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Milena’s testimony – Living with severe allergies

So that it never happens again – After the sad story involving Charlotte King(who died of anaphylactic shock after dinner at a restaurant), our collaborator Milena Crause (who has severe allergies similar to those Charlotte had) tells us what it means to live with these severe food allergies, in the hope of raising public awareness, and in particular those working in the field. For this very reason, Milena has also been interviewed by television and newspapers.

Here is her testimony:

Sometimes, you find yourself in front of a computer keyboard, writing things obvious to you but perhaps not so obvious to many others. This is what happened to me three days ago when, following Charlotte’s tragedy, I wanted to entrust my closeness to her friends, boyfriend and family to Facebook. Words that, to my surprise, aroused the interest of several press outlets. Charlotte and I were not friends, much less acquaintances, but my closeness to her, unfortunately, goes far beyond bonds of this kind. Tuscan and more or less the same age, we shared a third element of significant importance:

Serious multiple allergies. I, Charlotte, did not know her, but unfortunately, I know perfectly well the sensations she felt when she realised what was happening to her body. That sensation of unconditional loss of control is sometimes irreversible.

Not to mention that damned adrenaline that no one knows why it did not do its job; they call them “Life-saving medicines”, but sometimes “Never forget them at home” is not enough. On August 17, 1996, in the middle of summer, they gave birth to me. Only two months later came the discovery of my serious food allergies; on my “little arms”, the pick test counted a positive result for about 90% of foods. The first years for my family were difficult, but thanks to my second family, called “Meyer”, particularly Dr. Antonio

Filly, we came out victorious.

Fortunately, I “only” have a serious allergy to wheat (100+) and dried fruit today. A problem that, willingly or not, I have always had to live with but that, however, looking at the cup half full, I have never taken as something necessarily negative. First point: There are much more serious things in the world. Second point: Every obstacle in life serves to strengthen you, make you grow much faster and see things from a different point of view. I decided for the first time to speak seriously about the topic because I have fully accepted the wishes of Charlotte’s family: For deaths like this not to remain in vain, we need greater sensitivity to the topic, and the only tool we have is words.

Talking about it without any shame is the only thing that matters.

Nowadays, the life of a person with eating disorders has certainly improved a lot compared to 10/20 years ago, but there is still something to improve. The positive is the great increase in the diversity of dietary foods available to the direct consumer and the restaurateur. However, in public establishments, such as bars and restaurants, the quality of service for those with allergies or intolerances is improving but is still not good.

Among the many recurring clichés is the lack of distinction between wheat allergy and celiac disease; the ABC of a good restaurateur would be to distinguish the two problems and their reactions and reaction times. This is just one of the many examples I could give, as another could be not knowing how to distinguish, in general, an allergy from a food intolerance or the right rules for non-contamination.

As with everything, we must praise those who, as I have had the pleasure of meeting in recent years, instead strive to seek a scrupulous and perfect service for any customer in every detail. What is the moral of the story of this immense papyrus? Dear non-business readers, if you want to learn about these food problems, do so with pleasure for your culture; dear readers who manage a public establishment in the food sector, learn carefully because it is your duty. By informing yourself you can save human lives (Who knows if you won’t have the pleasure/displeasure of meeting me one day sitting at one of your tables?).

Elena’s testimony

Since I was very little, I have had a difficult relationship with this disease because I did not only suffer from Asthma but also dermatitis and allergies; everything was connected. Being a polyallergic child was very complicated; there were many dangerous things for me, and I was easily scared. And the more scared I was, the more the Asthma increased. I even risked missing school; often, after an hour of class, I had to call someone to come and pick me up because I was sick. Then, when I was older, when my friends went out I stayed home locked up. I didn’t feel like it.

I have lost count of the times I was hospitalised because of Asthma attacks; it was a nightmare for my family, too. At 17, they saved me by a hair’s breadth; then they finally diagnosed me with Severe Asthma.

When I started the therapy for Severe Asthma, at the beginning, it wasn’t all roses and flowers; I had very strong headaches, sensitivity to noise and light, and other small problems. Sometimes, the injections take effect immediately; other times, I have to wait a bit, but I can say that even like this, I have returned to life.

Now, I go with friends to the beach and mountains and take long walks in the open air.

I go to sleep and wake up in the morning, breathing naturally, and it’s beautiful. Before, I would wake up continuously at night to take cortisone because I couldn’t breathe. Now, I don’t even remember when I had the last strong asthmatic reaction.

I also do a job I like and never thought I could. Above all, I have made my little dream come true: I moved to the countryside with two cats and two dogs. Pollen, mites, and hair are always lurking, and I have to be very careful, but I can manage the situation. At least I don’t live hanging on to cortisone. Above all, I breathe that freedom I had never felt before.