Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Over the last few months, I’ve been on a medical rollercoaster that I never saw coming.
On my podcast, Doing Life Differently, I recently shared my deeply personal journey of navigating a rare tick-borne allergy called Alpha-Gal syndrome.
This isn’t just a story about food allergies—it’s about fear, faith, and the intentional choice to embrace life fully, even when faced with unexpected challenges. If you’ve been struggling with health mysteries, anxiety, or just the weight of doing life differently, I hope my story encourages you.
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a rare allergy triggered by a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, found in most mammals. The allergy is caused by a tick bite that transfers alpha-gal into the human bloodstream, leading to severe reactions when consuming red meat or other mammal-based products. Unlike most food allergies, AGS reactions don’t happen immediately—they can take 2-10 hours to manifest, making it incredibly hard to diagnose.
For me, the symptoms included:
- Severe swelling around my eyes
- Eczema and persistent itching
- Hives and even full-body reactions
- Anaphylactic episodes that were terrifying to experience
How I Discovered My Diagnosis
The journey to my diagnosis was anything but straightforward. Months of mysterious symptoms led to endless questions: Was it mold? Hormonal imbalances? An autoimmune disease? After rounds of testing and a blowout allergic reaction in December, my doctor suggested testing for alpha-gal syndrome.
When the results came back positive, I felt a mix of relief and fear. On one hand, I finally had an answer. On the other, I knew my life was about to change.
Living Differently with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Living with alpha-gal syndrome means more than just avoiding steak. It impacts nearly every part of my life, from the supplements I take to the way I approach eating out or grocery shopping. Here are some of the biggest adjustments I’ve had to make:
- Reading Labels Religiously: Even products like vitamins or gelatin capsules can trigger reactions.
- Carrying an EpiPen Everywhere: I never leave the house without Benadryl and my EpiPen.
- Navigating Social Situations: Eating out or attending events means lots of questions and precautions.
- Grieving the Loss of Simplicity: I’ve had to let go of the ease of eating or even being carefree about my health.
Healing Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually
While managing alpha-gal syndrome has been challenging, it’s also been transformative. I’ve leaned into faith, sought functional therapies like SAAT acupuncture, and embraced new routines that prioritize my well-being.
Here’s what has helped me most:
- Functional Medicine: Working with a doctor who understands the body holistically has been a game-changer.
- SAAT Therapy: This unique form of acupuncture targets nerve endings in the ear to reset the body’s allergy response.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: From weight training to sunlight exposure and better sleep, I’ve learned the importance of taking care of myself.
Key Lessons from This Journey
- It’s Okay to Be Needy: I’ve had to let go of the notion that I can handle everything on my own. Accepting help has been a gift.
- Faith Over Fear: My faith has carried me through this valley, reminding me that even in loss, there’s hope and redemption.
- Living Fully in the Present: I’ve learned to cherish the small joys of today, even as I navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
Resources from the Podcast:
If you or someone you know is walking through a challenging season of life, here are some resources that have been helping me in this season!!
- Books: The Needs of the Heart and The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd
- SAAT Therapy Information: Learn more about this groundbreaking SAAT allergy treatment here.
Listen to the Full Story
For a deeper dive into my journey, the resources that have helped, and the spiritual lessons I’ve learned, listen to my full podcast episode.
Listen here : itunes
Listen here : spotify
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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