For years I've been battling allergies and right about this time of year, I could always look forward to a major afternoon slump leading to a fog-headed drive home and then bedtime around 8 p.m. While I consider myself pretty lucky in terms of health, I also can't help but notice Mother Nature has upped the ante a bit for me this year and it's becoming a quality-of-life issue at this point.
My usual symptoms -- which run about four months -- are much more intensified -- extra pressure from the congestion, much more painful headaches, and a new one this year -- nausea. (I have it as I write this.)
So next Friday, I'm heading to a specialist. In exchange for 90 minutes of my time, they'll give me a scratch test on my arm as well as perform various testing on my back. They'll also review the four-page questionnaire that plumbed my medical history as well as what activities cause me the greatest grief (Sweeping, mowing the lawn, etc.) I'm told I can count on at least two more follow-up appointments -- the last detailing an actual plan of attack. Will let you know what I find out, and hopefully any information I share may possibly benefit someone else.
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By any chance have you consulted a Naturopath about treatment without shots? Just curious. My Naturopath would concoct some sort of potion or pull together a collection of supplements based on natural ingredients.
I hear you about the Catch-22 of trying to avoid what you don't know you're allergic to, what a concept, eh?
March 3, 2009 - 5:15pmThis Comment
Thanks everyone for your support! Diane, the nausea is better as I've found some relief with mint tea. Ginger sounds like something I need to try though.
Alison, you are so right about the validation of tests. I discovered I'm allergic to Arizona Ash (tree pollen), creosote, Russian thistle and several other weeds that I can neither spell nor pronounce. And as you know, one of the major recommendations is allergen avoidance, which is difficult if you're not quite sure what you're allergic to.
And like you, I need to go in for injections twice a week. My allergist says she would like to try it for at least one season and possibly two. Still have a few steps to go, but looks like it's my turn. Will let you know how it goes. And it's encouraging to know they worked for you. Sometimes with medical treatments, it's hard to follow a course if you're unsure whether the end result will be the desired result. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again everyone.
March 3, 2009 - 12:01pmThis Comment
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
So sorry to hear you are dealing with this. My acupuncturist says that if you want to treat allergies with acupuncture you must start months before your allergy season starts, so your body will be ready to handle it when it arrives. It may be something to think about next year if you are interested.
February 3, 2009 - 9:52amThis Comment
Tina, it's great that you're getting this course of action started. I hope that you find out some specific allergies and that you can get some relief.
Pollen.com offers two-day allergy alerts that you can get in email. You put in your zip code and you get email alerts as to what's going to be high, moderate and low in your area. It helped my mom figure out what was the worst triggers for her allergies -- before that, she just had a general idea:
http://www.pollen.com/alert.asp
It's amazing how much we can put up with -- but nausea with allergies? That's just over the line. I have my fingers crossed that you get some real help.
I understand that ginger tea helps with nausea. (As long as a person isn't allergic to ginger, that is!) Have you tried anything like that? You take fresh ginger root (about a half-inch to an inch of it), slice it thinly, and boil it for 15-20 mins. Strain it and sip. It's supposed to taste pretty good but I haven't tried it myself.
February 3, 2009 - 9:48amThis Comment
Tina, I am so sorry -- I can't even imagine suffering those symptoms for such a long period of time each year. And the nausea on top of it all. I'd really be interested in hearing how it goes on Friday. Please let us know!
February 2, 2009 - 10:55pmThis Comment
Good luck with your allergy tests, and I hope you'll get answers.
My DH went through a series of allergy tests, several years ago, for many of the same reasons as you. But, the doctor was embarrassed to say that no specific allergen could be determined. All the same, he still suffers allergic-like reactions to seasonal pollen; go figure.
Here's wishing you informative results and a path to relief.
February 2, 2009 - 7:17pmThis Comment