Attack of the Killer Shrimp

I've been a bit off lately.

Well, let's be honest, we all know I've been off for quite some time.

But this time I have a reason.

As you might remember, I'm allergic to shrimp. And bees. But shrimp seems to cause the most issues.

Last Friday, I went to lunch with Kendra at a hip little noodle shop a few blocks away from work. I ordered the vegetarian noodles. She ordered the chicken. We both devoured our spicy, delicious soba noodles and settled back to chat with content tummies.

On the way back to work, I tried to clear my throat. It didn't work. I tried to swallow. It was difficult. With dawning horror (too dramatic?) I realized I was having an allergic reaction.

I got to work and hunted for some Benedryl while rinsing my mouth. I called the restaurant and discovered that yes, there might have been cross contamination since a shrimp noodle dish was ordered at the same time as my vegetarian.

My mouth, tongue, and throat continued to swell. Right around the time I looked in a mirror and realized I could no long push my tongue down enough to see my throat, I decided to hit up the ER.

Where I sat in a drugged stupor while they observed me.

In a drugged stupor with a warm blanket over my legs.

I might have dozed off.

After they determined the worst was over, I sadly left the warm blanket and went back to work where I sat in a drugged stupor until it was time to go home.

Now, two things.

First, ever since, I've been exhausted, dizzy, and just plain old icky feeling. I spoke to a nurse practitioner and she said it might take a while for it (whatever "it" is) to work through my system. Apparently food likes to linger.

Two, I have to admit I'm a bit freaked out by my reaction to cross contamination. It's never been this severe which leaves me a tad bit anxious.

And yes, I have an appointment on Friday to get a prescription for an epi pen. Which makes me grumpy. Because seriously? A severe food allergy?

The Universe is ridiculous.

When I feel better and not so frantic, I'll be updating with posts about my trip to see Cam, a book review, some fun school things, the fact that I'll be mostly MIA for the month of November, and a recipe or two. In the meantime, I'm just chillin' with my fuzziness.