Tick induced allergy to red meat :(

[goldfish]

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/just-one-bite-ticks-and-allergies-on-the-north-shore-20131226-2zxru.html

Now it seems official - for just over 3 years now I've not been able to enjoy the simply grilled lamb chops I was raised on -  or any other red meat for that matter! My first experience was when my body reacted in such a way my torso resembled one of those relief maps (all in red, raised vast areas) of the world.  When this happened (of course, late at night ) I honestly thought something had gotten into the bed and had bitten me all over   I had a shower, poured what seemed gallons of white vinegar over the affected areas, etc, etc, etc.  Within a couple of days, those bright red incredibly itchy "continents" gradually began to fade into pale pink.  We examined the contents of the previous night's meal - a beautifully spiced casserole with lamb chops  . . was it the spices?  The second time it happened - it was after eating steak.  After a couple more experiences  I began to blame the meat, I changed butchers (several times ), blamed additives in the meat - whatever I could think of next.  (even Ikea Swedish meat balls - I loved them!! - even produced angry red hives within an hour)

It wasn't until I mentioned it to a new friend who was a naturopath and she asked if I'd been bitten by ticks that some explanation, as weird as it seemed, was out there. . . . .I thought for a moment, the last one been almost a year before when I had one on the back of my neck.  Later, a dr asked the same question but didn't confirm anything.  So, now I guess it's official . . thanks to the SMH   I've stuck to seafood, poultry, all manner of egg dishes, etc, and I thank my lucky stars though as it seems I can tolerate small amounts of chorizo . . .  but I do miss a lamb roast!! 

I'm not sure if it will ever go away, just not willing to take the risk atm . . . .

I live on the northern beaches of Sydney and I wonder if this phenomenon is confined to this area or is it becoming widespread.  If you do live in a "tick area" please take extra care and be more than vigilant in checking yourselves (and your pets - vet fees are exorbitant!!) for them and pulling them out asap.

[cookie1]

GF I am glad that you found out what was causing the rash. I sympathise with you over the lamb roast. We don't eat a lot of red meat but not being able to have it if you wished must be agonising.

[CreamPuff63]

Very interesting, and then maybe you should read this: Lyme Disease. Authorities like to deny it exists in Australia despite recorded sufferers.

[cookie1]

I find it confusing that the authorities say we don't have it here, when we obviously do.

[Kimmyh]

Gee GF that's terrible but bet your glad you have some answers. Do you think you will ever be able to tolerate read meat again?

[droverjess]

Very interesting.
Lyme disease is prevalent over here.
Dd was bitten when young and then tested for Lyme disease a bit after.
Never heard of the meat thing before and wonder if the allergy is worldwide?
Glad you are ok GF.
My DH would not cope, he doesn't like fish.

[Cornish Cream]

Wow GF I'm glad you found out what was causing the nasty rash.It must be hard for you to refrain from eating red meat especially your favourite lamb roast.

[Halex]

That stinks

I do love rack of lamb

[achookwoman]

GF,  that is awful.  At least you have an answer.  Is there a possibility that you will grow out of it? 

[mcmich]

That's awful for you GF. Lyme Disease is a nasty piece of business too.

[Yvette]

Glad you found out the cause GF it will be hard to stay away from lamb

[Emme]

GF, glad you have found an answer hope it might be something that your immune system might overcome.  Hugs.

[Bedlam]

GF, how awful for you and how difficult to diagnose. I hope for your sake your intolerance decreases.
Ticks are the bain of our employees life.  They have become a huge problem in recent years. It used to be they were only a big problem around eneabba but now are prevalent in all areas of the forest. Fortunately no one has had a reaction like this. Generally it is localised redness and itching.  A new bite tends to set off older bites.  We are unable to offer much to protect from these.

[cookie1]

Bedlam when my DH was doing his national service in QLD they were given an injection against ticks. Admittedly this was over 40 years ago. It was probably only for a short time too.

[CreamPuff63]

GF were you just on "Today Tonight"?