I Can't Have Nice Things - Severe Allergic Reaction to WEC -OHIO

[lockedoutalter]

I am insanely blessed to live very close to WEC-Ohio and get to show there many times throughout the year. I have been going to WEC since 2016 and sometimes I would get some light symtpoms but nothing like I did this year.

Over this past winter I started getting my weird, mild symptoms and it progressed into violent reactions that took me out for several days at a time. These would only occur after I went to WEC.
It started with some weird skin lesions on my nose that I saw my dermatologist about and they prescribed me some ointments but it didn’t help. Then it began progressing to where I would get random cramping in my body followed by my eye swelling up and I would sport a shiner for a few days.

Finally, I now get cramping, a shiner, then a severe pain under my right shoulder blade followed by severe vomiting.

I went to an allergist and the tests came back that I am allergic to certain molds and grasses. So there is something living at WEC that my body cannot handle. (They allergist prescribed me an epipen that I now carry with me)

I know about everyone getting the WEC crud, but has anyone else had any sort of allergic reaction to the venue?

[4horses]

If you have a history of tick bites, get tested for alpha gal syndrome. It can definitely cause GI symptoms and cramps as well as swollen eyes.

Hopefully it’s not that and just allergies. I would definitely consider getting allergy shots and if it progresses try Xolair (for food allergies). I would make sure they test for food allergies as well.

Can’t say I know what is causing your symptoms but I am itchy all the time since my alpha gal diagnosis. It’s the most aggravating thing because I eat a very strict diet and do everything right and will be itchy for days at a time. It’s not hives, I just itch… I think because grass pollen is high right now it is causing issues because I was okay this winter.

[Amberley]

Footing or bedding seem like the two most obvious things if you’re not getting reactions at your home barn as grass and mold surely exist there too. How extensive was your allergy panel and have you had reactions elsewhere? Both rubber and GGT footing can and regularly do cause problems for people. Or a specific mold that isn’t anywhere else in your life- the amount of indoor space, water, dirt and HVAC at WEC is huge, I’m sure things grow there.

[trubandloki]

@lockedoutalter

I am insanely blessed to live very close to WEC-Ohio and get to show there many times throughout the year. I have been going to WEC since 2016 and sometimes I would get some light symtpoms but nothing like I did this year.

Over this past winter I started getting my weird, mild symptoms and it progressed into violent reactions that took me out for several days at a time. These would only occur after I went to WEC.
It started with some weird skin lesions on my nose that I saw my dermatologist about and they prescribed me some ointments but it didn’t help. Then it began progressing to where I would get random cramping in my body followed by my eye swelling up and I would sport a shiner for a few days.

Finally, I now get cramping, a shiner, then a severe pain under my right shoulder blade followed by severe vomiting.

I went to an allergist and the tests came back that I am allergic to certain molds and grasses. So there is something living at WEC that my body cannot handle. (They allergist prescribed me an epipen that I now carry with me)

I know about everyone getting the WEC crud, but has anyone else had any sort of allergic reaction to the venue?

Curious, do you have these reactions if you got there and are not showing?

Wondering if the stress of showing increases your sensitivity to things.

[lockedoutalter]

I do - I recently had a bad reaction when I was cleaning my garage and I opened a bag that had been at WEC. I think it’s actually better when I am showing because I already have adrenaline in my system that helps stop the reaction.

[knic]

They keep that footing very well watered. So that whole place is damp, and I have seen mold growing on the walls of the arenas.

[Tha_Ridge]

@knic

They keep that footing very well watered. So that whole place is damp, and I have seen mold growing on the walls of the arenas.

I came here to say the same thing. I have not had a reaction like OP’s but I always come away with upper-respiratory crud after showing there and similar places (Capital Challenge, Old Salem in the winter, etc.).

[NaturallyHappy]

@lockedoutalter, I’m very sorry this is happening to you. One vet I used in the past said there was a barn there that had ring worm in it and they couldn’t get rid of it because it was in the wood. I have no idea how true this is or if it’s helpful to you or your doctor. It must be pretty serious if the bag from WEC affected you.

[Jumpingranch]

My brother is allergic to SeaWorld Orlando. The couple of times we’ve been he gets itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and his nose goes crazy. He thinks it’s either the Chlorine for all of the water or some plant at the entrance he’s super allergic too

[keepthelegend]

The swollen shiner eyes really sounds like a food allergy to me as well as pain and not feeling well. I had my first food allergy in my entire life a few weeks ago and my eyes swelled in such a strange way - the upper lid a bit and then underneath. It looked like a ring under my eye and very much like I had been punched!

Did you do skin prick and blood tests to foods not just environmental allergens? Do you usually eat a certain meal or snack at WEC? It doesn’t matter if you have eaten it your whole life beforehand - as I learned, allergies can pop up to your favorite food at any time!

[lockedoutalter]

They did do the whole skin prick test for foods as well. Came back with the foods I was already aware of so no surprises there.

Typically I only indulge in a chai latte while at the show unless I’m truly desperate for food. I usually pack snacks to avoid having to pay show prices .

But it’s weird - I was telling my mother that when I was young and we would go to the mall, I would get an itchy mouth and slight anaphlyaxis when we would walk by the nut shop (severe tree nut allergy). I can almost guarantee I will get a reaction when I can “taste” WEC. Sometimes I go to the show and i don’t notice anything, other times the air tastes funny. It’s very odd.
I’m hoping that with the windows open for the summer I can show my horse. I am planning to wear a mask back at the barn to be safe. If that doesn’t work, I know my trainer would just bring her up to the ring for me, but i love just hanging around the barn at shows so I will be super depressed if my mask doesn’t work.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

This is an interesting thread! So over the past 2 years, I’ve started to sneeze uncontrollably on the walk to/from the indoors through the green mile at WEC Ocala. Sometimes it starts in the indoor itself, but a lot of times it’s in the indoor hallways. I’ve wondered whether it was just the accummulation of dust, or if there’s mold or something growing in the green sponge or rafters. But I definitely get itchy and reactive whenever I’m going through there. It’s pretty terrible. Normally this happens when I’m riding and not on foot, and usually when I’m finishing up, not getting started. So it could also be the footing and a longer reaction time.

[RAyers]

WEC is an indoor, environmentally controlled facility and therefore has a massive HVAC system. I can pretty much assure you that you are exposed to airborne mold, biofilm, etc. that is probably in the ductwork and is distributed via the fans. These sorts of issues exist in any enclosed structure, even the space station.

A N95 mask and removing clothes immediately upon leaving the facility (place them in a plastic bag before putting them in your vehicle) should help.