Giving Thanks on My Allergies Journey

I never expected or wanted allergies to be a part of my story. But food, environmental, and seasonal allergies have all played key roles. Environmental and seasonal allergies appeared around 2004 but went undetected for some time. Food allergies came on the scene in 2008.

Allergies have certainly added conflict to my story. But they also led to good changes and growth that moved me forward on my journey. During my struggles with allergies over the last 15 years, I still found reasons to give thanks.

Thanks for Doctors and Treatments

A doctor was the first to suspect allergies had a part in my health condition. She ordered tests that confirmed my diagnosis of food allergies. Then she laid out a treatment plan and referred me to my current primary care physician (PCP).

My PCP has also played an instrumental role in my health care. She has ordered tests as needed and helped to identify my other allergies. She has informed me of a variety of treatments available and guided me in choosing the best one for me. The guidance and treatments have helped me better manage my allergies and my overall health care.

Thanks for Family and Friends

I feel truly fortunate to have family and friends who care about me and my health. Many have made extra efforts to ensure I have something good and safe to eat at gatherings. Following are a few examples that I recall with gratitude:

My mother has adapted family recipes so I can eat our favorite meals too.
On every visit to my mother-in-law, she has prepared me a special soup or a large salad with fresh greens, sweet fruits, and avocado.
My dad and siblings have bought and/or cooked special food for me from chicken and turkey to fruits and vegetables.
A friend ordered a mini, gluten-free Bundt cake for me to enjoy at her daughter’s birthday party.

Even my young son is willing to dish up special food for his mama. He is aware that I cannot eat certain things and often asks if what we are eating is gluten-free. When we play with toy food, he lets me know his meals do not contain gluten or cow’s milk.

Thanks for Restaurants and Stores

I am so grateful for restaurants and stores that consider the needs of people with allergies. Over the years, the amount of allergen-friendly food and product options has increased. I can even find selections that work for me at local restaurants and stores in my small hometown of Taylor, Texas.

I appreciate the ways some restaurants accommodate people with food allergies. Many restaurant managers include dairy-free and gluten-free dishes on their menus. Upon request, they share ingredient lists so customers can ensure their selection does not contain other allergens.

Some restaurants excel at catering to people with special dietary needs. The cooks and wait staff happily make changes to meals, if needed. For instance, I often ask for different sides, no condiments and sauces, or a bed of lettuce in place of bread.

Thanks for Strength

I am thankful for the strength I have had to endure on my health journey. Power is needed to handle the daily challenges that come with chronic illnesses like allergies. Attending doctor’s appointments, buying medicines, planning meals, and so forth takes energy.

My personal source of strength is my faith. When I feel weak, I turn to the God who created and empowers me. Communing with my God through prayer uplifts my spirit and refreshes my soul. This in turn increases my physical energy.

One of my favorite verses from the Bible is Philippians 4:13. The New International Version reads as follows: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” I give thanks for the promise of strength when I become weary from dealing with allergies.

Thanks for Community

Finally, I am thankful for the community of other people with allergies. I find these individuals on Allergies.net and throughout society. Some are my own family members and longtime friends. Their very presence reminds me I am not alone on my health journey.

The allergies community offers so much to individuals like me. They share encouragement and insight gleaned from their own experiences. They provide recommendations and point to helpful resources. Some have even created books and other products to aid this unique group.

Developing allergies was an unexpected turn of events in my story. But even more astonishing are the doctors, treatments, family, friends, restaurants, stores, strength, and community that have helped me along the way. Indeed, I have lots of reasons to give thanks.