Allergy Testing (For Me)
If you read this blog regularly, you know that I get sick frequently and suffer from chronic sinus infections. My ENT recommended I get allergy testing, so today was my big day! I was dreading it (because of all the needles), but it wasn’t too bad.
I was tested for 40 of the most common allergens in our area of Texas. I tested positive (in the medium to high range) for 29 out of the 40 things I was tested for, and my reactions were spread across all 4 of their categories.
So here’s what I’m allergic to:
- Ash Trees
- Bayberry/ Wax Myrtles
- Birch Red River
- Boxelder
- Red Cedar
- Eastern Cottonwood
- Bald Cypress
- American Elm
- Hackberry
- Pecan
- Bahia Grass
- Bermuda Grass
- Johnson Grass
- K-O-R-T Grass Mix
- Baccharis
- Yellow Curly Dock
- Lambs Quarter
- Spiny Pigweed
- English Plantain
- Ragweed Mix
- Prairie Sagebrush
- Mold Mix #1
- Mold Mix #2
- Cat Hair
- Mouse Epithelia
- Mite (D. Farinae)
- Mite (D. Ptero)
- Loblolly Pine
I don’t know what some of those things are (though I do have detailed explanations somewhere in this big packet they gave me), but to sum it up I’m allergic to: trees, weeds, grass, mold, dust mites, cats.
I reacted so severely to the pre-test for dust mites that they didn’t need to stick it under my skin.
(I wanted to jazz up this post with a photo of some dust mites, but I can’t look at them without getting completely grossed out. You know all about dust mites right? If not, here’s a link to learn more…)
So, now I need to deep clean the house for dust mites (and start a regular allergy cleaning routine), get an air purifier, a new vacuum (Dyson?). Maybe I’ll add hardwood floors to my Master Bedroom To-Do List from yesterday! And apparently I need to wear a mask when I’m outside. That’s so very chic, don’t you think?
I’m a little overwhelmed by all of the cleaning and filtering and precautions and outside-allergy avoidance that needs to be done (I’m allergic to my house, I’m allergic to outside…where do I GO?!).
The obvious result of the test was that I’m an excellent candidate for weekly allergy shots. In fact, I NEED them. It can take 3-6 months before you get any relief from the shots, and treatment is recommended for 3-5 years. And even though I HATE shots (and really, is there anyone who thinks “ooh! fun!” about getting shots?), I’ll gladly get my weekly shot from now until eternity if it helps me feel a little better on a daily basis!
Have you gone through allergy testing? Do you get weekly allergy shots? What are you allergic to?
I have been through testing and shots – they make a WORLD of difference. Allergy shots have tiny needles and really don’t hurt. And the long-term relief is wonderful!
I completely agree with Melinda. I had shots in college. I was allergic to mold, grass, trees, dust mites and probably a few other things (its been 15 years). My symptoms have been under control ever since. The shots are easy and not painful. Go for it. You won’t regret it.
I use to get two shots every week and even though it was a hassle it made me feel much better!!! No headaches!!!
I had never had sinus problems at all until about 2½ years ago. Then I started having recurring infections and I’d get such intense sinus pressure that my teeth would hurt and it felt like someone was standing on my face.
I went through a huge battery of tests for about a month last year until my arms looked like pincushions to find out why I was having such continual sinus problems. Ultimately the allergy tests revealed almost nothing. But the doc prescribed some Nasonex nasal spray and it has worked wonders! I use it once or twice a month as symptoms begin and it clears ’em right up. Beats the heck outta taking pills that make you woozy all day long!
I had 80 in my arms… that was NOT fun… but I tested positive for a bunch. Been doing four shots a week for almost two years now. I do have to say I am on antibiotics FAR LESS now… so there is a wonderful silver lining to this for you! I was ALWAYS taking them with my constant sinus infections. Of course guess what I have NOT… groan… a sinus infection. Can’t get meds till Monday. But I haven’t had one in ages. I got a cold and when I get a cold it always turns bad… but the shots really have helped!
Look on the bright side: you aren’t allergic to dogs! You can get a puppy someday!
Cara, I am allergic to almost all of the same things you are… minus a few trees though! I have been getting allergy shots for 11 months now and can tell a difference. It takes awhile to build up to that level, but I am so glad to be there now! Using Zyrtec and the Neil Med nasal rinse has helped as well.
JUST FOUND OUT THAT I AM ALLERGIC TO THE SAME “GRASSES” BUT THAT WAS A VERY LIMITED BLOOD TEST. I GUESS NOW IS ON TO AN ALLERGIST? HOW BAD IS THE TESTING? I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL VERSIONS. FROM JUST SOME SCRAPES ON YOUR BACK TO FULL BLOWN NEEDLES UNDER THE SKIN?