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have you had success with it? (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 11/15/15 10:52 AM ET
I'm scheduled for allergy testing in early december and i'm told the process involves being injected with 39 possible allergens, after which you can opt to be "de-sensitized" to the offenders. in my case i believe it might be both ragweed and mountain cedar. Problem is, i've been battling mild symptoms for the past year. Never before have I had allergies and I don't like using medications year-round. I guess I'd like to know if others have been helped by this process and if it worth doing?
Posted on: 11/15/15 11:11 AM ET
There are many people I know who have had excellent results following scratch testing. It us useful and more accurate than blood testing for allergies. Some people only need allergy meds in season for an outdoor allergen.
Know that there are allergy meds that work to deter indoor allergens primarily, outdoor allergens or both.
Also, if allergy shots are the recommendation post scratch testing, I know of adults who have successfully been desensitized.
If your allergies are not numerous and serious in reaction, it is worth doing.
For people with many allergies and high sensitivity, I always urge caution. Most of my allergies trace to grade school. Over the years there have been many more offenders with more still being discovered. What I could eat one day may be off my OK list next week.
While I am in a significant minority for what happened, I was tested at a well known and respected university hospital when I was in my early 30s, some 30+ years ago. About 1/3 of the way through the scratch process I began to experience anaphylaxsis. After several hours of monitored stabilization, the senior attending physician informed me that I would not be a candidate for shot therapy. I'm the person who always carries a purse because I keep a small bottle of liquid Benedryl and epipens with me at all times.
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Know that there are allergy meds that work to deter indoor allergens primarily, outdoor allergens or both.
Also, if allergy shots are the recommendation post scratch testing, I know of adults who have successfully been desensitized.
If your allergies are not numerous and serious in reaction, it is worth doing.
For people with many allergies and high sensitivity, I always urge caution. Most of my allergies trace to grade school. Over the years there have been many more offenders with more still being discovered. What I could eat one day may be off my OK list next week.
While I am in a significant minority for what happened, I was tested at a well known and respected university hospital when I was in my early 30s, some 30+ years ago. About 1/3 of the way through the scratch process I began to experience anaphylaxsis. After several hours of monitored stabilization, the senior attending physician informed me that I would not be a candidate for shot therapy. I'm the person who always carries a purse because I keep a small bottle of liquid Benedryl and epipens with me at all times.
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
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"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
Posted on: 11/15/15 11:23 AM ET
I had allergy testing and shots. They significantly helped my hay fever symptoms, which were so severe that I spent many days in the spring lying down to let my sinuses drain, despite antihistamines. Now my hay fever is mild and easily controlled with over the counter allergy medicine. I never had any hint of anaphylaxis, however.
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Posted on: 11/15/15 11:52 AM ET
I had allergy testing several times, starting when I was a child. That time they put me on shots and I eventually became allergic to the shots (to whatever made it an allergy shot, I have no problem with other injections). It ended with an anaphylaxis reaction minutes after my last allergy shot.
Now I manage with OTC meds only, and most of my allergies lessened considerably after I moved from farmland Wisconsin to suburban Michigan. I still have a terrible problem with some things though, like cats (OMG, so bad), bees, and shellfish/iodine/IV contrast.
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Now I manage with OTC meds only, and most of my allergies lessened considerably after I moved from farmland Wisconsin to suburban Michigan. I still have a terrible problem with some things though, like cats (OMG, so bad), bees, and shellfish/iodine/IV contrast.
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Posted on: 11/15/15 12:01 PM ET
I was tested for allergies about two years ago after having had a perpetual stuffed nose for the past several years. They found out I'm allergic to most indoor and outdoor things, and to all but one kind of tree (!)
I've been taking allergy drops, which you put under your tongue each day and is an alternative to allergy shots. According to my allergy doctors, allergy drops have pretty much replaced allergy shots in Europe, and they are more convenient than having to regularly go to the doctor's office for the shots. This past year, my allergies were much, much better with a combination of the drops and an over-the-counter nasal spray (over-the-counter antihistamines don't work for me). But for some people, the drops don't work while the shots do, and possibly vice versa. Anyway, drops may be another good option for you to explore with your doctor.
I've been taking allergy drops, which you put under your tongue each day and is an alternative to allergy shots. According to my allergy doctors, allergy drops have pretty much replaced allergy shots in Europe, and they are more convenient than having to regularly go to the doctor's office for the shots. This past year, my allergies were much, much better with a combination of the drops and an over-the-counter nasal spray (over-the-counter antihistamines don't work for me). But for some people, the drops don't work while the shots do, and possibly vice versa. Anyway, drops may be another good option for you to explore with your doctor.
Posted on: 11/15/15 3:49 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Knowledge is power. Do the allergy testing.
Its important to learn what your triggers are. You don't have to decide on allergy shots right away. If you can avoid those allergens, your body can calm down instead of being irritated all the time.
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Its important to learn what your triggers are. You don't have to decide on allergy shots right away. If you can avoid those allergens, your body can calm down instead of being irritated all the time.
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Ana, the ripper
Posted on: 11/15/15 4:45 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Quote: sewfrequent
I'm scheduled for allergy testing in early december and i'm told the process involves being injected with 39 possible allergens, after which you can opt to be "de-sensitized" to the offenders. in my case i believe it might be both ragweed and mountain cedar. Problem is, i've been battling mild symptoms for the past year. Never before have I had allergies and I don't like using medications year-round. I guess I'd like to know if others have been helped by this process and if it worth doing?
I'm scheduled for allergy testing in early december and i'm told the process involves being injected with 39 possible allergens, after which you can opt to be "de-sensitized" to the offenders. in my case i believe it might be both ragweed and mountain cedar. Problem is, i've been battling mild symptoms for the past year. Never before have I had allergies and I don't like using medications year-round. I guess I'd like to know if others have been helped by this process and if it worth doing?
It depends on the allergy !
Some years ago I ended up in the ER while visiting a US city. During the night my legs were itching,I put Nivea Creme on my legs.While we were sightseeing the itching got worse.By 4 p.m. my throat was swollen and red,breathing became difficult,(my hands and feet were swollen too). At the ER they ran several allergy tests and gave me an injection to last until I returned home the following day.
To this day I don't know what caused the allergy,I had several allergy tests at home too,all were negative.I was told whatever I was allergic to must have been airborne. Before I went on my next US trip my doctor prescribed meds to take,in case I had the same allergy symptoms again. The meds didn't help on my next trip to the same US area. I don't visit that US area anymore now,although I visit other US areas.
Posted on: 11/15/15 6:37 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
My mother had miserable allergies and they improved a great deal with shots given over a course of several years.
I was tested for allergies back when I was a kid and was given shots that probably helped me.
I was re tested as an adult and had my asthmatic child tested when he was a baby. Knowing our triggers helped us to avoid difficult situations and to plan for days when breathing might be difficult.
Knowing the triggers is really helpful. the shots are a big commitment and may or may not be worth the time and expense. The old style antihistamines made people really sleepy.I was in a car with my mother when I was three or four when she fell asleep at the wheel from allergy pills and crashed into another car.I think it was after that incident that she began getting allergy shots.
I took old school antihistamines every day through elementary school and high school - and in retrospect understand why I was listless,depressed had trouble paying attention in class and often didn't complete my homework.
I take a Clairatin every day - it keeps the snots away and does not make you tired. I still am sneezy during the worst of allergy season but it is manageable.
get tested...the level of your allergy will help you determine what the best strategy is for you.
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I was tested for allergies back when I was a kid and was given shots that probably helped me.
I was re tested as an adult and had my asthmatic child tested when he was a baby. Knowing our triggers helped us to avoid difficult situations and to plan for days when breathing might be difficult.
Knowing the triggers is really helpful. the shots are a big commitment and may or may not be worth the time and expense. The old style antihistamines made people really sleepy.I was in a car with my mother when I was three or four when she fell asleep at the wheel from allergy pills and crashed into another car.I think it was after that incident that she began getting allergy shots.
I took old school antihistamines every day through elementary school and high school - and in retrospect understand why I was listless,depressed had trouble paying attention in class and often didn't complete my homework.
I take a Clairatin every day - it keeps the snots away and does not make you tired. I still am sneezy during the worst of allergy season but it is manageable.
get tested...the level of your allergy will help you determine what the best strategy is for you.
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sarah in nyc
https://sewnewyork.blogspot.com/
https://sewnewyork.blogspot.com/
Board Moderator
Member since 7/1/08
Posts: 5331
Member since 7/1/08
Posts: 5331
Massachusetts USA
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Skill: Advanced
Posted on: 11/15/15 7:51 PM ET
In reply to sarah in nyc
I too live on Claritin D most of the year. Allergy testing for me had to be done by blood because of the severity of the reaction when they tried skin testing. Like Eleanor's, my allergies have a mind of their own!
I also have an Epi-pen with me at all times. Most of my allergies are environmental chemicals (hand sanitizers, fragrances, smoke,) with molds and peppers thrown in for good luck. Try buying any premade diet meals for Weight Watchers or Healthy Choice- they always add peppers for color and flavor.
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I also have an Epi-pen with me at all times. Most of my allergies are environmental chemicals (hand sanitizers, fragrances, smoke,) with molds and peppers thrown in for good luck. Try buying any premade diet meals for Weight Watchers or Healthy Choice- they always add peppers for color and flavor.
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Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness. ~Author Unknown
Posted on: 11/15/15 10:11 PM ET
I moved to a high pollen area in June (not this past June many years ago) and was completely miserable. I have been on shots pretty much forever. The doctor took me off once and my symptoms were so bad I had to go back to weekly, so I said please just keep me on monthly. I still take at least one fexofenadine every day and often more OTC antihistamines, And I don't have cats any more and we've taken out a lot of our carpet. Luckily I don't have food allergies nor have I ever had anaphylaxis.
But I do think it's worth at least getting the testing done and go from there.
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But I do think it's worth at least getting the testing done and go from there.
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