Allergic

[legalmoose]

I finally saw an allergist today. Been wanting to for years, but doctors had poo-pooed the suggestion and not given me a referral. Now that I have "referral free health insurance" (aka BlueCross BlueShield) I just did it myself.

The initial scratches were inconclusive, so they did a "mix" test, where they inject a mix of possible allergens just under the skin (weed mix, tree mix, cat, dog, roach, mold, dust, etc.). Long story short, they all swelled up nicely on me. Which basically means I'm allergic to everything.

LOL!

Not a big change in treatment. I'm to try some Clarinex™ samples and see if I like that any more than Claritin™ and then go from there. This just confirms that I need to be on something year round, which should reduce the number of head colds and other complications. I'm annoyed that I have to take meds in the first place, but better that than just willy-nilly dealing with symptoms.

The next step is to look and see how I can reduce my contact with some of the allergens. We have air filters, for when the apartment finally switches to AC, and I suppose I can get that bedding stuff that keeps the dust mites out. I'll research it, as a good lawyer, and see what I can find.

Comments

[veon.livejournal.com]

I don't know if vegans consume honey, but one bit of interesting holistic therapy I've come across is that if you can get ahold of local-made honey (like, in the tri-state area... the closer to you the better) and take either a teaspoon or tablespoon once a day for five to seven days, your body will more easily acclimate to local natural allergens. This of course will in turn keep you from reacting so strongly to to such things as plant pollen.

I'm of the opinion that it's healthier to find natural remedies whenever possible rather than popping pills prescribed by doctors. This opinion is becoming much stronger as I learn more massage therapy. *smirk*

[legalmoose]

I'm not fond of pills, either. I'm less fond of nasal sprays, which is why I'm not doing any of those ("I'm afraid compliance with them would be negligible - I hate shoving stuff up my nose.").

No, vegans don't do honey. :-/ This might be one of those things that falls into my "2%" category (I consider myself to be "98%" vegan - there are some things I refuse to give up, like silk ties, for example). May have to look into this.

[veon.livejournal.com]

Cool. I hope it helps. :)

[jss]

Yeah, silk ties are wonderful, as long as you don't knot 'em too tight so they chafe. And they're comfortable to use as neckwear, too!

[legalmoose]

:-p *pphhbbbttt*

[dipdewdog.livejournal.com]

BCBS = referral free? Not for me =P

Granted, I'm on BCBS of Massachusetts, and they suck ass.

[legalmoose]

Ah. I have the federal PPO here, so no need for referrals. Is very nice. :)

[(Anonymous)]

Special bedding was one of the best investments I ever made.

[amnewsboy.livejournal.com]

I hope the Clarinex™ works as well (or better) than the Claritin™. Let me know what you come up in the bed-mite department. :)

[xavier78.livejournal.com]

Moose,
I've had all that work done before. I had an IgE level of 667 (ask your doc what your level is). It's your level at which your body is "allergic". 100 is the normal level. I've had the blood work and the skin tests (I reacted to hard water..the skin test kinda worried me). I started allergy shots and my world CHANGED for the better. I had been on inhalers, steriods, allergy medicine, nasal sprays, etc...even after my 3 surgeries, the allergy shots helped the most. After 2 weeks of allergy shots, I didn't need my inhaler (my asthma was caused by allergies), I lost some weight, and I could live life without ever having to have that "box of tissues" handy.

Just a thought. Once I can get a steady position, I plan to get back on allergy shots. I miss the freedom and comfort it gave my life.

[falling-foward.livejournal.com]

I can't believe they actually inject you with stuff to see if you are allergic to it!
ugh gross
Hopefully I will never have to take one of those =(