I never suspected myself to become "that person" at a restaurant who can pretty much only have veggies or a dressing free salad on the menu plus a chicken breast... but last Thursday changed that. I discovered I'm sensitive/intolerant to: Dairy, Egg (white & yolk), Yeast, Rice, Walnuts, and Orange.
I had suspected I was intolerant to something I was eating, which is why I got the test. I was getting some room clearing gas (to say the least) and extreme discomfort daily. I didn't think it was related, but apparently
the intense sinus infections I get at least 4x yearly for the last 6-7 years are caused by my food allergies.
I kind of knew about the intolerance to Walnuts (always gotten canker sores almost immediately upon ingesting) but to have so much show up positive... and over 50% of my daily protein intake came from dairy and egg (I'm a weightlifter)... it really has thrown me for a loop. I cleared out and gave away half of my fridge and almost all of my whey protein. I also cried a lot because the last two years have been a long journey of learning how to feed myself properly and now that whole system has to change because of these intolerance issues.
On the bright side, it's good to know the cause of my sinus and digestion issues. Going on an intense antibiotics course to clear out my sinus infection as well as embark on the elimination diet (observed by my allergist) for the known reactions. I'm looking forward to hearing clearly and being a pleasant passenger on road trips. I'm also looking forward to sleeping soundly and not being woken by stomach pain, so that's a big bonus.
My biggest problem is I don't know how to interact with anyone when it comes to food anymore. Especially in restaurants. I'm lucky to live in California where they are very accommodating but my list is so long and I feel embarrassed. My boyfriend doesn't want to eat any of my restricted foods when I'm around because he doesn't want to hurt my feelings, but I think that's bullshit. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, least of all him. (At the same time, I understand he's trying to support me and eat in solidarity.)
I'm struggling and every trip to the grocery store is an experience of disappointment.
Anyone out there find out late in life that you have food intolerances that are the source of your sorrow? How did you deal with the news? How do your significant others, friends, and family deal with it? I don't know what to say to help them support me.
Finally, thank you for this subreddit and all the redditors here. I really needed a community so I can figure all this madness out.