My Fake Peanut Allergy

In 2015 I was on my way to NYC for the second time, this time I was driving up with my parents and I was to be their guide through the city. I ❤ NY and the adventure it brings, this trip ended up being a little stressful since I was responsible for the the well being of three people instead of one. In my first trip I had a seasoned friend who guided me through the turmoil of a new city.

As we made a stop in a small city along the way I ate a Choco Taco and had a breathing reaction. Before this event I’d cut down on the amount of peanuts I ate drastically. As I child I’d come home from schools, heap as much peanut butter as I could onto a spoon and thrust it into a cup of yogurt for an after-school-snack. Now my limit was a peanut or two and after the breathing incident I quit eating peanuts completely and have become an avid, terrified label reader frequently asking, “Does this have peanuts in it?”

I told this story to a doctor and she prescribed an Epipen. Since I’ve added cashews and Brazil Nuts to the things I’m allergic to or, possibly, just scared about.

I’ve had several run ins with peanuts by accident over the 5 years. I’ve claimed to be allergic to them and found taking a Benadryl is the best way to handle my sensitivity. Although after a Benadryl I have to go to sleep for at least two hours which puts me out of commission for the day usually.