Page 42 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

industrial-sized garbage bag filled with peanuts! The next thing I knew, everyone was eating them! I even saw people trying to throw nuts into each other’s mouths! I immediately called my parents and had them come pick me up. I was disappointed that I couldn’t stay at the party longer. However, I did not feel comfortable. In the end, it just wasn’t worth it.
Stop, Don’t Shoot! By Caiti
A few summers ago, I was at a bachelorette party for a friend at her cottage. I brought my own beverages and food since I had read the labels ahead of time and knew that they were safe. As the night went on, I may have let my guard down a little. One of the bridesmaids, whom I had never met, was handing out Jello shots. I was offered one and, when I asked her what was in them, she simply replied “just Jello and alcohol.” I asked to read the ingredients of both of them and, after discovering that they did not contain any of my allergens, I had one. A few minutes later, the girl had announced that she had also lined the containers with butter so that the Jello would “slip out easier.” I am allergic to milk, and I immediately felt my throat getting itchy and I started getting hives. I took the auto-injector and had someone drive me to the hospital immediately. Thankfully, the reaction was not as severe as I had feared. I may not have even needed the auto-injector. However, I was really glad that I erred on the side of caution and took the epinephrine. After this experience, I learned that I should stick to having my own food and drinks at parties. I was thinking clearly. But others might not have been.
Quick Tip - Common allergens can sometimes be an ingredient in certain alcohols. Be sure to know what is safe for you to eat AND drink before you party. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to the bartender or host about ingredients.
What would you say? (Q&A)
Hannah, Karen, and Nick
What do you do with your auto-injector at parties?
Hannah - My auto-injector is always in my purse and I always bring my purse with me wherever I go. I
don’t just leave it at the door or with my coat, either. I’m always wearing it on me or have it with me.
Karen - I do not like to carry purses or clutches with me whenever I go out. So, sometimes, if I have to carry a purse, I will. But I normally carry it in my pocket. I recently got a new auto-injector that fits perfectly in my back pocket. It was the best allergy-related decision I’ve recently made!
Nick - I personally have my auto-injector in a pocket or somewhere else on my person at all times when partying.