Hi Jim:)
I know how you feel, so very much! We all do! Thats why we are here to try to make it easier on you. I would always press for the tests, you need the answers. Lets take your other issues (they were biggies for me too).
I think chocolate (just a tiny bit) is much safer for you than alcohol--it makes the circulation react so quickly. I dont drink any alcohol anymore. I DO have a chocolate bar in my freezer and now and then I have
one small piece of it
I never was a big tomato eater BUT I adore Italian food.. I had to cut out tomato sauce..Now I just use more garlic and butter and other spices that we can have and I find I like it better!
Cheese?? Check to see which ones are fresh and which are aged--you can probably have a small bit of fresh cheese...I do.. but the aged ones will make you react. Just know which ones are which.
Being afraid of going into shock..wow I can relate... I have one small trick I use and it is a security blanket for me. I keep about 60 mg of prednisone on me--
for emergencies only. IF I am starting to break out in hives (that is my alert I will go into shock).. I will take the prednisone at the same time I am calling 911. It helps the episode be much less severe and I get over it quicker. Talk to your Dr about it.
That bone and muscle pain?? OUCH.. I have it too.. and I do have pain pills for it.. but be careful, you know they can trigger us. I have one tip here...If your meds are tweaked right for you (enough H1 and H2 antihistamines), my pain level is much easier to control.. If my meds arent right, I have a problem controlling the pain, see? I hope you can tweak your meds exactly right for you and your pain will lessen and be more controllable.
Hope this helps
Hugs,
Ramona