Grapes of wrath

Now this may be a really really bad idea, but I'll let you in on a secret.

*Looks around suspiciously and leans forward*

I think I'm allergic to grapes. It hasn't always been this way. I used to eat them by the bowl full. In fact it is on one of these occassions that I discovered such a genetic flaw. I say genetic, but it's more complicated than that. Have a look at the paragraph from Wikipedia below:

"There is much evidence to support the genetic basis of allergy, as allergic parents are more likely to have allergic children, and their allergies are likely to be stronger than those from non-allergic parents. However some allergies are not consistent along genealogies with parents being allergic to peanuts, but having children allergic to ragweed, or siblings not sharing the same allergens"

That's all well and good, but neither my parents or Brother suffer from such a reaction. It's all very odd. So I've decided to look further. It appears that I have Oral Allergy Syndrome (although admittedly this is self diagnosed). Have a look at the following research, again from Wikipedia (and yes I know I'm breaking the true academic rule that you should always seek confirmation of a theory from more than one source, but I'm lazy and I'm sure it will bore you. Trust me, it'll probably get better. Well, it's fascinating me at least:

"Oral Allergy Syndrome or OAS is an allergic reaction to certain (usually fresh) fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The allergy is not actually an allergy to food but a syndrome that develops in hay fever sufferers. The immune system mistakes the food proteins for the pollen proteins and causes an allergic reaction."

This sounds more like it. It cuts out the genetics question and I do sometimes suffer from Hayfever. Below are the symptoms (yet again the same source):

"OAS sufferers may have a number of reactions that usually occur very rapidly, within minutes of eating a trigger food. The most common reaction is an itching or burning sensation in the lips, mouth, and/or throat."

That's all well and good. In fact I tested my immune system today. I've had all of the above symptoms before. I figured it may have lessened. I was wrong. I tried some red (instead of the usual green) grapes and minutes later I felt itchy and sore around the eyes. I felt weak at the knees too. In a way I was lucky, because as you see, the list of symptoms continues below:

"Sometimes other reactions can be triggered in the eyes, nose, and skin. The most severe reactions can result in asthma problems or anaphylaxis. If a sufferer is able to swallow the food, there is a good chance that there will be a reaction later in the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting, diarrhea, severe indigestion, or cramps may occur."

So far my pants are dry and my meal's stayed down. I'm a little worried about the fact that a possible side effect is anaphylactic shock, which could lead to death if untreated.

I believe that Monk already knew all of this. That's why he insisted we test the theory during Christmas. Slowly he'd move the grape closer and closer. I don't know if it was the grape or my mind that made me itch, but I'm sure the Monk was trying to kill me. Trying to take the life that's rightfully mine.

Maybe I should stay away from the grapes.