Eating Out Paranoid

[Kimvoen123]

Hello All!

So I have been diagnosed with a food allergy that's pretty bad. I have a lot of social engagements that I must attend and have noticed that my worry about the allergy has really caused me anxiety. For instance, if anyone at the table has the food that I'm allergic to, I immediately want to leave . I cannot do this because a lot of times, it's in a business setting.

Am I being overly concerned here? Or how do you manage the fear of the food?

Thanks in advance!

[talkhealth]

Hi Kimvoen123

Thank you for your post. Do have a read of Tracy's blog here, https://bit.ly/2MMdhdq, specifically about food allergies, we hope you find it useful.

Kind regards
talkhealth

[Jenb2611]

I totally understand- it feels like a mine field once you know how much you should avoid and realise your life’s in someone’s hands. I will be honest and say that for a while I curbed my socialising- especially after taking ill despite giving clear instructions to the waiting staff they still served me contaminated food in one restaurant. It makes you nervous. I decided I was going to have a life though, I stick to a small number of safe places, if going somewhere new - like a chain, I check in advance. Places like frankie & Bennies have an app. If a place can’t provide an accurate list, I don’t eat. If I have to be at an event and can’t guarantee safety I take my own food or eat beforehand. I always have an exit plan - someone who knows if I leave the table with my medibag then I’m in trouble. I check distance to the nearest a&e even when booking holidays. I let those around me know I have allergies- so they know it’s not me being fussy. I have notified my employer and my staff team so everyone knows if and why I’m unwell. Your employer has to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability/Equality Act. It’s worth getting yourself a medi bracelet and keeping an info card on your person. I do have a good social life now I feel in control of the outcome and I feel I can kind of manage the risks. I’m still waiting on clarity though.

Good luck!

[talkhealth]

Hi Jenb2611

Thank you for your very helpful reply to Kimvoen123.

Kind regards
talkhealth

[FranklinB]

I test link totally understand- it feels like a mine field once you know how much you should avoid and realise your life’s in someone’s hands. I will be honest and say that for a while I curbed my socialising- especially after taking ill despite giving clear instructions to the waiting staff they still served me contaminated food in one restaurant. It makes you nervous. I decided I was going to have a life though, I stick to a small number of safe places, if going somewhere new - like a chain, I check in advance. Places like frankie & Bennies have an app. If a place can’t provide an accurate list, I don’t eat. If I have to be at an event and can’t guarantee safety I take my own food or eat beforehand. I always have an exit plan - someone who knows if I leave the table with my medibag then I’m in trouble. I check distance to the nearest a&e even when booking holidays. I let those around me know I have allergies- so they know it’s not me being fussy. I have notified my employer and my staff team so everyone knows if and why I’m unwell. Your employer has to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability/Equality Act. It’s worth getting yourself a medi bracelet and keeping an info card on your person. I do have a good social life now I feel in control of the outcome and I feel I can kind of manage the risks. I’m still waiting on clarity though.

Good luck!

I can definitely relate. Every time I'm eating at a place I've never eaten at before, I get all kinds of scenarios going through my head. But it gets a bit better with time. At least that was the case with me. It's no longer debilitating, let's just say that.

[FranklinB]

I can definitely relate. Every time I'm eating at a place I've never eaten at before, I get all kinds of scenarios going through my head. But it gets a bit better with time. At least that was the case with me. It's no longer debilitating, let's just say that.

[varunranait]

Hi

I completely agree that it's form of food allergy, in mid-twenties I too suffered food poisoning. I was diagnosed of anxiety which was a result of eating disorders so I went for a therapy which taught relaxation and many other safety precautions before you start to eat.

Thanks & Regards
varunranait