It's terrible.

Had some rough episodes that required trips to the emergency room. Doctors had no clue back then what the hell was happening. It was 2011 before I figured out it was the Lone Star tick allergy by reading a report about it on the damn internet. I live out in the boonies, so I'm subject to get tick bites.

Made an appointment with an allergy doctor and had a ton of tests, including a blood test for the Alpha-gal. It was positive. When I told friends and relatives about it, they thought I was going la-la land. Until recently, even doctors and nurses in the hospital knew absolutely nothing about such an allergy.

The only meals I eat are those I prepare myself and know they're safe. Haven't eaten any red meat in a decade. Also make sure even the veggies I eat are not cooked with anything but water. I even closely check canned or frozen veggies to make sure there isn't any seasoning of any type in them. Keep an Epi-Pen handy just in case.

My friend was undiagnosed for a while — maybe still is.