On Your Mark... Get Set...

I am registered for my first ever run tomorrow morning. 

Yes, it's just the 1 mile "Fun Run" associated with the 5K the Man of the House will be running.  But it's a start.  Especially for the lady who has the motto "I Don't Run". 

And yes... I fully expect I'll be walking most (or maybe all) of the route. But a gal's gotta startsomewhere.  Especially if that gal is planning to do the Runway 5K with her handsome hubby in September.

It's the PB&J 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.  Which is ironic, since I can't even eat peanut butter.

I did get myself a cute new running outfit.  Because if I attempt to run this thing and end up needing medical attention along the way - I at least want to look nice as they wheel my wheezing, pathetic self into the waiting ambulance.

So anyway... I'm registered.  I'll be there come rain or shine.

And yes... I fully plan to show off my t-shirt and participation medal as though I ran a major marathon.  So, be ready for that!

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Itchy

As I write this, I'm not doing so well...

Yesterday my hands suddenly became very itchy, turned red with some welt/hive things.  There was minor swelling and the itching was driving me insane.  There was some blistering in areas, many of which popped open. 

And of course I was trying to convince myself that I had some terrible flesh eating bacteria thing going on - because I'm crazy paranoid like that sometimes.  I took some benedryl and crashed early.

This morning, I awoke with a terrible headache, which I can't seem to shake.  And I have a dry itchy patch on my face.  The type of patch which usually means I've eaten something with peanuts in it.

After a little research, I found that the hand thing can also be a symptom of a food allergy.

I did have lunch yesterday at my favorite Asian buffet restaurant.  And all I can figure is that I must not have been paying careful attention to the signs, or something with peanuts or peanut butter wasn't marked - and I ate it.

Needless to say I am not happy about this development.  I have so much I need to get done today, but all I want to do is take some more benedryl, something for the headache, and snooze on the couch for the afternoon.

UPDATE: I can report that things have have improved.  I have no new redness, swelling or itching of the hands so far today.  But my poor hands look terrible from the sores left where the blisters popped.

Happiness In A Little Chocolate Cup

Be still my beating heart...  And my suddenly overactive saliva glands!

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you are probably aware that in recent years I developed an apparent allergy to peanuts which causes my face to swell up like a big red balloon.  Given my great love for all things peanut butter, this was devastating to me.  The greatest loss was my beloved peanut butter cups.  (insert sound of sobbing and violin music here)

With this knowledge, you can now imagine my excitement when I opened the package that arrived the other day to find these little lovelies:

One of my fantabulous sisters (the groovy middle one) made me a batch of "peanut butter" cups from a soy butter substitute!

Not Just The Nuts

I couldn't believe it.

When that first itchy patch under my eye appeared Saturday night, I couldn't believe it.  I haven't eaten a peanut, or peanut butter, or anything with peanut oil.  Yet, there it was.  That red spot that announces the coming of a reaction to something.

This couldn't be happening, I thought to myself as I slathered Cetaphil lotion on it.  At that point I could only pray that this was one of the times it remained the one little red spot before fading quickly away. 

Later that night, all hopes were dashed.  The other eye began to itch.  The eye lids began to itch.  My neck started to itch.   By Sunday morning, I was scrambling for the Benedryl before I ripped the skin off my facial structure.

Sunday was a day of antihistamines, ibuprofen, and a mixture of various lotions and creams.  I was in a well-medicated haze.  Pretty much useless. 

Fortunately, this morning the situation seems to have improved some. 

I'm still a little dry, with various itching at times.  And still a little puffy around the eyes.  But at least the redness has faded, and the itching is bearable.

But this still leaves the question - what caused the outbreak this time?  What other thing am I apparently so allergic to that it completely alters my appearance?

Make That 6 Things

Six things I would really, really like to find.  I thought of something to add to the list:

1) A pair of jeans that fit
2) Underwear that fit.
3) A good (and simple) bread recipe
4) Time to sit down and really get lost in a book
5) Scissors that run on some sort of motor

AND...

6) A really good peanut butter substitute! 

Ever since discovering the potential allergy, all things peanutty have been off limits.  Now, it's bad enough I can't have even a Reese's cup, or fries from certain places because they are cooked in peanut oil.  But y'all... I miss my peanut butter sandwiches most of all!  (yes - I said "y'all".  I live in the south, get past it) 

Those stick to the roof of your mouth tasties have been a big part of my personal diet since my elementary school days when they made regular appearances in my lunchbox.  (Holly Hobby if you must know)  And some days not even coffee could get my day started the way a piece of peanut butter toast could.  Now, there are some days I just crave a good peace of peanut butter toast, or a peanut butter sandwich.  Not just in a "man, I sure would like a peanut butter and banana sandwich".  But more like in a - it's all I can think about, I want one so badly I can actually almost taste it - sort of way.  I miss a good pb&j so, so much.  It's just sad.

The Man of the House keeps pointing out products such as soy butter and almond butter to me.  But honestly, I'm just scared.  I don't want to purchase a jar of something to replace my peanut butter and find it's actually a jar of crap.  I don't like crap.  And I'm pretty sure a c&j sandwich would not do it for me. 

So, if anyone out there with a peanut allergy, or a peanut allergy stricken loved one, has a suggestion to share of a delicious peanut butter substitute that will actually trick my taste buds into believing I am enjoying my much missed peanut butter - please, Please, PLEASE let me know!