No it's not that I don't like it I'm allergic!

[GigglyFigment]

I think saying you're allergic because you don't like something is an entirely different subject--and one of the reasons the allergy world isn't taken seriously. It's no different than faking you need a GAC at WDW when you really don't.

I really don't understand this. It *is* different because it's far easier to say "I'm allergic" than explain why you don't like to eat something that is a common ingredient. People eating what they want to eat doesn't hurt anyone. I really don't get how it's any different than someone choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. They'd "dislike" eating certain things and I know sometimes it's far easier to say you're allergic to hidden animal products like dairy and eggs rather than try to explain the vegan diet.

I can understand if someone is dramatic about their preferences - I had a friend who would go on and on and on about being allergic to ground beef but would eat steak. I just attributed that to her being immature and dramatic, not a blanket statement for people who have allergies.

I think it'd be much better if we just respected any mention of an allergy rather than going on about "real" allergies and "fake" allergies. If both are respected then no one gets hurt or "tested".

 

[worm761]

I think it's one thing to say you're allergic when you have true reactions--whether they be immediate anaphylactic reactions or 4 hour later gut reactions.

I think saying you're allergic because you don't like something is an entirely different subject--and one of the reasons the allergy world isn't taken seriously. It's no different than faking you need a GAC at WDW when you really don't.

DS has life threatening reactions to egg, dairy and soy (ER trips/hospitalizations) and has tested so high for peanut and tree nuts that the allergist won't even let us trial them.

He starts kindergarten this fall and it terrifies me to think of someone slipping something in his food to "test" him. This is my worst nightmare! He would have to be epi'ed immediately (which is why he carries his epipen on him at all times). We also have a strict "no food if its not sent by mom or dad" rule.

I agree with you! I have a sister that doesn't like onions. She tells people she is allergic. She has never had a reaction in her life. It irritates me since I do have a food allergy.

I had a friend whose son was so allergic to milk that he would have to use an epi if he touched something that someone who had touched something with milk in it. Needless to say, she decided to homeschool. It was safer for him.
I also have a nephew with PKU. He cannot have protein. Protein is in just about everything. He can eat most fruits and vegetables. No nuts, meat, flour, dairy, the list is endless. Try explaining that to people. LOL

 

[mhsjax]

I think it's one thing to say you're allergic when you have true reactions--whether they be immediate anaphylactic reactions or 4 hour later gut reactions.

I think saying you're allergic because you don't like something is an entirely different subject--and one of the reasons the allergy world isn't taken seriously. It's no different than faking you need a GAC at WDW when you really don't.

DS has life threatening reactions to egg, dairy and soy (ER trips/hospitalizations) and has tested so high for peanut and tree nuts that the allergist won't even let us trial them.

He starts kindergarten this fall and it terrifies me to think of someone slipping something in his food to "test" him. This is my worst nightmare! He would have to be epi'ed immediately (which is why he carries his epipen on him at all times). We also have a strict "no food if its not sent by mom or dad" rule.

I have to say that I don't know where people or who people know that they actually come in contact with anyone that would not believe a parent and try and slip the child something to "test" them. Everyone in my world is hyper sensitive, to the extreme. I have friends whose kids do have true allergic life threatening allergies and because I know the kids, other people will ask me things about foods, foods that are no where near being an offender.

I think that in reality, it isn't people saying that they are allergic to food when they aren't that are causing the problem it is the total "nut cases' out there and people who wouldn't believe you no matter what you said. I cant' believe that these type of people exist. CRAZY. I mean I do believe it, you guys have experience with it, but I can't believe anyone is that stupid. And with this level of stupidity, these isn't anything that any of us could say or do to change that.

 

[Poohforyou]

I think it's one thing to say you're allergic when you have true reactions--whether they be immediate anaphylactic reactions or 4 hour later gut reactions.

I think saying you're allergic because you don't like something is an entirely different subject--and one of the reasons the allergy world isn't taken seriously. It's no different than faking you need a GAC at WDW when you really don't.

DS has life threatening reactions to egg, dairy and soy (ER trips/hospitalizations) and has tested so high for peanut and tree nuts that the allergist won't even let us trial them.

He starts kindergarten this fall and it terrifies me to think of someone slipping something in his food to "test" him. This is my worst nightmare! He would have to be epi'ed immediately (which is why he carries his epipen on him at all times). We also have a strict "no food if its not sent by mom or dad" rule.

Sorry, but I completely disagree. My saying I'm allergic to mushrooms has no impact on anyone else. I don't go around telling people that I'm not really allergic but instead just dislike them. For all anyone knows I have a real allergy.

People sneaking stuff in are idiots.

My claiming to need a gac does impact others by increasing wait time for people that really need it.

 

[kkandaj]

I think there's a big difference between how people handle food sensitivities and just the blanket statement that if you say you're allergic just because something gives you gas then you're a jerk. (And gas IS a sign of a sensitivity that could very well become a full-blown allergy.)

In most settings, it's far easier for me to just say "I'm allergic" when asked rather than say "I can't eat dairy this time of day or I'll be up all night with explosive diarrhea." I'm pretty sure people want to enjoy their ice cream without THAT picture in their minds.

Above is what I meant by "if it causes a reaction at all, I can understand." I cannot understand choosing to be vegan and then blaming it on a food allergy. Just because something's easier doesn't make it right. And trust me--the food allergy life isn't "easy" by any means--try ordering something egg, dairy, soy, peanut and tree nut free--with no possibility of cross contamination. Then when there isn't anything for your 5 yr old to eat, explain to him that he will have to eat what mama brought for him. Explain this to him every.single.time you go ANYWHERE--restaurants, birthday parties, family reunions, Costco on sample day. It wouldn't be okay to "pretend" you have any other disease or illness, but because it's food allergies and "doesn't harm anyone" it's okay?

She puts it in stuff to test my allergy. Or maybe she just forgets.........for a long time I thought I just didn't like it. My mouth would get numb with small amounts. Then once I threw up I asked my doctor. He sent me for tests and yep allergic. I have a severe penicillin allergy. I stopped breathing the one time it was given to me.

She will also tell me to just scrap it off when she puts it on top of things (melted)

I feel for the adults that develop allergies too because people think you are faking. That you just don't want to eat it. Usually throwing up on the table is enough to get them to believe!

To the OP, I'm so sorry, and I empathize. I'm allergic (technically severely intolerant) to peppers (the veggie, not the spice) and certain types of mushrooms.
I have caught my mother more than once feeding me something with visible peppers and denying it. Soooo frustrating!
But where it got scary was when she fed my extremely peanut allergic niece peanut butter cookies. Maddie doesn't know what pb tastes like, but she sure as hell knew what was going on when her throat started closing up. At 9 years of age she used her epipen on herself and called 911! Mom actually told the paramedics "Well that's how I cured my daughter's allergies"! That explained so much of my childhood... My poor sister had to decide whether or not to press charges. Needless to say, mom never gets to see her granddaughter unsupervised anymore
A large part of why we love Disney so much is because of how fantastic they are at handling food allergies.

My in-laws claimed that I wasn't really allergic to strawberries or shellfish, but instead I was just a picky eater. They grilled chicken one Sunday along with shrimp. FIL used the same tongs to flip the shrimp and the chicken, plus he had the shrimp on the higher shelf of the grill, dripping down onto the chicken. Even after seeing my allergic reaction the still insisted that I was just picky.

I'm also allergic to the penicillin family as well as the sulfa family. Add wine to the list of things I'm allergic to as well. Try explaining that one to people!

I have to say that I don't know where people or who people know that they actually come in contact with anyone that would not believe a parent and try and slip the child something to "test" them. Everyone in my world is hyper sensitive, to the extreme. I have friends whose kids do have true allergic life threatening allergies and because I know the kids, other people will ask me things about foods, foods that are no where near being an offender.

I think that in reality, it isn't people saying that they are allergic to food when they aren't that are causing the problem it is the total "nut cases' out there and people who wouldn't believe you no matter what you said. I cant' believe that these type of people exist. CRAZY. I mean I do believe it, you guys have experience with it, but I can't believe anyone is that stupid. And with this level of stupidity, these isn't anything that any of us could say or do to change that.

There are 3 examples just on this thread of this happening--in fact the whole reason the thread was even started. I have several friends that have had this happen. It DOES happen! Thankfully, I have pictures of DS reacting and it has happened in front of family members so they don't want to offer any type of food to DS. This is one of the reasons DS doesn't eat food from anywhere else--whether the person put the ingredient in the food on purpose or not, if it's in there he could die.

As is probably obvious through my posts, this is a very emotional issue for me, so probably best that I step out of this thread at this time. When you have held your child lifeless in your arms multiple times running into the ER because of one bite of food, people saying they're "allergic" to something just because they don't like the taste and it's "easier" rubs you the wrong way.

 

[WDSearcher]

Ok hello it's my Mom that does this all the time.i am one of the small % with a penicillin allergy that is also then allergic to blue cheese. (they use penicillin to get the "blue mold" lines to form) so small that most are not allergic. But I am!

So when my mom mentions a recipe with blue cheese in it she replies oh ut you don't like blue cheese. No I do like it but it makes me sick if I eat it so I don't.

Rant over.

Honestly ... this is just semantics, isn't it? I mean, you're allergic to it and can't eat it, so whether you technically like the taste or not doesn't really matter, does it? And, honestly ... if something makes you sick if you eat it, then in one respect you probably don't "like" it.

I think you're getting mad over something that isn't in any way meant to annoy you. Sure, she could say, "oh ... but you can't eat blue cheese" instead of "you don't like blue cheese", but does it make that much of a difference?

 

[Piper]

I have the latex, cashew, pistachio, mango, kiwi allergy. No one told me about the relationship of the others--I had to find out the hard way! Angelina Jolie's lips have nothing on mine when I just eat something that has touched one of those. Not to mention the tongue and throat swelling.

Lately, I have been having extremely loose bowels (sorry TMI) I had been trying to eat a banana a day. I have been "out" of bananas for over a week and no "potty problems" for the last few days. I didn't make the connection. I have had my last banana!

Epi pens are my friend.

 

[mhsjax]

Above is what I meant by "if it causes a reaction at all, I can understand." I cannot understand choosing to be vegan and then blaming it on a food allergy. Just because something's easier doesn't make it right. And trust me--the food allergy life isn't "easy" by any means--try ordering something egg, dairy, soy, peanut and tree nut free--with no possibility of cross contamination. Then when there isn't anything for your 5 yr old to eat, explain to him that he will have to eat what mama brought for him. Explain this to him every.single.time you go ANYWHERE--restaurants, birthday parties, family reunions, Costco on sample day. It wouldn't be okay to "pretend" you have any other disease or illness, but because it's food allergies and "doesn't harm anyone" it's okay?









There are 3 examples just on this thread of this happening--in fact the whole reason the thread was even started. I have several friends that have had this happen. It DOES happen! Thankfully, I have pictures of DS reacting and it has happened in front of family members so they don't want to offer any type of food to DS. This is one of the reasons DS doesn't eat food from anywhere else--whether the person put the ingredient in the food on purpose or not, if it's in there he could die.

As is probably obvious through my posts, this is a very emotional issue for me, so probably best that I step out of this thread at this time. When you have held your child lifeless in your arms multiple times running into the ER because of one bite of food, people saying they're "allergic" to something just because they don't like the taste and it's "easier" rubs you the wrong way.

Sure it is a hot topic with you and a very sensitive one, it should be. And I stated that I can't believe that people are that stupid, although I see that several of you have examples. I am thankful that in my life I don't know any idiots like this. I know lots of kids with allergies and we all check with the parents and never feed them anything unless we know it is ok.

AGain, Blame the freaks that you associate with, not those of us who have severe reactions to foods but not life threatening allergies. If they are that stupid, nothing anyone can say or do will fix it and NO I won't stop saying my kid is allergic to dairy. He won't die, but I won't have him put through what he goes through either, sorry if that bothers you. Because I have friends and family that get it and understand, where as some of you seem to have total idiots in your life.

 

[kkandaj]

Sure it is a hot topic with you and a very sensitive one, it should be. And I stated that I can't believe that people are that stupid, although I see that several of you have examples. I am thankful that in my life I don't know any idiots like this. I know lots of kids with allergies and we all check with the parents and never feed them anything unless we know it is ok.

AGain, Blame the freaks that you associate with, not those of us who have severe reactions to foods but not life threatening allergies. If they are that stupid, nothing anyone can say or do will fix it and NO I won't stop saying my kid is allergic to dairy. He won't die, but I won't have him put through what he goes through either, sorry if that bothers you. Because I have friends and family that get it and understand, where as some of you seem to have total idiots in your life.

Again--reactions like your son's (or even minor reactions), I completely understand. I don't feel like just because my son's are life threatening, others shouldn't say they are allergic because their reactions are less severe. Just saying you are allergic because you don't like it is where it gets me.

And everyone we associate with takes DS's allergies very seriously. It's letting him into the big world now that I worry--with people that don't understand as well as my friends/family or your friends/family.

 

[ashley0139]

Honestly ... this is just semantics, isn't it? I mean, you're allergic to it and can't eat it, so whether you technically like the taste or not doesn't really matter, does it? And, honestly ... if something makes you sick if you eat it, then in one respect you probably don't "like" it.

I think you're getting mad over something that isn't in any way meant to annoy you. Sure, she could say, "oh ... but you can't eat blue cheese" instead of "you don't like blue cheese", but does it make that much of a difference?

Maybe with the OPs mother it doesn't make that much of a difference, but in general yes, it makes that much of a difference.

And there is absolutely no reason for people with a preference that they don't have mushrooms, or broccoli, or whatever to say that they have an allergy. There is a huge difference between people possibly dying and you not liking something. I don't see how that's hard to understand. And it does affect other people because when tons of people start doing that, other people start taking allergies less seriously.

 

[kkandaj]

Maybe with the OPs mother it doesn't make that much of a difference, but in general yes, it makes that much of a difference.

And there is absolutely no reason for people with a preference that they don't have mushrooms, or broccoli, or whatever to say that they have an allergy. There is a huge difference between people possibly dying and you not liking something. I don't see how that's hard to understand. And it does affect other people because when tons of people start doing that, other people start taking allergies less seriously.

You said exactly what I mean to say--I just get too worked up to say it so matter of fact.

 

[srferson]

I think it's one thing to say you're allergic when you have true reactions--whether they be immediate anaphylactic reactions or 4 hour later gut reactions.

I think saying you're allergic because you don't like something is an entirely different subject--and one of the reasons the allergy world isn't taken seriously. It's no different than faking you need a GAC at WDW when you really don't.

I agree with this.

Honestly, if it's a significant "intolerance," I have no problem with someone calling it an "allergy." If it's going to cause a physical problem for you, it needs to be left out of your food.

If you don't like it or don't want to eat it, then just say it. If you don't want mushrooms on your salad and someone brings you a salad with mushrooms, just say 'Excuse me, but I asked for no mushrooms.' No reason to pretend you're allergic.

I really don't understand this. It *is* different because it's far easier to say "I'm allergic" than explain why you don't like to eat something that is a common ingredient. People eating what they want to eat doesn't hurt anyone. I really don't get how it's any different than someone choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. They'd "dislike" eating certain things and I know sometimes it's far easier to say you're allergic to hidden animal products like dairy and eggs rather than try to explain the vegan diet.

I disagree. I am a vegan. I feel very strongly about the choice I make. It's more than just a dislike or a pickiness. And it is sometimes a serious pain to have to explain what I will and will not eat in my vegan diet. But I do. Because I am not allergic. Because if someone brings me a sauce that has some milk in it, or a soup with a chicken stock as its base, I'd prefer to know and not eat it. But it will not cause me physical harm or discomfort. So I never call it an allergy.

You may think it doesn't harm anyone else, but I think it's a 'boy who cried wolf' scenario. If a kitchen hears seventeen times a day 'table # has an allergy to such-and-such' they're going to know that a lot of these "allergies" are just people who don't want something in their food. And then they'll start to be less diligent or start to doubt anyone who says they have an allergy. Ideally, that would not be the case. They'd assume the diner is telling the truth and take each and every case very seriously. But we do not live in an ideal world.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with those who are trying to be all PC here.

I really have never heard of anyone going around making up allergies, or pulling the allergy card, unless the 'control' freaks who want to control what you put in your body are pulling a full court press. Which has been demonstrated by many posts here, with examples of totally inappropriate behaviors, such as people 'sneaking' potentially serious and harmful allergens on others.

That is what is not okay.

It should NEVER have to be an issue.
EVER... AT ALL....

A simple no-thank you should do the trick.

Whether or not an 'allergy' is real or imagined is a totally inappropriate conversation. PERIOD

Not your business.

End of story.

 

[Chelley00]

I have multiple adult onset food allergies. I have had multiple blood tests to confirm them. If I eat something on my list, I get severe stomach pains and throw up. A lot.

I've had people tell me I'm not really allergic because I won't die if I eat something.

 

[Wishing on a star]

are JUST people who don't want something in their food.

And, I am calling BS on that....
I could not disagree more strongly.

Look at the emphasis on the JUST, above.
That says it all.

Why should "I would prefer to have this without... " NOT be enough.

Why should somebody be maligned and doubted and pushed and questioned and ignored to the point of feeling like they HAVE to sometimes play the allergy card.

That, again, is what is just not acceptable.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I've had people tell me I'm not really allergic because I won't die if I eat something.

Exactly...
Just not appropriate.

 

[mhsjax]

Again--reactions like your son's (or even minor reactions), I completely understand. I don't feel like just because my son's are life threatening, others shouldn't say they are allergic because their reactions are less severe. Just saying you are allergic because you don't like it is where it gets me.

And everyone we associate with takes DS's allergies very seriously. It's letting him into the big world now that I worry--with people that don't understand as well as my friends/family or your friends/family.

Well at least you have your friends and family on your side, where apparently some here don't. MIND BOGGLING. I feel for those of you who do have these issues, I really do. I have seen what someone with a life threatening allergy can do by simply having one drop of milk touch his cheek, SCARY. Or when a store slices a piece of meat with the slicer that was used to slice cheese. BIG MISTAKE. Some people would think that this isn't a problem. Maybe because I have seen what a little cross contamination can do I am more careful than others or understand more than those who haven't seen what can happen and probably refuse to believe that anyone could have a reaction from just this little bit of contact. It is in fact very scary.

I guess all you can hope for is that his teachers understand and really really really educate your child.

WE all have our hot buttons and this is yours, I understand I really do. Good luck, hopefully you will have wonderful teachers and parents that totally get what happens to your child, then maybe you can trust some of them and as they get older it will probably get easier as well, because he will be better able to deal with symptoms and what is happening to him and to recognize foods that have "hidden ingredients" in them so you won't have to rely as much on those adults taking care of him while he is out of your site.

 

[srferson]

And, I am calling BS on that....
I could not disagree more strongly.

Look at the emphasis on the JUST, above.
That says it all.

Why should "I would prefer to this without... " NOT be enough.

Why should somebody be maligned and doubted and pushed and questioned and ignored to the point of feeling like they HAVE to sometimes play the allergy card.

That, again, is what is just not acceptable.

It should be enough. Again, I will use the word "ideal." Ideally, that should be the end of it. But if it's not, your frustration with that is still not equal to another person's physical reaction to something, especially when it's life threatening.

People doubt others because too many people lie. All I am saying here is, do not lie.

I am not sure how that is supposed to be "PC" or pushy.

 

[JRawkSteady]

people saying they're "allergic" to something just because they don't like the taste and it's "easier" rubs you the wrong way.

Okay look. I have a few legitimate allergies that exacerbate my already prevalent asthma. It is really terrible. I have been hospitalized because of my throat closing up because of mushrooms, fish, and one very extreme circumstance from stage smoke at one of my concerts.

That being said, I have absolutely NO problem with people who fake their allergies. I don't think it's A) effecting me or you in any way whatsoever or B) minimizing any seriousness of your own (or your family's) allergies either. We live in such a "me, me, me" society, that people get SO angry because someone else lies about something we think identifies us. "Only we can have that illness, not you!" Give me a break here. My allergies could easily kill me, but if someone doesn't want to eat something and it's easier to say "I'm allergic" then more power to them. They aren't hurting me in any way.

 

[Poohforyou]

Maybe with the OPs mother it doesn't make that much of a difference, but in general yes, it makes that much of a difference.

And there is absolutely no reason for people with a preference that they don't have mushrooms, or broccoli, or whatever to say that they have an allergy. There is a huge difference between people possibly dying and you not liking something. I don't see how that's hard to understand. And it does affect other people because when tons of people start doing that, other people start taking allergies less seriously.

Yes there is. There aren't strong enough words for me to describe my dislike of mushrooms. I'd eat dirt and bugs before eating them. I'd literally starve to death before eating them. No one gets that.

Even others who say they don't like them will eat them in things like sauce and salads. I've been told to just scrape them off or push them aside. I CAN'T DO THAT AND EAT THE REMAINING FOOD BECAUSE THE MUSHROOM TASTE IS NOW IN EVERYTHING.

Saying I'm allergic immediately gets people off my back and gets me food without a mushroom in sight.

I'll state it again, my doing this doesn't impact anyone else. Once I get food without mushrooms I don't confess that I'm not really allergic so no one is the wiser. I've been saying it for about 30 years so even my family now thinks it's true.