By David Grier
Over the years I thought that I was alone in this problem, but in group discussions with other organ transplant recipients I saw that I am not alone. I am a healthy two time organ donation recipient. But, my ongoing bout with food allergies eliminated many foods that have loved for well over 40 years.
I have always been healthy, even though there was an underlying liver disease that was first detected when I was 21. The liver disorder was minor and actually disappeared within a year after being discovered and forgotten about until I was about 35 when I became ill and ended up receiving a liver transplant when I was 38. About four years after my liver transplant I noticed that I was having problems with certain foods. I found myself having reactions to various foods such as pasta, oatmeal, and a few more of my favorite cereals and certain types of breads. These reactions ranged from nausea to not being able to hold these foods down. I never noticed any other reactions such as rash or issues with breathing.
One of my transplant coordinators advised me that over time that anti-rejection medications would have ongoing and changing side effects and suggested that I drink water before eating the foods that I had a reaction to. The nausea never decreased and in fact, continued to increase. About a year later, a physician diagnosed me with Acid Reflux and prescribed Prilosec, but that did not solve the problem. Finally, I was sent to an allergist. The skin test showed a reaction to oat, wheat, egg, and rye.
I was steadily losing weight, yet my blood work did not show any major problems with my kidney or transplanted liver. I informed my physicians, I could not eat many of my favorite foods. Luckily, I was not allergic to much junk food, so I was not eating healthy, but my weight was maintained from potato chips, candies, and other sweet foods. Over time even chocolate was a problem, along with dairy such as ice cream and milk shakes.
Not long after that, I added cheese to the list.
When I was 48, about eight and a half years after my transplant, I was told that my liver was once again failing and also that my kidney was failing. The good news, though, was that I was strongly craving the very foods that turned my stomach. Sure enough, I found myself eating eggs again, oatmeal and many cereals, and even some ice creams. I still could not eat much whole wheat bread, but I was back to having a strong appetite and my weight was slowly increasing. So, while I was facing major transplants I was enjoying food again.
In April of 2007, I had my kidney/liver transplant. Two weeks after my transplant while still in the hospital, I noticed that my allergies reemerged. So, I am right back where I started.
As we stand, I am waiting for my appointment with an allergist so that I can see what I can do to enjoy my foods again.
For more information about Transplants Recipients International Organization (TRIO) http://www.triocleveland.org
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