re: Food Allergies are a scary thing...

Yep, found out the hard way I had shellfish allergies. Was in college and in Florida on spring break with friends. I grew up on meat and potatoes (my family were good country folks), and my friends goaded me into getting a Steak and Shrimp special so I did.

Took one bite and within a minute felt my throat getting scratchy. I probably took another couple of bites, not sure, but stopped eating pretty quickly.

Went back to my friends sisters house where we were staying and one side of my face started swelling. This was before urgent treatment clinics, so I basically laid on her couch for the rest of the evening in misery. My left eye swelled shut, and I felt horrible. Didn't want to go to the hospital.

We were driving down to Cape Canaveral the next day and I didn't want to miss it.

Found out later that kind of allergic reaction can kill you. Luckily it didn't.