WillThereBeCake
Silver Member
I wasn't sure where to put this, but it is NOT a symptom of PTSD, and Chit Chat didn't convey the seriousness of it, so I'm putting it here. Mods, please feel free to relocate.
One of the side effects of anxiety and stress is commonly gastrointestinal distress. Residents, and anyone that has visited the Southern US, are now finding that if they were ever bitten by a Lone Star Tick, that what they may be dealing with is a condition called Alpha Gal (more accurately Alpha Gal Antibodies).
In essence, it is an allergy to all mammalian meat products (beef, pork, veal, venison, etc.) Reactions can range from stomach distress, rashes and hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This condition has only gained recognition in the last year or so, but doctors know realize they have patients that have suffered from it for at least the last two decades.
I wanted to bring it up here because anxiety is stressful enough without having to deal with a misdiagnosis of one of the side effects. It is also common that sufferers have been diagnosed with IBS, Krohns, and a variety of other disorders, and the treatments just don't work, thus causing more anxiety and stress.
There is no treatment for Alpha Gal, but avoiding the mammalian meats, and avoiding further tick bites, has lead to a decrease in reactions in a lot of people over time. One recent report I read stated that they have found such a high prevalence of the Lone Star Ticks carrying this, that they are instructing doctors to test for Alpha Gal in anyone that knows or even suspects they've been bitten (ie, everyone in the area, those nasty buggers are everywhere).
So, I just wanted to share so that if you do live in, or visit the states with the Lone Star Tick, or as is my case, got one from a load of mulch from that area, get yourself tested. It is one condition that you can control and get relief from. Proper diagnosis will greatly reduce the bad circle of anxiety and stress that comes from having this previously unexplained condition.
I know the mods hate unverified links, so please Google it for more info and see your Dr. if needed.
One of the side effects of anxiety and stress is commonly gastrointestinal distress. Residents, and anyone that has visited the Southern US, are now finding that if they were ever bitten by a Lone Star Tick, that what they may be dealing with is a condition called Alpha Gal (more accurately Alpha Gal Antibodies).
In essence, it is an allergy to all mammalian meat products (beef, pork, veal, venison, etc.) Reactions can range from stomach distress, rashes and hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This condition has only gained recognition in the last year or so, but doctors know realize they have patients that have suffered from it for at least the last two decades.
I wanted to bring it up here because anxiety is stressful enough without having to deal with a misdiagnosis of one of the side effects. It is also common that sufferers have been diagnosed with IBS, Krohns, and a variety of other disorders, and the treatments just don't work, thus causing more anxiety and stress.
There is no treatment for Alpha Gal, but avoiding the mammalian meats, and avoiding further tick bites, has lead to a decrease in reactions in a lot of people over time. One recent report I read stated that they have found such a high prevalence of the Lone Star Ticks carrying this, that they are instructing doctors to test for Alpha Gal in anyone that knows or even suspects they've been bitten (ie, everyone in the area, those nasty buggers are everywhere).
So, I just wanted to share so that if you do live in, or visit the states with the Lone Star Tick, or as is my case, got one from a load of mulch from that area, get yourself tested. It is one condition that you can control and get relief from. Proper diagnosis will greatly reduce the bad circle of anxiety and stress that comes from having this previously unexplained condition.
I know the mods hate unverified links, so please Google it for more info and see your Dr. if needed.
