Shot It To Me

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Hmph.  And I was having such a good day!

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We started off with a trip to the children’s museum for playtime with six of my friends and their babies.  We had a blast.  It made me realize how badly I need to get out of the house during the week. 

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I thought Henry may be too young for the museum, but they had a few activities for babies.  He especially like the splash table.  Water, water – everywhere.

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My side kept hurting while I was there – I’ve had this nagging pain on the right for a few days.  I tried to ignore it but it was getting worse.  I actually thought about going to the hospital for a check-up but decided to just wait and see.

 

So instead, I headed back to the office and picked up the Husband for lunch.  We went to Luna’s Living Kitchen, and I ordered the new raw burrito.

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It had sunflower seed refried beans, cashew sour cream, and salsa verde, all wrapped up in a collard green.

 

I took two (delicious) bites and ended up with salsa verde all over my face.  Kristien leaned over to wipe it off and said, “Hmm.  That looks rather creamy to be salsa verde.  Are you sure there isn’t avocado in that wrap?”  I am super allergic to avocado; the last time I had a reaction was back in 2006, and my doctor said if I ever accidentally ate any to immediately go to the hospital – it’s that bad.  I said, “Oh no, the menu said it’s salsa verde.”  He told me to double check, so I flagged over a chef, who informed me that yes, they make their salsa verde with avocado (I have NEVER heard of this!).  We threw some cash on the table, jumped in the car, and less than 10 minutes later, I was in the emergency room.

 

I didn’t want Henry in the hospital, so I sent Kristien back to the office, and I stayed behind to get shot up with antihistamines and steroids.  Oh joy.  And since I was there, I asked them to check out my tender right side.  Turns out that I have a mostly symptomless urinary tract infection that has wormed its way up into my kidney.  I guess everything really does happen for a reason…

 

My tongue swelled up, but nothing else happened.  Guess I got the drugs just in time!  Three hours later, I was discharged.  We promptly drove to a Thai restaurant and got takeout.  And filled a script for an EpiPen.

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So. Yes.  That was my day.  Started off so great and ended kind of ‘meh,’ although it could’ve been a lot worse.  Here’s to hoping I don’t have a delayed reaction later tonight.

 

Are you allergic to anything?  I’m also allergic to latex – avocado and latex are cross-reactors. 

{ 132 comments }

 

  • megan November 1, 2012, 8:51 pm

    Interesting that you are not allergic to bananas as well.

    glad you got to the ERE in time.

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 8:52 pm

      I know! I avoided them for years but introduced slowly and never had an reaction. Same with tomatoes. But not walnuts or mango – they make my mouthy itchy.

      • Jen November 1, 2012, 9:16 pm

        What about kiwi? I’m allergic to kiwi, banana and mango together. But not avocados!

        Glad you realized so quickly that you ate it and went to the hospital! Glad you’re ok!

        • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:17 pm

          I know try ate a cross reactor so I never eat them!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama November 1, 2012, 8:53 pm

    Allergic to avocado?! You poor thing. I’m sorry about your day. 🙁

  • Sana November 1, 2012, 8:53 pm

    Gah, that is so weird to have avocado in the salsa. Take care!

  • Amy D November 1, 2012, 8:54 pm

    Glad you’re ok! What are cross-reactors? I’ve always been told I’m allergic to penicillin, but haven’t ever had it since I’m old enough to remember so I don’t know what kind of reaction I’d have.

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 8:54 pm

      If you react to one, you are more likely to react to the other. Penicillin is a scary allergy!

    • Stephanie C November 2, 2012, 1:48 am

      Not to say this is ALWAYS the case, I was also allergic to an antibiotic when I was young and I outgrew it. But it’s always good to be safe! My husband’s entire (male) family is allergic to a specific kind of anesthesia and we always have to make a huge deal about it anytime he has to have surgery.

  • Caroline November 1, 2012, 8:54 pm

    oh how scary and frustrating for you! I’m glad you reacted quickly and got to the hospital in time. It’s interesting how things happen that lead to other things happening or being found out. Hope you’re back to being healthy and feeling great in no time. I don’t have any allergies that I know of, but I’m lactose intolerant. This isn’t life threatening obviously, but has led to some, ah, uncomfortable moments with others around me.

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More November 1, 2012, 8:58 pm

    OH NO! I’m so glad you’re okay though and you figured it out soon enough! But yes, things really do happen for a reason. Last year I was supposed to have surgery in November. I had been SUPER sick the week of surgery but I thought it was just my nerves upsetting my tummy and the reason for my surgery was pain so I thought it was just getting worse. Turns out, my white blood cell count was over 30,000 and I had an infection of my colon that spread to my intestines. Obviously, surgery was postponed and I was in the hospital for a week. If it weren’t for my surgery, I may have never known.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats November 1, 2012, 8:58 pm

    I’m nit allergic to any food, lol just intolerant to a lot of foods. They shouldn’t have had you pay for that wrap!

  • claire November 1, 2012, 8:59 pm

    Did the hospital say anything useful about symptomless UTIs? I thought non-elderly adults didn’t get those.

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:00 pm

      Naw they didn’t say much at all! I’ve had UTIs but never ones that didn’t result in all the typical symptoms – do you know anything about it?

      • Deana P November 1, 2012, 9:39 pm

        I am totally going to bear all here but, I have had that happen before and the doctor called it, “post honeymoon syndrome” by that meaning, having a lot of sex can cause these non symptom UTIs. Mine went right to my kidneys and the only relief was placing a hot washcloth on my side until I could get an antibiotic. It was bad and I was totally embarrassed! I am trying to keep this G rated, and not make people go ewww or that is sick, but hey it happens. 🙂

        • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:46 pm

          Hahaha well we know lots of sex was not the cause of my infection… #baby

        • Sarah November 2, 2012, 12:47 am

          I’m a nurse- sex is commonly a cause of a lot of people’s Utis bc it’s introducing bacteria into your body- that’s why you should always pee before and after to help rid your body of the bacteria- really your doctor has no idea why you got the infection- there’s no way of pinpointing an exact cause but sex is a primary offender!

  • Jen G. November 1, 2012, 9:00 pm

    I used to be allergic to chocolate! Thankfully, I outgrew that one. Unfortunately, I also grew into a mild tree nut allergy — almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and even coconuts make me itchy!

  • KatieTX November 1, 2012, 9:05 pm

    A lot of tex-mex restaurants make that creamy type of salsa verde with avocados. Now you know to ask! Hope you remain symptom-free!

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:06 pm

      ughhh good to know.

      • KaraHadley November 1, 2012, 10:02 pm

        Yeah, but you would think a restaurant as conscious of different dietary needs as this one seems to be would list allergens. Or at least not hide them like that. Sorry this happened!

    • SpaceySteph November 2, 2012, 9:40 pm

      I agree. I live in Houston and don’t think I’ve ever gotten salsa verde here without it.

      As for listing allergens… if we go down that slippery slope of listing anything anyone could be allergic to, restaurants would have to list EVERY ingredient because certainly there’s someone out there allergic to each of them.

  • Ashlee November 1, 2012, 9:07 pm

    Glad you’re ok and caught it early! I’m allergic to laundry soap (among 100s of other things) so I have severe reactions while working out when my pores open up. It’s very frustrating!

    • Jess November 2, 2012, 10:33 am

      How do you work around that one?? I have a feeling I’m in the same boat, but I have no idea what to do about it – I won’t stop working out, and I’m already using free & clear (or whatever the sensitive skin/fragrance free laundry detergent is).

      • Brenda November 4, 2012, 12:54 am

        Have you tried Ecos detergent? There are only two ingredients: a coconut derivative and water. I’ve never seen a detergent with so few ingredients!

  • Rachel Starr November 1, 2012, 9:07 pm

    Glad you’re ok & it wasn’t worse!

  • lisa fine November 1, 2012, 9:08 pm

    Oh no – so scary!

    I once went into anaphylactic shock from carrot juice. Yup. I always used to get an itchy mouth and throat from eating carrots, but when I drank the raw juice (in Penn Station in NYC, while traveling – oy), I started sneezing like crazy, my eyes swelled up, and I was wheezing badly. I had to miss my train, and got taken on an ambulance to a hospital to get dosed with antihistamines.

    I can completely relate – and I have a lot of cross-reactors (celery, apples, stone fruits), but they just make my mouth itchy.

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:11 pm

      scurry!

  • Jen November 1, 2012, 9:09 pm

    OMG, I used to be allergic to chocolate too, just like Jen G! Thankfully I also outgrew it (says my mouth, not my muffin top, lol). Otherwise I’m basically allergic to any medication that works, aka penicillin, amoxicillan, ASA (aspirin), NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and regular anti-inflammatories (cuz god forbid I should get any relief). I also used to be allergic to Tylenol but I can take that now, thank god. I really do need to get me one of those medic alert bracelets :O Lima beans and black beans also give me a rash, and cheese gives me horrible stomach pains (but I am not lactose intolerant) On the bright side, I can eat avocados, lol. Glad you’re okay!

  • Abby November 1, 2012, 9:11 pm

    I’m also allergic to latex and bananas, but not avocado! (I still eat bananas occasionally though, even though they make my tongue and throat all tingly and itchy haha..) My daughter had extreme reactions to bananas and avocados when we first started introducing solids. Of course bananas and avocados were the first foods I gave her, it never occurred to me that I would have passed on this allergy, so be careful giving them to Henry the first time 🙂

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:17 pm

      Aw your poor girl!

  • Elisabeth November 1, 2012, 9:18 pm

    Glad you’re ok! When you mentioned side pain, I thought you were going to say appendicitis – glad it wasn’t that 😉

  • Charitydawn November 1, 2012, 9:20 pm

    I’m anaphylatic to lobster. Even the smell of it cooking or being heated up makes my air ways close and I stop breathing. Scallops I throw up a lot from. The smell of them also makeshift throw up. Yet I can eat clams and mussels.

  • Lesley T. November 1, 2012, 9:26 pm

    I’m so glad you’re OK!

    I hope you double-check for avocado in any dish you order at any veg restaurant from now on just to be safe since it’s such a vegetarian staple.

    As for my allergies, I’m allergic to penicillin. I’ve recently started getting an itchy mouth when I eat walnuts as well as itchy, irritated skin when I wear latex gloves (I worked in a preschool where gloves were required to handle food and change diapers, so I had daily exposure to latex until I requested nitrile rubber gloves). And I’m sensitive to soy and wheat, so I avoid soy most of the time and wheat as much as I can; I’m trying to avoid it ALL the time but I keep slipping up, mostly out of forgetfulness.

    Allergies are annoying at best, terrifying at worst.

    And I should definitely get an Epipen!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) November 1, 2012, 9:27 pm

    Please don’t die. thx bye

  • Reenie November 1, 2012, 9:30 pm

    Oh my goodness… how scary for you and Kristen. I’m glad you were able to get to the ER so fast.

  • Maria November 1, 2012, 9:30 pm

    Glad you are okay! I had a UTI (also symptomless) and it turned into a kidney infection that had me completely out of commission (and in the hospital) for over four days. It was so painful and pretty traumatic, so I’m very happy that they caught yours early!

    I’m only allergic to perfumes, but its not too serious. Just causes pretty severe headaches and a bit of nausea when I’m around super strong floral scents.

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:33 pm

      Ugh. It really does hurt. I hope these antibiotics kick in soon. 🙁 glad u are okay!

  • Christina November 1, 2012, 9:32 pm

    Strawberries, mango and pineapple! I can’t go to smoothie places because of it! I just had a bad reaction to the pineapple too and if I eat it again I have to go to the hospital too.

  • Lauren November 1, 2012, 9:32 pm

    Oh my gosh! So glad you are okay!!

  • Lindsey November 1, 2012, 9:33 pm

    I have the latex and avocado allergies. I’ve heard strawberries are also a cross-reactor- I’m allergic to those too. And gluten, and dairy, and aspartame.

    I’ve never had an anaphylactic reaction though- thank goodness.

    Hope you’re feeling better soon!

  • audrey November 1, 2012, 9:35 pm

    i would have had the same reaction, but to the cashews! even coming in contact with someone who has touched them and not washed their hands will give me a mild allergic reaction but ingesting them is a trip to the ER!

  • luv what you do November 1, 2012, 9:38 pm

    Yikes so happy that you reacted so quickly and that morning playdate looks like a blast. Love to see all the kiddos doing tumy time : )

  • Tara November 1, 2012, 9:40 pm

    I’ve been allergic to tree nuts for over 17 years but I just passed a challenge test and have one more to go before I’m cleared to eat them again. I am HIGHLY allergic to coconut though. I figure it could be much worse. It keeps me away from a lot of processed foods (which have coconut oil) so that’s a good thing!

  • Kaleigh November 1, 2012, 9:43 pm

    I’m extremely allergic to fire ants ( I carry an epi-pen with me at all times), I found this out the hard way and was rushed to the emergency room. I am also allergic to working out…no really.. I have exercise induced anaphylaxis. It’s triggered by eating a big meal a few hours before working out I’ve figured out. But I dont let it stop me from being a triathlete!

    • Katie Muir November 2, 2012, 10:51 pm

      OMG! Kaleigh I have that too! I am deathly allergic to peanuts and had an anaphylatic reaction after a particularly tough run last summer. I thought it was peanuts but it kept happening after long runs when I was training for a half marathon. I’ve come to realize it is always triggered after eating before eating a big meal and only happens when running. Nice to know I’m not crazy!

      • Kaleigh November 4, 2012, 12:09 pm

        Even though it’s a bad thing and not fun, I’m kinda glad to hear I’m not the only one! It’s such a rare thing to happen. We’re not alone!

  • Orangeblossom November 1, 2012, 9:44 pm

    I’m allergic to the molluscs (first reacted to clam chowder), but not the crustaceans. It’s annoying because I’m gluten-intolerant, so I love Asian cuisine since a lot of it is rice based. Unfortunately it often includes oyster sauce. I didn’t know that initially and had a stir fry at a restaurant that used oyster sauce. Thankfully I realized it 1 bite in, and hadn’t had a reaction in a few years, so it simply took a dose of Benadryl to clear up.

    I’ve carried an epi-pen for 5 years now, but I’ve thankfully never had to use it.

  • Beks November 1, 2012, 9:45 pm

    I’ve never heard of that either. No wonder you figured it was safe! Glad you’re okay, though. Feel better soon!

  • Elizabeth M. November 1, 2012, 9:49 pm

    Oh my goodness!! I’m glad you’re ok! That’s scary. It’s good to have epi pens on hand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen salsa verde with avocado in it. Good catch by the hubby!

    Henry is such a fun age that he can go out and experience new things like the museum. Fun!

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) November 1, 2012, 9:50 pm

    Oh my goodness girl be careful with those allergies! My 2.5 yr old has severe multiple allergies. Plus, I have 2 with bee allergies and our newest blessing is showing symptoms of severe food allergies already and he’s only 6 wks. *sigh* We’ll have him tested soon. No fun, I tell ya!

  • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 9:53 pm

    I’m lactose intolerant. No known food allergies, although I kind of wonder if there is something I’m allergic to because I’ve had pretty chronic eczema since I was about 11. Non food wise I’m allergic to nickel and coincidently my first big bout of eczema came right after getting braces- a mouth full of nickel.

    • Maria November 2, 2012, 4:41 am

      Caitlin, there are foods with a high nickel content which may trigger your eczema. That’s what happened to me, I knew I was allergic to nickel but had no idea that could be connected to the skin rash I kept getting. Unfortunately there is a lot of nickel in healthy foods like nuts, whole grain, oatmeal. For me, nuts and oatmeal (along with chocolate and wine which also provokes people with nickel allergy) have become weekend indulgences, not every day staples because I have to limit my consumption. But my skin is so much better now!

      • Caitlin November 2, 2012, 8:40 am

        Seriously?? I eat oatmeal with almonds in it almost every morning for breakfast and enjoy wine and dark chocolate every night. Ugh! I had no idea, I’ll have to do some reading. Thanks, Maria!

  • Elizabeth November 1, 2012, 9:54 pm

    Wow, they must have taken you very seriously in the ER given that it looks like you were placed in the code room! Glad that you were treated well!

    A few months ago I also had pyelonephritis (kidney infection) that started with no UTI symptoms, so it definitely happens. Hope you feel better soon! 🙂

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 10:28 pm

      It was the only available room 🙂

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape November 1, 2012, 9:55 pm

    That’s pretty lucky that they diagnosed the urinary tract infection while you were there. Hope you get better soon!

  • Amanda November 1, 2012, 10:03 pm

    Oh, man! I’m sorry you had such a rough day, but it’s good you found out about your UTI and got to the ER in time before your reaction got bad.

  • Kelsey November 1, 2012, 10:03 pm

    Oh no!! That sucks 🙁 I’m allergic to Penicillin, Sulfa, and….Quinoa.

  • Becca November 1, 2012, 10:08 pm

    Girl!!! You are so lucky! I am so allergic and terrified of avacado – and latex and bananas and mangos ect. Just tonight my friends were slicing avacado and I ran away- they say I’m paranoid but ANY green item or sauce I never trust especially any restaurants. You ate lucky that guy knew what was in the wrap before you at the whole thing. I have been told o no avacado and BAM there it is in my wrap….:) happy your ok and be aware of dark Mexican restaurants – our worst nightmare- how can you even see the avacado !!! xo

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence November 1, 2012, 10:14 pm

    Ah, I used to get symptom-less UTIs again and then they would turn into kidney infections and be horrible. So I am glad they caught yours early!

  • Amanda November 1, 2012, 10:15 pm

    I’m so glad that you’re OK. What a wild day. 🙁

  • Jacqueline November 1, 2012, 10:29 pm

    Just glad you’re safe and sound!

  • Karen November 1, 2012, 10:30 pm

    Caitlin, if you are worried about a delayed reaction, keep taking over-the-counter Benadryl. You can have 25 or 50mg every 6 hours, but it will make you sleepy. An H2 blocker (histamine 2) can also benefit (Pepcid).

    (I’m not a doctor, but I was an ER nurse for 10 years).

    Hope that helps!

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 10:38 pm

      Popping them now! Thanks!

  • Kristy November 1, 2012, 10:31 pm

    Oh my goodness that is very scary! Glad to hear that you are alright. That has happened to me with the UTI before & I know that it can be very painful. Take it easy momma!!

  • Lauren J @ The Barn November 1, 2012, 10:32 pm

    Do you by any chance know the effects of a mild avocado allergy? My husband used to be able to eat them all the time, but suddenly they started giving him terrible heartburn. He can’t even have a little now without it kicking in immediately. He thinks it’s an allergy but I didn’t think something as mild as an avocado could cause allergies. Clearly I’m wrong!

    • Caitlin November 1, 2012, 10:37 pm

      I do not! Heart burn blows though.

  • Sam @ Better With Sprinkles November 1, 2012, 10:33 pm

    I’ve never heard of that either – I’m glad you’re ok!

  • Lea @ Greens and Coffee Beans November 1, 2012, 10:34 pm

    Oh no! I’m glad you’re okay! Going to the hospital sucks but at least you got there before the reaction got too bad!
    My boyfriend used to get UTI’s all the time when he was younger, that’s actually how he found out that he was born with one kidney (guess that explains it)! He says staying hydrated helps prevent them, and lots of cranberry juice.

  • Kath November 1, 2012, 10:35 pm

    oh gosh – glad you’re ok!

  • Nikki November 1, 2012, 10:39 pm

    The latex-avocado allergy family also commonly includes banana and pine nuts!

  • Christina November 1, 2012, 10:51 pm

    Very impressed that you paid for your meal!

  • Janna November 1, 2012, 10:54 pm

    Glad to hear you’re okay! I have oral allergy syndrome to peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, carrots and snap peas. My tongue/mouth/throat swell up when I eat any of those foods raw, but am perfectly fine when I eat them cooked! Also allergic to clams and some antibiotics.

    Because some of my allergies are fairly new and I’m not sure what else I might have a reaction to, I always carry around Benadryl with me in a little keychain pill case. I should probably look into getting an Epi Pen though.

  • Sara November 1, 2012, 11:03 pm

    feel better!

  • Kristen L November 1, 2012, 11:05 pm

    So glad to hear you’re ok–that’s scary! Good thing kristian noticed the creaminess of the salsa!

  • Verlin November 1, 2012, 11:16 pm

    I am anaphylactic to tree nuts. I’m 47, so “back in the day” when I was a kid, this was a rare thing and no one really knew about severe allergies. People (including teachers and grandparents!) wouldn’t take it seriously and, before I was old enough to watch closely myself, I often ended up in emergency – once my throat was so swollen that I was turning blue – yikes. Now I carry an epi-pen. When your epi expires, I suggest (AFTER you get a new one), practicing with it into an orange. It’s a fairly good simulation of what a real injection would be like. Some people take the needle out too soon after they “jab” it, and the medicine ends up dripping in the ground. Don’t mean to scare you or anything, but it’s a good idea to know that if you need it, hold it in there for a few seconds so the medicine gets into your system.

  • emily November 1, 2012, 11:19 pm

    Yikes; glad you’re ok!

  • Mel November 1, 2012, 11:29 pm

    Yikes! I’m glad you got an epipen, though those things hurt :(.

    I’m allergic to fish, seafood, milk, and gluten. Luckily benedryl usually takes care of any of my symptoms!!

  • Ellen November 1, 2012, 11:29 pm

    Try D-Mannose for a kidney infection! I get them too, and D-Mannose is much more effective long term than antibiotics. Sorry you had such a rough day, but it’s good you took that bite seriously!

  • Meganmegan November 1, 2012, 11:38 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I’m glad to hear that you are okay 🙂 I have a contact allergy to tree nuts and apples. I have been allergic to tree nuts my whole life and apples for 2 years. I know what it is like when your throat closes up. Not fun 🙁 it makes it hard to go out and eat. You’d be surprised by how many things contain treenuts as well as having to worry about cross contamination. I’m glad to know that I am not alone with dealing with food allergies! Thank you for all that you do you are my role model 🙂

    Megan

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras November 1, 2012, 11:39 pm

    Oh no! I’m so glad you’re ok, but I’m sorry it happened in the first place. Although, I guess it really is a blessing, since it alerted you to your kidney infection. Good gravy :/

  • Rebecca November 1, 2012, 11:45 pm

    Scary!! Glad you’re all right!
    I’m not allergic to anything that I know of (though lilacs give me terrible headaches), but my sister is allergic to red dye, so she basically avoids anything red. =\

  • Carrie @ The Cook's Palette November 2, 2012, 1:09 am

    Gah! So glad you guys figured it out early enough to act quick. Speedy healing for your kidney infection too. Gosh…hang in there!

  • April C. November 2, 2012, 1:09 am

    So sorry to hear about your hospital visit but definitely turned out to be good with the UTI—those hurt!!

  • Laura November 2, 2012, 1:11 am

    I am so glad you’re okay! So scary (and so weird that they put avocado in salsa verde!). We have yet to make it to Luna’s Living Kitchen when they are open (I have relatives in Greensboro and we’ve stopped by Charlotte several times now on our way up, every time they’ve been closed). If we ever do make it by though, I won’t order that–not allergic to avocado but I just don’t like it.

    And on a non-serious note, I love how British Kristien is. “Rather creamy” is just so much more high fallutin’ than us Americans usually speak :).

  • Caitlin November 2, 2012, 1:34 am

    Oh my! I’m glad you guys realized the wrap contained avocado right away!! I don’t have any food allergies like that but I am allergic to morphine…. found that one out the hard way after my first back surgery in 2006. I swelled up, broke out in hives and damn near scratched every inch of skin off my body before they realized what was happening. Due to my back problems and subsequent nerve damage, I get chronic UTI’s. Long explanation cut short, basically the nerve damage I have has caused my bladder not fully empty when I go to the bathroom, resulting in a spike in bacteria that typically would be flushed out when your bladder works properly. I’ve got antibiotics at the ready for when I feel like I might be getting a UTI but the last few I’ve gotten have been symptomless, like yours, until it gets to my kidneys then all hell breaks lose. Haha glad you’re going to be ok though!

  • Stephanie C November 2, 2012, 1:55 am

    I’m lactose intolerant, and BEAN intolerant! (I think it’s technically legumes, but peanuts are okay) I realized a few years ago, after eating an entire container of pineapple, that I am also allergic to pineapple… but it’s only if I get more than few pieces. My throat starts swelling. First time I had ever had an allergic reaction to a food before. Citrus also tends to make my mouth bleed, but I’m told that’s fairly normal/common?

  • Corrie Anne November 2, 2012, 2:17 am

    bummer!!!!!! i’m glad you figured it out and got everything taken care of while you were there!

  • Emma November 2, 2012, 4:42 am

    Oh gosh so scary! I’m glad you are okay.. Good to have an epi pen that you can keep close!
    I hope you get well soon!

  • Michele November 2, 2012, 6:31 am

    Scary!!! Glad you got to the hospital in time so it was just a minor reaction. I’m not allergic to anything, but my 5 year old niece is allergic to wheat, eggs, dairy and nuts. Needless to say, we have to read ingredients for everything!!!! It’s amazing what is in some foods when you wouldn’t expect it to be!!!

  • Emily November 2, 2012, 7:16 am

    Oh that’s no fun:( I’m not allergic to anything thankfully – touch wood! I study bio and apparently our body loses tolerations to special proteins with age because of the lack of say lactase, to break down lactose in the duodenum.

  • Nena November 2, 2012, 7:33 am

    OMG scary! Hope you are well now.

    I am allergic to perfume, chlorine, and I am lactose intolerant. LOL Girl in the plastic bubble!

    I spray fragrances on my clothes. I can’t go into public swimming pools 🙁 I have to drive the 3 hours to the nearest beach if I want to enjoy the water.

    It works for my sisters and mom though because any fragrance gifts I receive they get to keep, LOL.

  • Molly @ RDexposed November 2, 2012, 8:17 am

    I was having allergic reactions my senior year of high school. It was never determined what was causing my reactions. And then it just stopped after a year. Super odd.
    Hope you enjoyed the taste of avocado while it lasted! 😉

  • Katy November 2, 2012, 8:20 am

    Glad you’re ok! I’m allergic to shellfish, which can be tricky because a lot of restaurants will slip fish or clam sauce into dishes.

    • Katy November 2, 2012, 8:24 am

      Gasp! This made me look up cross-reactivity, and apparently dust mites and shellfish allergies are related! I never would have guessed! (but I am allergic to mites, too)

  • Peggi November 2, 2012, 8:22 am

    Geez, I am glad you are alright! I am allergic to MSG, Caffeine, Chocolate and then I have some allergies to various drugs – Naproxen & Cipro……allergies are lovely aren’t they. Bummer about you being allergic to avocado, but I am so glad that you are on the mend now. Also Henry is precious! I also have a little boy, not so little anymore – he will be 7 in February. Boys are awesome!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin November 2, 2012, 8:24 am

    Oh no! I’m so glad you’re okay. I’m deathly allergic to nuts, so I know how scary having reactions can be. But even if I think that a dish will be safe for me, I always always tell the server about my allergies and get them to check with the kitchen! I’ve learned the hard way not to assume anything is safe haha. 😛

  • M.C. November 2, 2012, 8:48 am

    SO glad you’re okay!!

  • Lindsey November 2, 2012, 8:55 am

    Yikes! I was anxious to read today’s post after your “exciting day planned” teaser! Sorry the day didn’t go as planned, but glad to hear you’re ok.

  • AlisonJ November 2, 2012, 8:56 am

    I didn’t have any allergies until I was about 26. I randomly became allergic to: hazelnuts (luckily I didn’t have that when I was downing nutella crepes when I lived in Paris!), peanuts, almonds, carrots & celery. Oh, and try buying soup that doesn’t have carrots & celery. Thankfully I love homemade soup, but sometimes a can of soup from the store would be soooooo easy!

  • alyssa November 2, 2012, 9:05 am

    Ugh, I’ve had that nagging pain before and it was in fact a kidney infection! Good news is that you saw a doctor. They usually vanish quickly!

    Thinking good thoughts.

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy November 2, 2012, 9:25 am

    Oh no! I’m glad that you’re okay! I don’t have any food allergies that I know of, but I have a lot of outdoor/indoor allergies, and I have to get an allergy shot once a week.

  • Amanda Hollenbaugh November 2, 2012, 9:26 am

    So glad you’re okay! I am surrounded by friends with allergies. One to peanuts, one to avocado, one to soy, and one to dairy. I think the peanut allergies friend experiences the worst symptoms…headaches if we go to a roadhouse to eat, even if they take the nuts away from the table and wipe it down…I guess the oils are just everywhere!

    Good job for reacting quickly and appropriately!

  • Alisa November 2, 2012, 9:35 am

    One weird food allergy – soy milk (but not other soy products). My throat gets itchy and then I get the worst stomach ache. Especially strange because I eat plenty of tofu and soybeans without a problem.

  • Lucia November 2, 2012, 9:42 am

    Oh my gosh, how scary!! I’m glad you’re ok.

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human November 2, 2012, 9:47 am

    That’s awful! I hope you’re feeling better today!

  • Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction.com November 2, 2012, 9:47 am

    That’s so scary!!! Glad you caught it in time. I am allergic to sulfer based medication….not fun, not fun at all.

  • Laura November 2, 2012, 9:50 am

    Thank goodness you guys figured it out so quickly. It is so weird to include avocado in salsa verde. I mean, it sounds yummy to me, but definitely not an obvious ingredient. Take it easy today!

  • SK November 2, 2012, 9:56 am

    So sorry to hear! SOOO glad you’re alright! You’re a trooper. Feel better!

  • Jenn November 2, 2012, 10:06 am

    I am allergic to shellfish. A month ago while on a 1,500 mile road trip from TX-Maryland, my fellow travel/ co-worker and I stopped at a chinese restaurant. I played it safe and ordered Wonton soup and veggie eggrolls. Turns out the wonton soup had shrimp in the wonton which I discovered after eating about a 1/4 of the bowl! No fun trying to find a hospital while on the road and being detoured for 5 hours.

  • Ali November 2, 2012, 10:12 am

    I am glad you are ok. Scary stuff! I had something land me in the hospital when my daughter was brand newish, and I didn’t want her there either. The hospital grade pump worked well though. 🙂

  • Susan - Nurse on the Run November 2, 2012, 10:35 am

    Glad you’re okay, but I cringed a little bit about going to the hospital for a check-up…primary care doctors could test for things like a kidney infection without using the resources of the ER. Good luck with the epi pen, can’t imagine not eating chips and guac!

  • Christine November 2, 2012, 10:35 am

    I am allergic to bees, hornets, wasps, etc. I got stung once when I was in second grade and went into anaphylactic shock and ended up in the ER. I’ve carried an EpiPen on me ever since and luckily have never been stung again (I’m 27 now so I’ve made it a long time and I hope I never have to use that EpiPen!).

  • Johanna B November 2, 2012, 10:37 am

    I carry an epi pen in my purse at all times. I have several serious allergies. The worst is to lidocaine (which is rare). I go into anaphylaxis. I never let anyone come near me with a needle unless I know exactly what’s in it. I really should wear a bracelet.

  • deva at deva by definition November 2, 2012, 10:58 am

    So scary! My sister is allergic to latex and all of the cross allergens. I can’t eat Kiwis (so sad. love them!), and I can’t have undercooked eggs. At all. Touching an uncooked egg can give me hives, but when they’re fully cooked I can eat them.

  • Melissa @TryingtoHeal November 2, 2012, 11:12 am

    Oh goodness, glad you’re ok! I used to be highly allergic to silken tofu when I was a kid, but I think it was a preservative they use in it that i was allergic to. I haven’ tried the silken kind since, but I can eat regular tofu for sure!

  • Lisa November 2, 2012, 11:17 am

    Scary! Glad you go to the hospital in time. My boyfriend is deathly allergic to penicillin. I gave him a Road ID for his birthday one year and put that on there. So important to tell people!

    • Caitlin November 2, 2012, 11:18 am

      What a good gift!

  • Sarah M November 2, 2012, 11:38 am

    I would take the kidney infection quite seriously. When I had one my doctor made sure to have me back to run tests after I was threw with my antibiotics to be sure I was completley healed. You could be feeling no symptons, but still have a lingering infection that may cause further damage. I’m surprised you were double over in pain, it was one of the worst experiences I’ve had.

    • Caitlin November 2, 2012, 11:49 am

      i think it was veryyyyy mild. just beginning. thank goodness!!! i mean, heck, i feel totally normal. and i ran three miles that morning no problemo!

  • Lekki Frazier-Wood November 2, 2012, 12:11 pm

    Glad you are OK! I am very allergic to insect bites (all sorts of types). My only advice is: NEVER hold back on the Epipen. A lot of my allergies don’t go to full on anaphylaxis, just a long, drawn out itchy / swelling / inflamed reaction (think 8 days on steroids). So, I was loathe to use it (because I thought it was only for breathing difficulties). However, using my Epipen immediately shuts even a rash and swelling down – so even if you are not going shock it can stop a nasty allergy. If I use it in time I don’t even need anti histamines!

  • Amanda November 2, 2012, 12:59 pm

    I’m allergic to soy and gluten. I have a two pack of EpiPens in my desk drawer, some in the car, and at home. Scary incident for sure. So sorry! Glad you’re doing ok, Caitlin. And Henry is just so cute! Love the pics. Thank you!

  • Cindy November 2, 2012, 1:49 pm

    I’m allergic to peas, peanuts, hazelnuts and soy. Last week I was out at a coffee shop and shared a brownie with my friend. I immediately felt my throat get all tight and itchy. I immediately went and bought Benadryl and took double the dose. I was ok, but it really freaks me out that this happened. When I had the allergy test I was still highly reactive/sensitive and I couldn’t not be on Benadryl for 72 hours, so I may be allergic to other things I don’t know about. I need to get tested again!

    I’m glad you are ok! 🙂

  • Amber K November 2, 2012, 2:27 pm

    I’m allergic to chlorine as well as a lot of soaps and lotions. I’m so glad that my food intolerances don’t force me to go to a hospital even if they do cause me pain. Hope everything is okay now.

  • Kathleen November 2, 2012, 2:35 pm

    So glad you’re okay. I just wanted to add that my son (10 months) and I are both allergic to the nightshade family (eggplant, tomato and potato). Recently a doctor told me that food allergies usually manifest in the same way in children as in their parents if the child has the allergy. I’m sure you’ll be starting Henry on solids pretty soon so you might want to talk to his pediatrician about your own allergies and maybe even get an epi pen jr. to have in case he has the same ones. Here’s hoping he doesn’t have any! My older daughter has no food allergies, so I guess in my case it’s not necessarily a given that the child will inherit the food allergies of the parent.

    • Caitlin November 2, 2012, 2:40 pm

      Thanks for this tip – I will definitely ask his ped and get a mini epi pen!

  • Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut November 2, 2012, 3:42 pm

    Oh man, that’s scary! I’m mildly allergic to pine trees…I had to wear ski gloves while I decorated the Christmas tree as a kid! It was a big bummer at the time, but funny to think about now.

  • Dominique November 3, 2012, 4:13 pm

    I’m allergic to latex too, but never thought I could be allergic to avocados and bananas as well. I didn’t know they are cross-reactors. I’m also allergic to crustaceans (seafood with shells like shrimp, lobsters, crabs) but okay with molluscs (clams, oysters, mussels). It’s kind of a pain to explain to people so I just tend to say seafood. Big event dinners are the worst because they’re typically give you chicken instead but I’m also allergic to non-organic chicken because of the hormones. It’s been a decade since I’ve been able to eat conventional chicken.

  • Simply Life November 4, 2012, 3:38 pm

    so sorry to hear this happened but glad you took care of it! hope you are feeling better!

  • Deanne November 5, 2012, 7:54 pm

    I get UTI’s all the time. I can remember being really little (4-5) and having problems. My Dad and Grandpa would always joke that I had to use every washroom in our town whenever they took me anywhere. I know now it was probably an infection that made me think I had to pee every 5 minutes. I now have a special card so I can get tested whenever I feel one coming on. Usually I ignore it till it drives me nuts though and I have had it go into my kidneys a few times and it really does suck.

  • Sofia November 6, 2012, 6:47 am

    Hi Caitlin I’m a big fan of your blog. I read it every morning here from Portugal!:)
    I too adopted a cat about 2 months ago and I learned a lot with the comments to your post. So glad you made that choice. I also call myself a dog person but just could not leave this little one on the streets to face winter. His name is Tobias and he is white and gray like Pippa, although he’s more on the white side. And he has beautiful green eyes.
    The reason I’m writing on this post’s comments is that I had a kidney infection also from a UTI with no symptoms 2 yrs ago. It started really mild (thought it was a small lesion from workouts) on my right side but as I ignored it it kind of grew and grew up to the point I couldn’t walk anymore and just wanted to get in bed. Turned out I was cured really fast but had to skip work for 1 day – only because to walk or to stand was painful but if I was sitting it was fine. Actually if I had to choose between menstrual cramps and this kind of pain I would definitly go for this one! Women suffer, ah!

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