Allergy Tests

Back in October I had a weird allergic reaction to shrimp. I say "weird" because it was the first time I've ever had a reaction to food but considering E's food allergies I guess it wasn't that strange. I went to the allergist on Tuesday to get tested for food and other allergies.

(Right before the hives developed)

The good news?--I tested negative for shrimp and other food allergies. The bad news--I am crazy allergic to cats, dogs, weeds, grass, and dust mites. But I kind of already knew that any way so it's not a big deal.

Even with the negative skin test the doctor still wants me to avoid shrimp for a year and then come into the office for a "food challenge" (e.g. sit in their office and eat a bunch of shrimp). I'm also supposed to carry around an Epi-pen for myself but I already have a kid-sized one for E and they are awfully expensive so we'll see.

This puts a bit of a damper on my preferred method of celebrating New Year's is to eat an inordinate amount of shrimp cocktail. Oh well, I guess there's always assorted cheeses and cured meats.