“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

“You played a part in saving someone’s life this weekend.” (Or: Why am I doing this?)

What?  “Yes.” My doctor continued. “This weekend you very likely saved the life of a woman out East.” “Huh?” (How articulate of me).  My doctor went on to explain that she has a friend who is a doctor, and who has become very interested in my case, and in MCAS. My Doc sends her copies… Read more “You played a part in saving someone’s life this weekend.” (Or: Why am I doing this?)

“What are Mast Cells?” Street conversation #2.

To return to my conversation when I’ve met someone on the street, we’ve answered the “What is the mask for?” that is inevitably the first question. It’s followed by ‘You’ve got MCAS? Okay…what’s that?” The ‘technical’ answer is here, but that doesn’t help much if you have no clue what mast cells are.  I went… Read more “What are Mast Cells?” Street conversation #2.

“So, you’ve been sick your whole life.”

April 2017 A physician said that to me a couple of years ago, and I was startled by it. I’ve had allergies my whole life, but I haven’t always been actively sick. I didn’t see myself as ‘sick’ until November 2011, but looking back, I am realizing that I haven’t been exactly ‘well’, either. People… Read more “So, you’ve been sick your whole life.”