Tina,
Let us know how it goes! When my allergies were at their worst last year, I was not able to function; I felt like I had an ongoing flu for 2-3 months. My ribs even hurt from sneezing so much and so forcefully. My eyes were always tearing, my head hurt, my body ached. I did not go out with friends, as I literally had to carry a tissue box with me wherever I went, and my nose was blistering-red. I could not sleep well; they effected every part of my life! Many times, I was wishing I had the flu instead of allergies! My allergies led to other respiratory illnesses as well: sinusitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, on top of the allergies.
I went to an Allergist, and had the scratch test done. The results were very validating! Not only was I most allergic to cedar (which I already knew), but dust, mold, cats (I grew ups with cats my entire life)...the list goes on. I started allergy shots (immunotherapy) 8 months ago, and I am ECSTATIC to tell you: I HAVE NO MORE SYMPTOMS! Can you imagine!? :) For 3 months, I had to see the doctor twice a week. Now, I am at "maintenance phase" and only have to go in once/week. I got tired of going every week, and skipped last week. I will never skip again, as by the time I was able to go back to the doctor, my symptoms had kicked in and I was miserable (but remarkably less miserable than before treatment). So, my inadvertent experiment demonstrated that the allergy shots are working. Another benefit: I do not have to take as many OTC and prescription medications, and the end goal is to be off of medication.
Lastly, once you find out what you are allergic to, you can make changes in your environment to lessen your exposure. For me, after cedar-season ends (Nov-March), I may be able to receive an allergy shot "only" once every-other week. After 5 years, I can lessen the shots even more. Yep--it is a long-term commitment, but worth every moment of my time!
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Tina,
Let us know how it goes! When my allergies were at their worst last year, I was not able to function; I felt like I had an ongoing flu for 2-3 months. My ribs even hurt from sneezing so much and so forcefully. My eyes were always tearing, my head hurt, my body ached. I did not go out with friends, as I literally had to carry a tissue box with me wherever I went, and my nose was blistering-red. I could not sleep well; they effected every part of my life! Many times, I was wishing I had the flu instead of allergies! My allergies led to other respiratory illnesses as well: sinusitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, on top of the allergies.
I went to an Allergist, and had the scratch test done. The results were very validating! Not only was I most allergic to cedar (which I already knew), but dust, mold, cats (I grew ups with cats my entire life)...the list goes on. I started allergy shots (immunotherapy) 8 months ago, and I am ECSTATIC to tell you: I HAVE NO MORE SYMPTOMS! Can you imagine!? :) For 3 months, I had to see the doctor twice a week. Now, I am at "maintenance phase" and only have to go in once/week. I got tired of going every week, and skipped last week. I will never skip again, as by the time I was able to go back to the doctor, my symptoms had kicked in and I was miserable (but remarkably less miserable than before treatment). So, my inadvertent experiment demonstrated that the allergy shots are working. Another benefit: I do not have to take as many OTC and prescription medications, and the end goal is to be off of medication.
Lastly, once you find out what you are allergic to, you can make changes in your environment to lessen your exposure. For me, after cedar-season ends (Nov-March), I may be able to receive an allergy shot "only" once every-other week. After 5 years, I can lessen the shots even more. Yep--it is a long-term commitment, but worth every moment of my time!
good luck!
February 3, 2009 - 3:50pmThis Comment
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