Comment from Karyn Zaremba
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: A private individual who suffers from Alpha Gal syndrome and tick-related health issues describes the significant lifestyle restrictions and health risks they face. They advocate for better food labeling and more effective strategies for tick control.
I was diagnosed with Alpha Gal 5 years ago. What a life changer! No more eating at restaurants or even deli pick ups due to cross contamination. I’m retired and we were set to travel in our RV for a year. I had to cook, from scratch, that whole time. Sometimes I reacted to an unknown source of mammal. My attempt at eating pancakes ina restaurant resulted in a quick trip to the ladies room. Apparently the same grill was used for bacon earlier that day. The only safe food is homemade. Or possibly certified vegan or organic, but it’s necessary to screen even that for carrageenan. I changed to an anti inflammatory diet as well and sent a lot of time worrying about, shopping and preparing my food. Now I’m in remission and doing my best to avoid ticks. I’m from Arkansas so that’s impossible. I just got three in the driveway. Now I don’t go off my porch. Again, life changing. We could really use good labeling and strategies for tick controls. This is becoming an unseen pandemic.