allergic reaction to food and my stamina is shot

[bmccasland]

Friday a week ago I had a severe allergic reaction to something I ate - and I didn't know I had food allergies. I had all the classic really bad symptoms: difficulty breathing, weak thready pulse, loss of consciousness (was out about 4 minutes). Fortunately I'm allergic to bees, so I had an epi-pen. The last two brain cells that were functioning figured out what was going on, and I stabbed myself in the leg with the epi-pen. Then the lights went out. I woke up to "here they are now" (paramedics, firemen, cops; it was a rodeo in the restaurant).

Anyway, was seen in the ER, and am following up with my family doc. We're going to try to figure out what I'm allergic to.

Last week I was in western Montana for a seminar (work), and breathed smoke from forest fires for 4 days. Not good for my asthma.

Came home, and last sunday I went for a bike ride - first in about 2 weeks. My stamina is absolutely shot. I couldn't ride nearly as far or as fast as I usually do. I'm no racer, but I could keep a respectable pace.

So when is my stamina going to come back???? Is there so sort of training I could or should be doing to bring me back to where I was before I ate the mystery food thing? Or am I just going to suck it up and let time heal all wounds?

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}}

What a drag! So sorry you've developed an allergy, especially one that is so serious!!

I'm no doc, but I have been dealing with some issues (as you know) that do involve food sensitivities and lack of energy amongst other things. Listen to you body. Don't be sad you can't go as fast, maybe there's something you need to see at a slower speed....
and if you get a chance to, after you've done your medical research into this, see if you can find a naturopathic practitioner who does electrodermal testing and uses homeopathic and herbal remedies, and an acupuncturist. These two professionals and my massage therapist have done wonders for me!

Sending butterflies that will throw open the doors of understanding and shower you with healing.

Hugs,
~T~

[Zen]

It looks like you've stumped the panel with this one

I'm running this down in my head like a detective. I keep going back to the forest fire...Carbon molecules attaching to oxygen molecules = diminished blood 02 carrying capacity=fatigue.
What do you think of that theory?
You may just need to rest some more and let your system clear of that smoke.
The food thing is likely an entirely different issue right now.

[blueskies]

Beth,

That sounds like a lot that your body has been through. An allergic reaction is an immune response, and I've heard that it can leave your immune system in a sort of a hyper-alert for a while. You also were on the receiving end of some very powerful drugs to manage that, right? Our bodies are complex systems, and can need a little time to rebalance after extreme events. I think it makes sense that your stamina isn't up to par, even thought it's so frustrating.

Many years ago, I had a severe allergic response... We never pinpointed what triggered it, but it was probably about a month before I was completely back to normal. I was very fatigued to begin with.

Maybe continue to ride, but at an easier pace? Some scenic flat rides? Extra rest & relaxation?

Glad that you had that epi-pen & the wits to use it!

[Starfish]

No medical or trainer credentials here...just blind opinion!!

I know when I've had a cold or something that knocks me off my training, as yucky as this idea is, I really have to start back with baby steps again.

I'll bet it won't take you long...but, maybe by starting with 2-3 days in a row of recovery riding...just easing back into the bike...that you can then sort of jump start your training back up to normal?

Your body has experienced stress...maybe not workout stress...but stress none-the-less...so might need some easy/active recovery?

As I said, just guessing...

[teigyr]

It takes time, your body went through a lot.

I am allergic to things like smoke and also have breathing difficulties. Being in a smoky restaurant or bar (thankfully WA is smoke free now!) will put me out for a couple of days. After something like that, my energy and stamina is way low and I think it's a combination of fighting whatever's going on and the fact I have stuff in my lungs from breathing bad things.

It hasn't been that long. Baby steps Go for walks, do some slower steady bike rides. You'll get back quickly but just don't be too impatient with yourself.

I wonder what the food allergy was about? Might definitely be worth checking into, that's scary and would better be avoided in the future.

[jusdooit]

I found out few years ago that I have a multitude of allergies. About 20 (yes that's right) are food allergies, the remaining 20 (yep that's right too) are inhaled antigens. When I choose to partake of foods I know I'm allergic to, I expect to feel like crap for a few days. But it was very enlightening to be diagnosed. Once I stopped eating the offending foods and started on shots I felt like a new person. Before that I suffered from almost constant fatigue. Now if I start feeling run down I can think back to the exposures I've had and it usually makes sense.
I recommend getting a full scratch test done. It is unlikely that you're allergic to just one thing. Might as well go the distance and know what your triggers are ahead of time. Most asthmatics have allergies, and many who develop allergies will develop asthma.
Good luck, and give your body time to recover.

[redrhodie]

Were you exercising at the time of the allergic reaction? You may have exercise-induced anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reation that is brought on by exercise. I get a bad reaction to shellfish (hives, trouble breathing) if I ride too soon after eating it. I'm not allergic to it if I don't exert myself.

Not sure if that would make you feel exhausted. I'll recommend what my mother always did when I wasn't well--eat and sleep!

[bmccasland]

Let's see - I was sitting on my behind enjoying a nice dinner with my Aunt when I noticed something was amiss. Felt a little woozy and wondered why the room lights were getting dark. I finally figured out I must be having an allergic reaction to something I ate, and then the fun really began.

So.. I have a scratch test at my doctor's office on thursday (tomorrow), and a pulmonary function test at Tulane University Hospital on monday. Then follow up with my doc the following week when all the test results are in to figure out where we go with the information.

Tomorrow afternoon I plan to do a levee ride with the office group, thunderstorms permitting. We'll see how my pace and endurance does. Here's hoping my body has forgiven me and we can have a good ride.