Karen The Walking Allergy

Ditto: Time to say ‘enough’.

http://www.athinkingpatient.com/somatic-disorder-misdiagnosis-mast-cell-activation-conversion/ Last week this topic popped up everywhere.  I have been fighting the ‘it’s all in her head’ for years, and had such stunningly similar experiences. Several patients with MCAS have gone public, and said ‘NO. This isn’t okay. I’ve had enough. This is utterly illogical. It is cruel. It is wasteful of human lives… Read more Ditto: Time to say ‘enough’.

Street Corner Conversation #4 “Have you always had this?”

“No. But yes.” (Helpful, eh?). The longer answer is “Yes, I have had it my whole life. But I didn’t know it, and it was nowhere near as bad as it is now.” It’s amazing what you can see in hindsight. I have had relatively minor ailments my whole life. They were always ‘atypical’ or… Read more Street Corner Conversation #4 “Have you always had this?”

Grace and Frankie: I bet Allison has MCAS.

Grace and Frankie is a fun show on Netflix. It's well done, all around. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play off each other beautifully, and it's a rare bird, that can show depth and emotion and be hysterically funny at the same time. It's made me laugh hard enough that Hubby comes in to check… Read more Grace and Frankie: I bet Allison has MCAS.

I’m going to be paying for this one.. it was worth it! 

Today was my son’s graduation from grade seven- he’ll start highschool next year.  A year ago, going into that gym would have ended with me in the hospital. I premedicated myself like hell, and pulled my mask on tight, and I did it! Well, I watched him get his service award and his certificate, and… Read more I’m going to be paying for this one.. it was worth it! 

“What are you allergic to?” Street conversation #3

“Everything and anything”.  At this point, the person I am talking to goes one of two ways. One group says “That must be hard.”. It’s usually a pretty clear conversation ender. If they say “What? Do you have food allergies, or environmental stuff, or meds. Or???” “Yes.” “Actually, it’s probably; easier to tell you what… Read more “What are you allergic to?” Street conversation #3