By Jane – Texas Piney Woods AGS Survivor, Chicken Mama, and Reluctant Tick Expert
Howdy y’all,
If you’d told me two years ago that a single tick bite would turn my world upside down, I would’ve laughed and offered you a slice of smoked brisket. Now? I’d hand you a bottle of coconut milk creamer and a pack of Benadryl.
My name’s Jane, and I live way out in the Piney Woods of East Texas — the kind of place where the frogs sing you to sleep, the coyotes holler good morning, and a woman can still get her hands dirty raising chickens, ducks, dogs, and a whole mess of vegetables. It’s also the kind of place where a gal like me ends up bitten by a Lone Star tick while pulling weeds on a too-hot Tuesday in April.
At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Found that little sucker clinging behind my knee in the shower. Flicked it off, grumbled a little, and moved on. A few weeks later, though? I was breaking out in hives and doubled over with belly cramps after eating a burger I’d grilled myself.
I chalked it up to bad meat. Maybe stress. Maybe hormones (Lord knows we blame those for everything). But then it happened again. And again. And once after just sitting around a smoky campfire. That’s when I started doing some real digging.
So, What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to a sugar molecule found in mammals — that’s cows, pigs, lambs, deer, you name it. That sugar’s called galactose-α-1,3-galactose — but no one’s got time to say all that, so we call it alpha-gal.
Here’s the kicker: AGS is triggered by tick bites, especially from the Lone Star tick. The tick doesn’t just leave you itchy — it rewires your immune system so your body sees mammal meat like it’s the enemy.
Symptoms I Wish Someone Had Warned Me About
The reactions can be sneaky. They don’t always show up right away like other food allergies. Mine usually come 3 to 6 hours after eating, and they can include:
- Hives or itchy skin
- Belly pain, nausea, or diarrhea
- Dizziness or trouble breathing
- Full-on anaphylaxis (yep — carry that EpiPen, sugar)
Some folks react to dairy (I do, just depends on the type), gelatin, and even medications made from mammal products — and let me tell you, those are hiding everywhere.
Where I’m At Now
It’s been about a year since I got my official diagnosis, and while I’ve had some hard days (and some tears cried out by the duck pen), I’m learning. I’ve had to trade BBQs for bean salads, but I’ve also gained a new kind of strength — the “I will not let this beat me” kind. And I reckon if you’re reading this, you’ve got that same kind in you.
Alpha-Gal Quick Checklist (Jane-Style)
Just got diagnosed? Here’s where I’d start:
- Cut out beef, pork, lamb, venison, and anything that once moo’d or squealed
- Watch out for dairy, especially milk, cream, and soft cheeses
- Learn which medications or supplements may be animal-derived
- Read every label like your life depends on it
- Check your body products — tallow and lanolin sneak in everywhere
- Protect yourself from future tick bites
I’m not a doctor, but I am a woman who had to figure this out with a lot of trial, error, and one too many emergency room visits. If you’re feeling scared, confused, or just plain tired — you are not alone.
More to come soon. Next time, we’re talkin’ hidden mammal ingredients and how to spot ’em before they sneak onto your plate.
Till then — stay safe, stay curious, and maybe skip the brisket.
Love,
Jane