little bitty girl

As you know, I have been plagued by unknown allergies for years. After endless testings and scores of doctors, no one has yet been able to determine the exact cause of my allergies. There was this naturopathic doctor who did at least manage to isolate some foods or beverages that I was "sensitive" to. I adhered to her list for maybe one month but since seafood, wheat, rice and soy were part of the "do not eat" list I decided that life was too short to not eat things I loved. I had made the conscious decision that I would have to live with pills for the rest of my life. Included on that list was also various forms of alcohol, especially beer.

I did notice after awhile that my reaction to beer was pretty instantaneous. Two sips would start a slight itch in my nasal passages, a bottle would trigger sneezing and more than that would be sheer suffering the next day. When I say suffering the next day, it's not a hangover that I am talking about. It'll start off with an insane sinus headache, endless sneezing to the point of being unable to function or form a single thought. Just think of your worst allergy attack times ten.

Still, I persisted in partaking of beer despite all of it's downsides. Although, I think that over time because of me drinking it less, my body seems to react even more adversely when I do. Last night, I had two beers and today I am suffering one of the severest allergy reactions that I have had in years and decided that it was time to part. I simply cannot be so incapcitated the next day. It's not just the physical reaction, it's also the fact that I become so consumed by easing my physical sufferings I become such an insufferable being. A virtual monster raising it's ugly head.

I shall miss it though. So many memories tied to the partaking of it. Tasting shandy for the first time, my first Keg party at U of T, trying my first baked oyster followed by some Belgium beer brought back from a friend's travels....

But I bid you adieu, my bitter friend....