a few days for me to get back to normal, especially back to my normal eating habits. I become super conscientious about what I am eating immediately after a reaction, even in my own home where I know everything is safe. But this amount of time can differ for everyone. So it is hard to justify a set number of days for someone to get back to normal after having an allergic reaction.
Sydney H. - It all depends upon the severity of the reaction and the medicines you are prescribed. The day after, epinephrine can give you what I like to call “an epinephrine hangover” and leave you feeling pretty drowsy and wiped out. Stay positive, rest, and you will be back on your feet in no time.
What advice would you give to someone who just had a reaction?
Erika - I would tell them to take some time to relax and to try not to blame themselves for what happened. Instead, they should focus on what they did right and what they could have done differently. I would tell them that they did well in terms of acting fast with the epinephrine auto-injector and seeking emergency medical treatment. I would also say that they need to focus on the positives.
Karen - I would tell them to walk through the day (if it’s not too difficult for them). That way they can pinpoint what happened and find a way to prevent it next time. Emotionally, I would tell them to relax and try to get back into their normal habits as soon as they can. It’s easy to dwell on something that can be as overwhelming as having an allergic reaction. But it’s easier when things are back to normal because that’s just what you do on a day-to-day basis.
Sydney H. - I would tell someone who just had a reaction that they are not alone and that there are a lot of people like them who have gone through the same thing. It is very scary. But remain positive and thankful that you are okay. It is also important to avoid dwelling on what you could have done differently to prevent the reaction; be thankful that you’re okay! And, of course, remember to let your body rest after a reaction! You have just been through something crazy and have epinephrine rushing through your veins. So let your body sleep and regain its strength!
To wrap it up...
Having an allergic reaction can be a traumatizing experience that leaves you feeling uneasy, nervous, and not quite yourself. Realize that what you’re feeling after a reaction is normal.
There are a few things you can do after a reaction to regroup. First, rest up. Sleep is good and, if you need to take some time off of school or work, that is totally understandable. When you’re feeling a little better, it is a good idea to look back on the incident. Walk through exactly what happened and piece together what went wrong and how it was handled. Think about what you did and figure out if there is