More threads by NicNak

NicNak

Resident Canuck
Administrator
I discovered about 10 years ago that I was allergic to raspberry extract after using a raspberry shampoo with natural ingredients. Not sure how severe the reaction was, but I had quite a few hives on my head, down my back and legs from washing out the shampoo in the shower.

About five years ago, I started having reacting when I ate raspberries. Swelling of my lips and pins and needles on my tongue.

I told my doctor and she was very sturn with telling me "Do not touch them again!" She was concerned cause some of the symptoms I was having were ones related to anaphylaxis.

When the pomegranate craze started I baught some pomegranate juice and had the same reaction, I told my doctor about this too and I stay away from pomegranates too.

Most of my family is understanding. Will not buy deserts, juices and such that contain pomegranates or raspberries, if I am over for dinner.

My mom, whom I live with, will. She doesn't seem to understand it. I think sometimes she thinks I am just being dramatic. But anaphylaxis is serious and I won't even touch things that have been in contact with either of the things I am allergic to, just in case.

Today mom baught fresh raspberries and they were a bit over ripe. I bagged the groceries and I got the juice on my hand. I started getting pins and needles where the juice spilled within a few minutes and my hand became itchy. (It is fine now, by the way :) ) When we got home, she asked me to re package them cause they were leaking. I told her, I won't touch them.

I do not want to suggest to her that she not have them at home, but I would hope she would be a bit more cautious or not get upset if I won't go near them to clean up or re package as it was today.

Often times she will leave a half glass of pomegranate juice in the sink and then get mad cause I didn't do the dishes.

I was wondering how I can explain this to her so she understands, short of bringing her to the doctor with me so the doctor tells her.

Thanks for any input.
 

David Baxter PhD

Late Founder
Have you tried printing out some information on anaphylaxis for her? She may not realize that this is about life-and-death, not just a rash.
 

Banned

Banned
Member
I think too, you need to just be really firm. You may never get her to understand (you can lead a horse to water but...) so it's got to be 100% your responsibility to ensure your safety, even if it's saying "no I can't wash the raspberries" or whatever...

Can you have a "raspberry-free zone" in your fridge so you don't have to worry about your food?
 

adaptive1

MVP, Forum Supporter
MVP
Gosh thats really insensitive of her to do that. It sounds like she doesnt believe you or thinks you are making it up. Could you get a note from your doctor that basically says you have this condition and then show it to your mom as evidence? I like the giving her written material idea too.
 
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