life after the bite navigating alpha-gal syndrome

  You cannot  transmit  Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) to another person. Individuals with AGS are still eligible to donate blood, plasma, and even organs such as kidneys, as the condition is not passed from one human to another.     Recently, there has been misinformation suggesting that a pregnant or breastfeeding parent could give AGS to their child. This is not supported by scientific evidence. Although it can be frightening to hear such claims, current research  indicates  that Alpha-gal Syndrome cannot be transmitted during pregnancy or through breastfeeding.     I understand this concern personally. I was six months pregnant with my daughter when I was diagnosed with AGS, and my first worry was whether I could pass it on to her. However, studies to date show no mechanism by which AGS can be transferred from one human to another.  

Alpha-gal syndrome has received increased media attention recently. While this coverage helps raise awareness, it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation. Alpha-gal syndrome does not require a person to become vegan. Individuals with this condition can still eat meat—just not mammalian meat. You do not have to give up your favorite dishes; many can be enjoyed with simple ingredient substitutions. For example, you can still have spaghetti and meatballs by replacing ground beef with ground turkey. Butterball even offers a turkey roast with a gravy packet, which works well as a substitute in traditional recipes. I still use my grandmother’s roast recipe myself; I simply replace the beef roast with the Butterball turkey roast. One of her seasoning packets does contain dairy, but I am still able to tolerate it without issues. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s sensitivities are different, so review your recipes carefully to determine which ingredients may need...

  Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to mammalian products and by-products. Although it is often referred to as the “red meat allergy,” the condition involves much more than avoiding beef, pork, and lamb. Individuals with AGS can also react to ingredients derived from mammals, which may appear in foods, medications, personal care products, and medical materials. Because of this, it is essential to carefully check the ingredients of anything that goes in or on the body. One of the most challenging aspects of managing AGS involves medications and medical procedures . Many pharmaceuticals, fillers, capsules, and even surgical materials can contain mammalian-derived ingredients. It is important to inform your healthcare providers so they can take the necessary precautions and verify that the products they use are safe for you. For example, a few months ago I needed to have two teeth extracted. I explained to my dentist that only certain types of sutures were safe for me, since s...

I'm including this because a lot of people that have alpha-gal also have MCAS this is only a reference NOT a guide  MCAS

Learn about anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto injectors The overwhelming majority of people with AGS need to carry epinephrine auto injectors (like EpiPens) Up to 60% of patients with AGS have anaphylactic reactions (1-4). Alpha-gal allergy reactions are highly variable. This variability is a hallmark of AGS. Cofactors profoundly influence alpha-gal allergy reactions (see above). New tick bites can make you more reactive, and about half the time, people don’t notice that they were bitten by a tick. For all these reasons, even if you have had mild reactions in the past, you could have a more serious one in the future. Epinephrine Auto injectors There are  different types of epinephrine autoinjectors . Generic epinephrine auto injectors are substantially cheaper than EpiPens. One popular brand of epinephrine autoinjector is Auvi -Q. If you qualify, you can get up to 2 free Auvi -Q dual packs (that’s four autoinjectors in total) a year, delivered to your house. Your doctor will need to...

ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME KEY STATISTICS  

blood donation FAQ 

  Environmental and Molecular Drivers of the α-Gal Syndrome

American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports

 Hi, my name is Dawson. I’m 24 years old and the parent of a 4-year-old daughter. I have likely had Alpha-gal Syndrome since I was about 16, but I received an official diagnosis at age 19. Over the past five years, I’ve dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about the condition and staying up to date with new research and information. I created this blog to share accurate, current information about Alpha-gal Syndrome and to help others feel less alone in their journey. It’s also meant to be a resource for family members and friends. It’s important that not only patients, but also those around them, learn how to support, advocate, and stay informed. Here, you’ll find links, documents, and resources related to Alpha-gal Syndrome. Because we are still learning about this condition, recommendations and information may evolve. I update this blog as new insights become available to ensure it remains a reliable and helpful source for the community.