BRAVO! Been there. Myra In a message dated 8/15/2008 6:41:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Hello, again, Two points made here encourage me to post support for them, because they're easy to miss: 1. "Restaurant and hospital foods can be dangerous" ... Being careful at restaurants seems obvious, and I've greatly reduced the frequency of my reactions by learning how to communicate clearly and assertively with restaurant staff ... but the risk at hospitals is just as real and far less obvious. If you're conscious, don't put anything in your mouth until after you consult with a dietician, and emphasize that cross-contamination must be prevented during preparation and transport. If the dietician lays out a great menu for your needs, and if the kitchen then manages to prepare it with fresh gloves away from contaminant risks, it's all for naught if the transport person lifts lids to check what's what and in the process some cheese falls off someone else's salad onto your food. (I've twice had hospital dieticians arrange just to leave some basic seasonings in my room--garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper for example--to keep things simpler for the kitchen staff.) Another note about hospitals ... there's not going to be a consult with a pharmacist unless you or someone advocating for you requests it. But, many (perhaps most) prescription pills contain lactose. As someone who almost lost my life to unrecognized pharmaceutical-grade lactose in prescribed medicines, I've become a big advocate for checking ALL prescription medicines with a licensed pharmacist, preferably the one who already knows you and your allergy well, before taking anything. (The pharmacist will also help read labels on OTC meds if needed, of course; I just usually do that myself, since the information's easily available.) Even IV medicines could conceivably contain milk derivatives, and the regular doctors and nurses are highly unlikely to be familiar with the need to check these for allergens of this nature. Involve a pharmacist, period. 2. "Cosmetics, for example, and soaps may contain milk" ... In my experience, the biggest risk here isn't from failing to read labels, which becomes habit after you've lived with an allergy for a time, but from situations where labels are unavailable. For example, don't use Cracker Barrel's fancy soaps, often found on the counter in the ladies' room. (No idea about the men's room, sorry!) They may contain milk, and you may not be able to see the labels. I discovered that one after getting bright red swollen hands and arms for dinner--no fun at all! Similar situations arise in other businesses and in private homes other than your own. The decorative soap decanter on the counter is pretty, but you have no idea what's in it. I carry a little trial-size container of liquid soap, as well as a little-bitty bottle of Purell, in my purse. If I'm not sure about the soap in someone else's bathroom, I use my own. (Cosmetics are a little easier, because we usually only use our own! But if I had a teenage daughter with a severe allergy, I'd discourage trying friends' make-up, because it's a more common thing to do then.) OK, I'll hush now, since I've posted enough for a bit! Weavre Cooper -----Original Message----- From: Milk/Casein/Lactose-Free List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 5:00 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: dairy-free living Hi -- I get the list in digest form, so I'm merging replies to various topics from the day's messages ... **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007 )