Approximately 3 years ago my body went into shock from having a small margarita. It wasn’t entirely shocking, various alcoholic beverages had been having an allergic effect on me. Normally it would involve red face, increased heart beat, shortness of breath, or feeling like I was running a 105 degree temperature.
I never drank all that much. Maybe a glass a wine here or there or one drink while we were out and about. However, on that one night 3 years ago, my body said, “that’s it!” I had so much difficulty breathing I felt like I was about to die. Although I don’t have asthma, I imagine that is what a severe to dangerous asthma attack feels like. After about 5 minutes, it finally subsided. An allergist told me I should never drink again. However, he did mention something about sulfites.
beer
Fast forward to the present. I did some research and found some other stories of folks on the interwebs who experienced the exact same thing I did. All of them said it wasn’t an alcohol allergy, but rather a sulfite allergy. So, what has sulfites in it? Wine is the main culprit, but some liquors, especially those with strong lime and lemon flavors (i.e. a margarita), have it as well. Beer, however, does not.
On Wednesday night, armed with an epi pen just in case, I proceeded to drink a Killian’s beer. I didn’t die! Not even one single symptom! Three years of being alcohol free was over, and I now know that beer is back in play! I was so excited, I had another. Big mistake.
Two beers has always been my limit, and usually it’s just one. However, my liver had completely forgotten about this substance, and subsequently I got pretty buzzed. I won’t do that again, as I don’t like it when something alters my state such as that, whether it be a medication or a beverage.
So, there you have it. I’m back to enjoying the occasional beer. Good times, indeed.
5 Comments
July 18, 2008 at 8:23 am
Hooray! You have to come with us to The Flying Saucer next week then and sample Nashville’s finest brew.
July 18, 2008 at 9:13 am
Sooooooooo happy! hee hee
July 19, 2008 at 8:23 pm
The best part about this story is imagining the conversation between you and Hallie:
Michael: I think I want to try to drink beer to see if I’m allergic to sulfites instead of alcohol.
Hallie: (Makes the “Are you a freaking idiot?” face) Michael, you’ll die!
Michael: (Matter-of-factly) No I won’t – the internet describes my allergic reaction as being exactly like a sulfite allergy, and there aren’t any sulfites in beer.
Hallie: (Makes the “Are you a freaking idiot?” face) I’m not calling 911 when you pass out on the floor.
Michael: (Matter-of-factly) Fine, I’ll just use my epi pen.
Michael drinks half a beer with no reaction.
Michael: Hehehehehe!
July 20, 2008 at 11:16 am
That’s exactly the conversation we had!!
And he’s not allowed to drink anything without the epi pen in his possession!
July 20, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Kelly – you’re “story” is freaking hilarious!!!