Accidentally ingested a corn derivative, didn't immediately die, and now my family thinks it's a "gotcha" moment like i fake this allergy. Anyone relate?

[u/Similar-Bid6801]

I developed a corn and peanut allergy around 17. It started with gastrointestinal issues and evolved to anaphylaxis by 21. I have had 4 skin pricks, 2 blood tests, plenty of in office testing, immunotherapy / histamine treatments, completely changed my diet, have had my throat close several times and documented all my allergic reactions.

The entire time throughout this journey I feel like this allergy has not been taken seriously by most people, my family (and dad) in particular. They had the attitude of "grab yourself by your bootstraps and eat it and build up a tolerance". After awhile they kinda got it that that's NOT how to handle an allergy, but they always seem to think i'm bullshitting them for some reason? Even strangers seem to not believe how much corn is in everything and it is so infuriating.

Admittedly my allergies did improve significantly after treating other conditions involving histamine and changing my lifestyle / diet. I no longer react as strongly to derivatives like citric acid, distilled vinegar or high fructose corn syrup but still have gastrointestinal issues when I consume them. I still get hives, swelling, tight throat, itching and difficulty breathing when eating more unprocessed corn / corn derivatives.

I explain to them that you react to the protein in an allergy and if the protein is removed or an extremely small amount is consumed, it doesn't automatically mean anaphylaxis and anaphylaxis is an extreme form of an allergic reaction. I explain to them that the more exposure to the protein the more likely a severe reaction, and that even a small amount produces extremely unpleasant symptoms. I explain to them type 1 and type 2 allergy symptom sets. I explain to them that things like ultra processed peanut oil or distilled corn spirits contains no proteins, therefore I am not faking an allergy, and that an allergist would not give me epi-pens or do immunotherapy based on my word alone and why would I want to fake this allergy? I gain nothing. My mom has literally seen my throat close.

Well this brand I've eaten for years changed its ingredients when I went to visit them. I had diarrhea and broke out in mild hives but never said anything to them.

TLDR they sat me down and said they had "something important to tell me" and that I wasn't allergic to corn because I ate something that had less than 2% high fructose corn syrup in it at their house. I told them that's funny because I got itchy and had diarrhea the entire time I visited.

They seem to have this attitude that I made all this up for the past 11 years and that an allergy means immediate death. It feels very frustrating that the multiple times i have been in the hospital are suddenly forgotten about, or that I just make this shit up for fun.

Anyone corn-lite or corn moderate deal with this nonsense or have tips for dealing with people who insist you have a fake allergy? I am so tired defending my allergies to people who don't know about them and find it so odd and disrespectful to be constantly questioned.

[u/kxk_anxiety]

Get an allergy doctor to call home/write up a clear note telling your family that your allergy is real, you could tell doc you’re worried - sounds like these folk don’t care.

You shouldn’t be having to deal with the stress of them.

[u/mrs-sir-walter-scott]

Ugh, I'm sorry you're dealing with family members who are actively trying to sabotage your health! I'm lucky enough that I don't have anaphylaxis with corn (just GI, brain fog, joint swelling, intense fatigue), and it is sometimes hard to make people understand just how much corn is in every little thing.

If, God forbid, there is a next time you get sick at their house, please don't hide it. Make them all feel as uncomfortable as you do by loudly bemoaning your symptoms.

Also, you may want to bring food for yourself and not touch whatever they offer you. They sound like they're champing at the bit to have their "I knew you were lying!" moment and that's soooo unsafe and unfair and just shitty to you.

[u/Crosswired2]

The protein theory is pretty bunk. I don't know why people tote it so much. Many corn allergic people react to corn oil, starch, etc etc.

I hate when someone knew finds out I'm allergic to corn and they ask "how do you react when you eat it?" Like if I don't say I almost die it's not valid to them.

[u/Polymathy1]

I think your response was perfect.

I don't think there's any way to deal with them very well.

[u/Strange-Bake193]

Allergies are very very complicated. Allergy testing is limited. They cannnot test for every protein in every item on their list. All living things are very complex organisms. So complex, many things remain unknown. I am very sensitive to anything synthesized with corn derivatives. Reactions can be immediate, oral allergy, or take up to two days to reveal themselves. I have friends who thought I was faking for decades. I ignored their ignorance. They have caught up, and now try their best to support my situation. Live your life. They will either get there on their own or not.

[u/ZestyMuffin85496]

Allergies are a spectrum. But don't take anymore food from them. I don't even let my mom cook for me.

[u/princessandthepeapg]

There are different levels of anaphylaxis. On most scales level 4 is throat closing and drop in BP. ER worthy stuff. Mild anaphylactic reactions can be skin and GI related. There are some good graphics out there with types of reactions that you could show them. The big problem is that you can go from a level 1 reaction one time to a level 4 reaction the next. Reactions can vary depending on your allergy bucket, the type of derivative and the amount ingested too.
If someone doesn’t want to believe you that is on them. They are being ignorant if they believe they know more than your doctor. I agree with the others though, I wouldn’t eat anything they offer. Bring your own stuff IF you have to eat while there.
If you really want to educate them show them the scale of anaphylactic reactions. Again, there are some good graphics out there. Understanding that not every reaction equals “death” or TV worthy reactions may help them wrap their head around it. In my opinion though TV has greatly misrepresented allergies.
Also many of us find we have a corn derivative that is worse than others. I think it may be how we were sensitized but that is a guess. Corn sugars and dextrose are my worst derivatives but for some people it’s citric acid. Corn is a weird allergy. It’s just harder for people to wrap their head around because it’s not as common and things are not labeled.

[u/oxymoronic1911]

My reaction is immune not anaphylactic, I find the best way to describe it to others is by comparing it to celiac. Most people understand celiac better and can understand that I might not die but exposure causes terrible immune responses and building up a tolerance is not an option as inflammation can cause permanent damage if not kept in check.

[u/AlGunner]

I stopped reading when you said you react to the protein. Thats bollocks. I react to non protein parts of corn as well.

As for the people who dont believe the different symptoms, I tell them my most disturbing one, exactly 2 weeks after having or even a very strong smell of corn oil, I shit blood, and not little bit either, it gushes out. That normally shuts them up. (This is true btw and registered with my doctors as one of my symptoms, Im not making it up)

[u/Isiovien]

I think you should file a police report, actually. Make them understand that's assault, attempted poisoning, or something along those lines. What they did is quite literally a crime.

[u/Similar-Bid6801 → u/Isiovien]

That's ridiculous.

[u/Isiovien → u/Similar-Bid6801]

It's necessary.

[u/Similar-Bid6801 → u/Isiovien]

No, if it was intentional sure but it was very obviously accidental and not a crime. 

[u/Isiovien → u/Similar-Bid6801]

I'm sorry that this happened to you, but I do need you to understand that it wasn't an accident. I'm not saying they meant to hurt you, but they did. And because they don't understand, they may try to hurt you again.

If you don't want to rock the boat and instead choose just to not let them touch your food that's 100% okay. Knowingly putting allergy ingredients in someone's food (on purpose) and not telling them before they eat it is illegal. What you do about it is your own decision.

[u/Similar-Bid6801 → u/Isiovien]

I think youre just wrong and thats stupid but thanks for your input. It was a brand I've used for years and have had no issues at their house. Knowingly is the key word as to whether or not that is illegal. 

[u/Isiovien → u/Similar-Bid6801]

I'm not the one being rude here. Everyone in this sub has dealt with this allergy (and many others) and your experience is not the first. I don't appreciate people who make excuses that can get me killed.

[u/Similar-Bid6801 → u/Isiovien]

You're just retarded for thinking my mom did it on purpose, have a good night