healthier?
Erk. So I went to get allergy tested for the first time in more than five years last week. I am allergic to the following (followed by the severity of my reaction):
House Dust Mites - strong
Tree Pollen (incl. Elm, Maple, Poplar Hickory, Oak, Birch, Pine and Red Cedar) - strong
Grass Pollen - strong
Weed Pollen - Ragweed & Russian Thistle - strong; Mugwort & Pigweed - moderate
Molds - Alternaria (outside) - moderate; Aspergillus (inside & outside) - mild
Dogs & Cats - strong
So, we can have birds and fish for pets, and I can never leave the house again. Ha! Just kidding (mostly). I started my allergy shots on Tuesday. They are starting me off at a lower level than most people because my reactions are so severe; is it any wonder my poor daughter has a peanut allergy? Interestingly, I tested negative for food allergies. At least that's something, since my body seems to think everything else in the environment is an enemy. It should take about 4-6 months of weekly shots to get my immune system back to where it should be. Then I can cut back to once a month. Oh, and I have to hold off on the grass and weed shots for a bit; they are still in season until the first frost and I could have a bad reaction to the total of both the shots and the normal environment. So instead of 6 shots each week, it will only be 4 for a bit. Lucky me! This morning I sneezed 6 times after getting out of the shower. We'll have to go on a mold hunt.
I also saw my other doctor today for the on-going skin infection. Good news: A prescription-strength anti-bacterial wash seems to be helping without antibiotics (and here I thought I was generally a very clean person by showering everyday - silly me). The doctor was finally optimistic that we can get this thing cleared up to the point that it hopefully will no longer be an on-going issue. I have my fingers crossed.
House Dust Mites - strong
Tree Pollen (incl. Elm, Maple, Poplar Hickory, Oak, Birch, Pine and Red Cedar) - strong
Grass Pollen - strong
Weed Pollen - Ragweed & Russian Thistle - strong; Mugwort & Pigweed - moderate
Molds - Alternaria (outside) - moderate; Aspergillus (inside & outside) - mild
Dogs & Cats - strong
So, we can have birds and fish for pets, and I can never leave the house again. Ha! Just kidding (mostly). I started my allergy shots on Tuesday. They are starting me off at a lower level than most people because my reactions are so severe; is it any wonder my poor daughter has a peanut allergy? Interestingly, I tested negative for food allergies. At least that's something, since my body seems to think everything else in the environment is an enemy. It should take about 4-6 months of weekly shots to get my immune system back to where it should be. Then I can cut back to once a month. Oh, and I have to hold off on the grass and weed shots for a bit; they are still in season until the first frost and I could have a bad reaction to the total of both the shots and the normal environment. So instead of 6 shots each week, it will only be 4 for a bit. Lucky me! This morning I sneezed 6 times after getting out of the shower. We'll have to go on a mold hunt.
I also saw my other doctor today for the on-going skin infection. Good news: A prescription-strength anti-bacterial wash seems to be helping without antibiotics (and here I thought I was generally a very clean person by showering everyday - silly me). The doctor was finally optimistic that we can get this thing cleared up to the point that it hopefully will no longer be an on-going issue. I have my fingers crossed.