Allergies

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pettmybunny
pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So, after 3 years of suffering migranes and having a plugged ear (think ear infection, only no infection, just the pain), I had surgery several weeks ago. The doctor put a tube in my ear (to relieve the plugged feeling-- it didn't work), did a septoplasmy (sp?) because he thought the different sized nostrils created a negative air flow that caused the ear pain (hmmm... it didn't work either) and removed a lingual tonsil from the back of my tongue (yup, I hadn't heard of one either, but evidently mine was infected and swollen--had nothing to do with the ear pain, but as long as I was under, fix everything, eh?). Still had headaches, still had ear aches.

Next, the doctor suggested allergy testing. Maybe he should have suggested it before surgery, but everyone's gotta make a buck, I guess. Anyways, the allergy testing came back and I'm allergic to grass pollen, pigweed (what the heck is that?), mold, milk and eggs.

"Holy crap!" I thought, I eat eggs probably 3 or 4 times a week for breakfast, not to mention everything that eggs are in.

"Holy crap!" I thought, I drink milk every night at dinner, put it in my coffee, have it on cereal, not to mention everything that has milk in it.

I've only been monitoring it for a little over a week, but I've only had a couple of days where I've had headaches--nowhere near as painful as the migranes I used to have. The ear was clear once or twice too.

Now here's my problem. I didn't mind switching off of milk, I like soymilk, so it's no biggie to change. I've also tried rice milk (liked it), vanilla almond milk (liked it), and regular almond milk (aaaacccckkkkk... so gross). I'm finding it hard though, to give up some of the other things that milk are in like cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Same thing with eggs. Eggs are in everything! And if something doesn't have eggs in it, it's got milk.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has this problem. What are some good foods you've tried that are egg and milk free? I've found several bread recipies (and even a egg and milk free chocolate chip cookie recipe), but I have to admit I'm kinda lazy sometimes and just want to buy a loaf of bread instead of making one.

Thanks in advance for any advice, tips, commisceration or whatever!
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  • mrwatson
    mrwatson Posts: 66
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    Thank you so much for sharing your problem. I have had similar problems and recommendations. I have been thinking about skipping the ENT recommendation and seeing an allergy doctor first. Unfortunately, I can't get in until February. The headaches are killing me today and I am wondering if waiting until February is the best course.

    I hadn't thought about possible food allergies as I haven't had these problems previously and I have been eating all of my life:smile: I have tried ruling out environmental allergies without success.

    Your story has confirmed my inclination to see the allergy doctor. I hope you get some good tips. I may need them too.
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    I never would have figured I'd be allergic to eggs and milk. I've had them all my life. But it really has seemed to help with the headaches. Another weird thing too, is that I'm not as tired anymore either. I have always been a napper (like 3 to 4 hours every afternoon, even when I was at goal weight). Since cutting back on the eggs and dairy, I haven't had to nap like that. Amazing!
  • kath711
    kath711 Posts: 712 Member
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    Can't tell you much about the milk allergy but my 3 year old son has a severe allergy to eggs. There are quite a few subsitutes for eggs such as applesauce, cornstarch, yogurt, and a powdered mix you can buy at a whole foods store. You have to kind of try and learn which substitute works for which recipe. Sometimes applesauce is better and sometimes its the egg replacer. The only thing I cannot find a good substitute for is in brownies. Always turns out inedible. You can even make a great cake by using the mix and pouring in a 12 ounce can of soda instead of the eggs, oil and water (use diet and calories are less). Takes great and so moist! Use sprite for yellow/white and coke or dr pepper for dark mixes.
    Tonite i made betty crocker muffins cinnamon streusel and used instead of the oil and eggs i used 1/4 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup pureed sweet potato. (baby food). My kids love them and do not know I put in the potato. let me know if I can help more. It's hard to have food allergies but it's doable. Two of my sons are also allergic to nuts but that's not so bad cause you just leave them out. I'm more panicky they are going to accidentally ingest one and have a bad reaction.
    Hope this helps!
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    Thanks Kath, for the advice. I also found something on the internet, expaining how to use "flax gel" in place of eggs. Two tablespoons ground flax, I think a half cup of water, bring to boil in microwave, chill in fridge, then run through the food processor. It didn't say how much to use for each egg though, lol....

    I'm really getting good at reading labels. I was thinking my coffee creamer was non-dairy, but after a sore throat and headache yesterday, I read the label, and oh yeah, it's got milk in it... It's lactose free, but has cassiene (sp) in it (the thick part of milk that curdles)....

    I did find out that pop tarts have no eggs or milk, however.... Not that I should be eating them either:laugh: :laugh:
  • kath711
    kath711 Posts: 712 Member
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    Watch it on the poptarts, a lot of the chocolate ones do have eggs. not sure about milk. Milk is definitely harder to find substitutes for than eggs. It's in a lot of things you wouldn't think of, like some potato chips,etc. I definitively feel your pain through my children. I keep hoping they will outgrow them but at least food manufacturers now have to list all ingredients on products.
    Take care!
    kathleen
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    I figure I'll have to stay away from anything chocolate, what with the milk allergy. Oh well... I only looked at the pop tarts because they were in my cupboard from when one of the kids had an all day Saturday swim meet. He took a couple of sandwiches, pop tarts, cheese sticks, carrot sticks, an apple, banana, two juice boxes and a can of soda, his water bottle, a fiber bar, a protein bar, and a couple of pieces of Halloween candy. He ate it all! And ate dinner at a restaurant on the way home.... Oh to have the metabolism of a 16 year old!

    I've been frequenting the health and organics section of our local grocer. I have found a soy yogurt that isn't bad (although you still have to read labels, there are some that still have milk in them). I also found an oatmeal bread in the frozen dept. that has no eggs or dairy, so I'm going to try that for breakfast tomorrow, spread with a soy butter that I also found in the health section. I did try tofutti cheese slices, but I wasn't a real fan of that. Maybe if I had it on a sandwich it would be better... but alone was icky.

    When I went to the Y today, I saw a sign about a new fitness class they are doing... Part of it is working with personal trainers, part of it is working with a nutritionist. It's $149 for 6 weeks. I'm thinking about doing it, because it's probably cheaper doing this than actually going to a nutritionist... lol

    I hope your kids do outgrow their allergies. I was reading that most do. Unfortunately, I seem to have grown into mine, lol....
  • TheMaidOfAstolat
    TheMaidOfAstolat Posts: 3,222 Member
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    Easiest thing to do is to look at Vegan recipie sites.
    vegweb.com
    vegancooking.com
    veganwolf.com (has great info on egg and dairy replacement)
    vegcooking.com

    Vegans do not eat eggs or dairy...so these sites may really help you.
    There are egg and dairy replacements. The site below has the egg replacer that I use.
    Bobsredmill.com
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    Thanks for the website info. I am not so panicked as I was the first couple of days. I'm finding some substitutes that I like. And I am enjoying not having the headaches like I used to, so it's worth it!
  • KatWood
    KatWood Posts: 1,135 Member
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    Wow your story is exactly the same as mine except my doctor suggested allergies first so no surgery was needed but I still suffered for years before finding out I was allergic to milk and eggs.

    My suggestion is first to get some clairty. I am allergic only to cow's milk, not all milk and I am not lactose intolerant. An allergy and being lactose intollerant are not the same thing. I now buy goat's milk which tastes the exact same as cow's milk unfortuntaley it is only available in 2% and 3% and not skim which is what I use to drink. I also enjoy rice and soy milk but the goat's milk is much better for cooking with and it tastes much closer to cow's milk. And goat's milk is apparently really good for you, apparently some studies have shown it to be healthier than cows milk but to be honest I haven't bothered researching it. So first I think you need to find out what your milk allergy really means. Also, experiment with other dairy products. I find I am ok with yogurt and cheese as long as I don't go crazy. But I can no longer have cream in my coffee or eat regular icecream, I eat frozen yogurt instead.

    Although I was told I was allergic to eggs I have not noticed any symptoms so I continue to eat eggs. But if you do have symptoms you should find out more about what it is in the eggs that you are allergic to. Perhaps you can still have egg whites?
    Also, you should find out what it means in terms of vaccinations many of which are egg based. I still get flu shots but I have to get them through my doctor since clinics are not willing to take the risk, even though I have never had a bad reaction to them.

    Over time you will learn what your body can tollerate and what you are willing to put up with to still have some of your favourite foods. Sometimes I still eat icecream even though I usually pay for it.

    Oh and another tip, I have had to use coolwhip instead of whipping cream. I know there is a lot of controversy around cool whip. But since whipping cream is so heavy I react really badly to it, even a small amount, and since I can't live without dessert on occassion, I sue cool whip.

    Good luck and if you come across any good tips please pass them on!
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    Thanks Kat! Basically the doctor told me all milk and milk products. After 2 to 3 months, he said I can try adding back yogurt (high quality and live cultures) and cottage cheese. If I have symptoms, too bad, I never get anything dairy again. If I can eat them with no symptoms, I can enjoy them all I want. According to him (boo, hiss) no other dairy products will be reintroduced.

    As to eggs, I can have vaccinations. I can use yolks only for egg in a recipe, if needed. Although, I am to try and avoid it if possible. I have to avoid whites and egg substitues like eggbeaters.

    I am missing the ice cream, although I did buy a pint of rice dream ice cream to try. I'll let you know if it's any good.
  • barbarella
    barbarella Posts: 609 Member
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    Anyone suffering from allergies, please check out NAET treatments:

    http://naet.com/

    I've been treated for many allergies including dairy & wheat, with great success!
    Acupuncture (doesn't hurt!!!), is generally involved while avoiding those foods during treatment.

    Here's an excerpt from the website:

    ALLERGIES AS A CAUSE OF YOUR ILLNESS

    We now know that most illnesses (i.e.headaches, back aches, joint pains, addiction, PMS, indigestion, cough, body aches, etc.) are caused by undiagnosed allergies. When left untreated, allergies can become serious life threatening illnesses. Please read "Say Goodbye To Illness" by Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D. (WI), D.C., L.Ac., Ph.D. (acu) to find the cause of your illnesses.

    The brain provides warnings to the body whenever blockages occur within the energy pathways. These warnings include illness, pain, inflammation, fever, heart attacks, strokes, abnormal growths, tumors, and various physical, physiological and psychological discomforts. If the symptoms are minor, blockages are minor. If the symptoms are major, blockages are major. Minor blockages can be unblocked easily, whereas major blockages take a long time to unblock.

    Dr. Nambudripad's discovery, NAET®, is an innovative and completely natural method for regaining better health with often permanent freedom from allergies and the diseases arising from those allergens.

    Good Luck!!! :love: :flowerforyou:
  • ncocci989
    ncocci989 Posts: 36
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    My sister is severely allergic to milk like if has the littlest about it could kill her so we have a lot of different websites. There is a chicken recipe that is a family favorite. I will compile some up and email you the info. Friend request me so I don't forget. Good job for liking thr vanilla almond milk. Have some recipes with that in it.
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    Barbarella, Thanks for the info. I remember my chiropractor talking about a collegue of his that said he could cure allergies by having the patient hold vials of something in their hands and having certain points on their body stimulated. I'm guessing this must be something similar. I'd really think it was something hokey, other than the fact that it was mentioned to me years ago... before the allergy diagnosis. I'll have to ask my chiropractor about it again the next time I go in.

    Thanks for the recipe offer ncocci. I was just complaining to DH that there are so many meals we make that I'll have to eat something different. Tonight, for example, we're having (or they are having, I should say) chuckwagon macaroni and cheese. It's just mac-n-cheese with burger, tomatoes, and veggies all mixed together, with a sprinkling of cheddar on the top. Or when I bake chicken over a bed of rice (I make the rice with chichen broth and cream of mushroom soup ). Ah well, time to experiment, I guess.
  • KZOsMommy
    KZOsMommy Posts: 854 Member
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    I have not read all the posts but my children and I all have bad food allergies (wheat, soy, corn, milk, egg, coconut, gluten and any kind of nut). There is a product out there called egg replacer. They sell it health food stores and you can make any thing with (well except scrambled eggs) and there is no taste difference.

    Good luck to you and I hope that changing your diet helps you feel better!

    Amanda
  • mrwatson
    mrwatson Posts: 66
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    Thanks, pettmybunny, for starting this thread. It looks like you are getting a lot of ideas and information. I am encouraged that my problems may be allergy related because the allergies can be addressed. Sinus surgery may or may not fix the problems.
  • kath711
    kath711 Posts: 712 Member
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    Amanda,
    Have you found a good brownie recipe with no eggs? I am hoping to find one using a brownie mix but any recipe will do. I have tried several and none have had edible results.
    thanks,
    kathleen
  • shadowboxer83
    shadowboxer83 Posts: 3 Member
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    I have to eat milk and egg free as I am breastfeeding my 9 month old son who is severely allergic to both. It is not easy but it can be done and the longer you do it the easier it gets. You really have to research what you are eating. If I can't read the lable for myself I don't eat it. I've learned to eat a lot of vegan dishes as I know they are safe. I use soymilk instead of regular milk and there are lots of egg subs. for baking as someone mentioned already. Many recipes can just be altered or things omitted to make them safe. Try to think of all the things you can have instead of what you can't. You can have a lot of healthy foods like meats, veggies, fruits, some whole wheat breads. I like to snack on crackers with hummus or peanut butter. You can also eat poptarts, Ghirradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips(Manufactured in a facility where milk is used but no milk actually in it), soy or rice ice cream(both are yummy!) I love the website fatfreevegan.com. You can find so many yummy recipes on that site. Good luck with your new diet.
  • KZOsMommy
    KZOsMommy Posts: 854 Member
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    Kathleen- I use box mix and omit the egg. I use either egg replacer (it is sold in health food stores and you mix the powder with water and it does what an egg would do) or I mix the brownie mix with only a can of plain pumpkin, they come out very moist, healthier and my kids LOVE them (well the one that can eat them since they have wheat flour).

    Good luck!
    Amanda
  • sassyl
    sassyl Posts: 10 Member
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    I'm gluten and lactose free but in the UK, try and see if you can get hold of these brands of bakery foods... Juvela, Trufree, Dietary Specialists, Glutafin. They tend to make GF products but lots are egg and lactose free too because so many of us have more than one allergy/ intolerance.

    As for ice-cream, I picked up a great recipe on here the other day, dairy free and very low calorie as well, bonus! Just food process frozen fruit or berries. It tends to come up dry so add a bit of soya milk, and if you want throw a banana in too.

    (and don't worry, these diets are a pain at the start but after a while you'll find it a breeze and feel so much better!)

    Good luck
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
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    Whooooo, I can definitely tell you that not only was allergy testing easier than the surgeries I had, but it was a lot cheaper too! hee hee...

    I was talking to another mom at my son's swim meet today, and I have to say that I will not complain about my allergies again-- her son is allergic to milk and eggs as well... but also soy, rice, wheat, onions, and about 10 other things. I could have it a lot worse than I do now!

    Thanks to everyone for the advice and tips. I am getting better at reading labels... and finding substitutes...

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