Most people enjoy experimenting with food and trying new dishes. But imagine being forced to give up almost everything you love to eat. For one woman overseas, this is not imagination; it is daily life.
Eating the wrong thing could put her life at risk.
Picture a life without fruits, vegetables, lentils, bread, or comfort food of any kind. For Caroline Cray, this is reality. She is allowed to eat only two things, and even a small mistake can be life-threatening.
Allergies Since Early Childhood
Caroline has lived with allergies from a very young age. At just two years old, she was allergic to nuts. Over time, she also reacted to kiwi, sesame, and mustard. Despite this, she was able to eat most foods and lived a fairly normal life growing up.
Everything changed in 2017, when Caroline was 18 and had just started college. During her first week, she ate chocolate chip ice cream with friends. Within minutes, she suffered a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Some doctors initially blamed stress, while others believed the reaction may have occurred because her ex-boyfriend had kissed her after eating nuts. The exact cause remained unclear.
A Rare And Serious Diagnosis
Following the incident, Caroline spent several weeks in hospital while doctors tried to identify what foods were safe for her. After repeated trials, only oats, eggs, bacon, and water were found to be safe.
Her condition worsened after she returned to university. Doctors eventually diagnosed her with a rare disorder called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). In this condition, immune cells release excessive chemicals without a clear trigger, causing allergy-like reactions. Symptoms include stomach issues, breathing difficulties, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. There is currently no permanent cure.
With treatment, Caroline’s condition improved slightly. She was able to expand her diet a little and even eat at restaurants. She later travelled to the Caribbean, but after just two bites of salad, she became critically ill and had to be airlifted home.
Severe Weight Loss And A Lifeline Formula
Due to her restricted diet, Caroline lost a significant amount of weight. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, she weighed only 105 pounds. Doctors eventually advised her to consume a hypoallergenic baby formula made from amino acids, which does not trigger allergic reactions.
This formula became her lifeline.
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Seven years later, Caroline still survives only on water, oats, and the specialised formula. She now shares her journey on social media to raise awareness about MCAS and the challenges faced by those living with severe food-related disorders.
