Category: Allergies

  • Self-advocacy and allergies

    Self-advocacy and allergies

    In a perfect world, every restaurant and event would be able to accommodate everyone’s life-threatening allergies. However, until we get to that world, I am my best and most important advocate. I try to keep this space a positive one, but I have been reflecting on negative allergy experiences I’ve had, and want to share…

  • Restaurant review: Flight Coffee Company

    I am a constant frequent flyer at Flight Coffee Co., specifically their Bedford location. In the year or so I’ve been getting my caffeine fix from them, I have been wildly impressed by their consistency, messaging and care for my allergies. To start, Flight is not an allergen-free kitchen, but I have never once had…

  • What to get on a coffee date (when caffeine triggers your stomach issues)

    What to get on a coffee date (when caffeine triggers your stomach issues)

    Ah, the infamous coffee date. I’m a fiend for the coffee shop atmosphere, and so when I had to restrict my caffeine intake when I was initially diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, it threw me for a loop. Thankfully, I found some great alternatives that I either already was a fan of, or became a fan…

  • A turn in the road

    A turn in the road

    I have news I never thought I’d be able to share. According to my latest endoscopy, my Barrett’s esophagus is gone. Or, maybe it was never there in the first place? I’m not one to question doctors very often (we believe in science and medicine in this house), but I do question my initial pathology…

  • Restaurant review: Polly’s Pancake Parlor

    Restaurant review: Polly’s Pancake Parlor

    I only have a picture of my cleaned plate because I wolfed down these pancakes before I could even think to photograph them. I just spent a wonderful few days in Northern New Hampshire with some of my loved ones. Part of that week was visiting Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill for the first…

  • My journey with Barrett’s Esophagus (thus far)

    My journey with Barrett’s Esophagus (thus far)

    I became chronically ill with a condition called Barrett’s esophagus a little more than a year ago. As a young person, the diagnosis and subsequent lifestyle changes can be daunting, which is why I want to share what I’ve learned so far. First, it’s ok to be upset at first. Hearing the words “pre-cancerous” in…

  • Dealing with allergy anxiety

    Dealing with allergy anxiety

    I never used to be that anxious about my allergies. Maybe it was because my mom handled my allergies growing up, and I trusted her, or maybe I was always a little too trusting in nature. But that all changed when I had my first major reaction, not to food, but to an infusion. Back…

  • Restaurant review: N’awlins Grille in Concord, NH

    Restaurant review: N’awlins Grille in Concord, NH

    It’s not every day you walk into a restaurant and have to answer a telephone, provide a passcode, and perform a secret knock. But once you do, the atmosphere, food and service at N’awlins Grille in Concord, New Hampshire all make that worth the momentary confusion and giggles. This speakeasy used to be in Manchester…