Isolating, thats the word. I can no longer ingest small amounts of milk or 
milk derivatives like I used to. I've gotten past the point of being to 
tolerate anything milk. So much restaurant food is off limits and I can 
never be sure the wait persons actually check to find out if a product has 
milk in it or if they do, do they understand what items in a list of 
ingredients are actually milk related. I have to tell friends we may eat 
with that I cant have milk, any milk and they have to cook accordingly. I 
feel like I'm acting like some sort of diva, telling them what they cant 
serve. I need to tell them what milk does to me which is embarrassing and 
when they dont understand I have to get graphic. I am not up to that much 
anymore. I cant eat like other people. I am at a disadvantage when it comes 
to social gatherings. I actually get depressed in grocery stores seeing 
things I dearly loved to eat knowing I cant have them anymore. Reading 
labels is depressing, I cant believe how many things have milk, whey butter, 
etc. Especially the powdered milk, anythign with powdered milk really sets 
me off and puts me in misery for days.  When our schedule runs short and we 
just pick up a tv dinner to toss into the oven, I have to get vegan and the 
choices there are very limited.
Yes, isolating is the word.
Ok, I'm done feeling sorry for myself for now. lol
-Ilene

> In terms of this list, I'm most interested in tips, shared successes, and
> legal issues. I'm very willing to share what I've learned along the way 
> with
> anyone who asks for help. And, it's sometimes nice just to hear from 
> others,
> especially at those rare times when dealing with my allergy has recently
> felt isolating.
>