Hey!
I am Meghan Michelle
Beginning the narrative of my journey, let's revisit Monday, June 21st, 2021—a date of profound importance. On that day, the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine opened the door to a transformative chapter in the quality of my life.
As I share my health journey details, I want to be clear—I'm not against vaccines. It's crucial to emphasize that I've always supported vaccinations and firmly believe in science. The purpose of my story is not to cast doubt on these principles but to share my personal experiences - the ups and downs — the journey of self-healing- through both mind, body and spirit. Given the limited online resources or medical research during this time- this expedition was largely self-guided…
Before proceeding, it's important to clarify that the content shared on this journal reflects my journey and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every individual is unique, and I recommend consulting with a medical professional to address your specific health concerns and conditions. The information here is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
Let’s begin-
Twenty hours post my initial COVID-19 vaccination, I encountered full-body hives and extreme face swelling, now diagnosed as Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (long-term hives) and Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of the skin, often occurring in areas such as the eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet). Despite not experiencing an immediate allergic reaction within 30 minutes, I was informed I wouldn't be exempt from the second dose. The reasoning was that my initial reaction was not considered a true ‘timely’ allergic response.
A month after the second shot, I ended up in the emergency room due to a full-body anaphylactic reaction. Doctors, despite my prior absence of severe allergies and the absence of an immediate post-meal reaction, linked it to 'extreme emotional stress’. Following discharge, I was provided with an Epi-Pen prescription and a second-generation antihistamine.
Frustration overwhelmed me upon receiving the diagnosis. I had never experienced anxiety attacks, and on that particular day, I felt nothing but calm and peace—until my face unexpectedly swelled up, and my throat constricted.
In the months that came next, I wrestled with sudden outbreaks of body hives, and my sensitivity expanded to foods that used to be a natural part of my everyday routine. Even various scents had the power to trigger reactions on my skin. Suddenly, I found myself intolerant to a variety of foods, including vinegar, wine, processed meat, strawberries, tuna, cheese, avocados, tomatoes, pickles, and even sourdough bread. My reaction to these foods wasn’t immediate… most often I would experience a reaction 2-3 hours later— once these foods reached my gut— which also gave me gastro-intestinal distress.
JANUARY 02, 2022 is a date etched in my memory when my attempt at a ‘Marry me” Pinterest sun-dried tomato chicken recipe took an unexpected turn, leading me on a personal ambulance ride back to the emergency room. That night marked my first-ever call to 911, guided by the dispatcher who assisted me in summoning the courage to self-administer an Epi-pen injection to open my airway.
The experience also holds a vivid memory of embarrassment as three firefighters entered my condo for the rescue. My face, resembling the sloth character from The Goonies, added a touch of unexpected humour to an otherwise challenging situation- LOL- “Hey you guys!”
To be candid, the fear of the worst crept in. Each night, I laid out a set of clothes, an Epi-pen, and medication by my bedside—just in case I woke up in the midnight hours with my throat closing over.
Regrettably, at that time, comprehensive research on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccination was still in its early stages. To little surprise, the healthcare system was actively advocating for Covid- boosters as a solution, a proposition I politely declined for obvious reasons. I often felt like a science experiment for many doctors, given the limited research on the long-term effects of COVID-19. Some even speculated that my reactions could be attributed to lingering traces of the virus, leading to a misdiagnosis, especially when my tests returned negative.
Navigating the Canadian healthcare system, I faced months of waiting to see a specialist. During this challenging period, both physically and mentally, I encountered random fainting spells after eating (notably after enjoying a grilled cheese)— Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure and a rapid increase in heart rate prompted a doctor to provide me with a future specialist referral. He floated the term "Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)" in what felt like a preliminary, hypothetical diagnosis—a disorder known to affect the autonomic nervous system.
I undertook an extensive series of tests, leaving no avenue unexplored in the quest to uncover potential autoimmune diseases. I also ensured a comprehensive examination of my heart. However, despite detecting a minor positive ANA marker on my blood tests, the results were inconclusive, leaving me in a state of uncertainty.
Fearing the unknown, I limited my diet to squash and rice, anxiously awaiting my specialist appointment. Fortunately, one doctor did refer me to an allergist—a crucial first step in both my healing and educational journey. According to the test results, the foods that led to my hospitalization didn't induce an IgE-mediated allergic response. In simpler terms, my reactions may look like allergies, but they don't follow the typical immune system response associated with allergies- which explains my delayed reactions- OR ‘Pseudoallergic responses’.
Much of my time was consumed by navigating Google in an attempt to understand my symptoms. This exploration led me down a spiral into topics like the gut microbiome, histamine intolerance, and mast cell activation. I was obsessed with my health and finding some hope for recovery and understanding.
Armed with my upgraded "Google MD" status, I strutted into my allergist's office, ready to drop some self-diagnosis bombs. She greeted me with an amused smile, acknowledging that histamine intolerance and Mast Cell Activation were like the cool kids in the research scene. Despite my attempt at humour, she nudged me towards the idea of rekindling my romance with the foods that once gave me a hospital-worthy performance. Worried about a potential nutrient deficiency caused by my anxiety-driven food avoidance, she basically told me, "It's time to make peace with the sun-dried tomatoes and their dramatic flair." In my head, I thought, "Risk it for the tomato theatrics?’
In 2022,
I made a bold choice to dedicate the year to my health. I set my sights on uncovering answers, focusing on the core of wellness. This journey led me to dive into the realm of gut health with a naturopath since traditional Western medicine seemed fixated on prescribing medications to merely manage reactions without offering a holistic treatment plan.
Breath work & Meditation
Low Inflammatory Diet
Movement
Mindset & Knowledge is Power
I took charge by checking all my vitamin levels & blood tests, delving into stress reduction techniques, putting a spotlight on physical health, ensuring a solid 8 hours of sleep, and experimenting with foods through a low histamine diet. Amidst the chaos, sticking to consistency and a routine became my lifeline—the only way I could maintain a semblance of control over my body and find mental peace while navigating this journey on my own.
Waiting a year and a half for a specialist is like being in a healthcare version of a slow-burn romance. After finally meeting with the POTS specialist I left the appointment with them remarking, "It appears you have somehow found a way to gradually heal yourself—others have not been as lucky- so a follow-up appointment would not be necessary’. Faced with an extended wait for a specialist, I had no choice but to adopt a DIY approach to wellness. Navigating this interim period without immediate ‘Western medicine professional guidance’, I crafted a self-directed plan to steer myself toward better health. It's a testament to adaptability and determination in the face of a prolonged wait for specialized care.
Life post-vaccination and the Coronavirus encounter isn't exactly a return to the status quo. Call it the chicken or the egg debate—I'm just here to share my own twist on the story.
Experimenting with new foods or supplements still triggers a bit of anxiety, and sporadic anaphylactic reactions are still part of the picture— though thankfully, less frequently. It's a journey, and progress comes with its own timeline. So, what's my go-to move? I've mastered the art of 'Google on the go,' asking the big questions like, "Is goat cheese high histamine?" Because in the world of uncertainties, Google is my sidekick, and the search bar is my compass.
BUT —What I've achieved is a newfound BALANCE for life—I make a concerted effort to prioritize foundational wellness through continuous research. I've been able to take a gradual approach to reincorporating some of the previously mentioned foods back into my diet. I channel my energy into maintaining a positive mindset, diligently listening to my body, and steering clear of anything that triggers adverse reactions. It's a journey unique to me, and while I may not be at 100%, I've discovered a sense of equilibrium that keeps me motivated and optimistic toward my goals.
Whether you're grappling with lingering COVID-19 symptoms, managing chronic health conditions, or simply harboring a passion for foundational wellness, I hope that sharing my journey can offer you additional resources and the inspiration to TAKE CHARGE of your own health expedition.
