Severe crustacean/shellfish allergy

[weregoingtodw]

I was just diagnosed today with a severe crustacean and shellfish allergy and quite frankly, I'm at a loss. I am pescetarian (meaning that I eat a strictly vegetarian diet, with the exeption fo seafood). To cut all crustaceans and shellfish out of my diet is obviously a huge step, and I'm not sure where to start. I know that I can't eat in restaurants where it's prepared, breathe the fumes, touch dishes, etc., and to carry both my Epipen and Benadryl, but what other practical knowledge do I need? Is there a list somewhere of restaurants that are seafood allergen free?

I seriously need a crash course in this. PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[Michigan]

I am severely allergic to all fish and have almost died more then once. You pretty much take your life in your hands when you eat out anywhere. I take Zyrtec to stop some of the cross reactions but just make Benadryl your best friend.

Disney is very good that their seafood is never in the same area as the other food.

 

[weregoingtodw]

Thanks for the reply. I had two very severe reactions two days apart this past week (the doctors initially thought I was dealing with a parasite-induced gastroenteritis). Once I was feeling a bit better after the initial reaction, my husband made me some seafood chowder. I still wasn't feeling well and fortunately only ate one bite before I decided it wouldn't do well with my system. That, and the fact that the doctors in the hospital erroneously thought I was having an allergic reaction to one of my medications, most likely saved my life.

I already carry an Epipen due to other allergies but my doctor told me today to carry Benadryl as well. Ugh, this just stinks. I live on the east coast too, within just a few miles of the water. You pretty much can't eat out at all without some shellfish exposure.

 

[onesadduck]

The only thing I can think of would be to eat out at vegan/vegetarian restaurants. I know some really good vegan restaurants in CA. I even got my meat-eating grandparents to go to one- and they loved it! (and these are people who generally wouldn't even consider tofu a food) I suggest looking them up and calling them in advance to make sure there are no shellfish/crustacean products- but a vegan restaurant should be okay.