Allergies update

[YankeeMom]

I had my first appt with the allergist this morning. It didn't take near as long as they said it would. My appt was at 8:30 and I was done by a little after 10. That's quicker than a follow-up appt at my PCM lol.

Anyway, the dr came in & looked me over, listened to my symptoms. But was mostly interested in my sinus issues (which are MILD compared to what I'm going through with foods lately). I was there because of suspected food allergies. He told the nurse I "didn't look like the allergic type". Whatever that means He also kept discounting every symptom I had. Like the cold sweat, feeling of passing out..he said "well that may be because you vomited". No, it's before I vomit. "well, sweating sometimes precedes vomiting". I'm thinking, okay smarty pants why am I vomiting then!? After that I just put on my "eat sh*t" smile and nodded.

I had the skin test, which immediately started itching within seconds of her poking me. OMG did it itch!! I find out afterwards that they didn't bother to test for the foods I was having reactions to....they did the environmental allergens. OY! Of those, I am allergic to dust mites(my arm is still swollen, red, & itchy where the dust mite site was), cockroaches *shudder*, and ragweed. He said the ragweed allergy was pretty significant & that he was surprised that I didn't come for that. Well, hello...if the ragweed is significant and the food allergies are bothering me more, what does that tell you about the food allergies. I was perturbed lol.

After seeing from the skin test that I was "definitely the allergic type" he wanted me to schedule another skin test in four weeks to do the food ones. WHY they didn't do the food ones first, I do not know. He also wants me to keep a complete food diary for the four weeks, making mention if anything gives me any symptoms. I do not have to eat the foods that I already know make me sick.

He also prescribed me an epi-pen because of the feeling of passing out/low blood pressure symptoms I've been having. He also said eventually I will probably have to have a medic-alert bracelet, but we'll wait & see what the food skin test (and later a blood test) comes back with.


Side story...I'm in there for food allergies and possible latex allergy. It's noted in my chart and what does the nurse do before performing the skin test? Puts on a pair of LATEX gloves. I had to ask her to change gloves. Jeesh!!

[Missy]

Sounds like loads of fun. Ahem. Not really.

I hope the site that's itchy clears up real soon, that must be miserable. And I hope that now the dr has seen that you are reacting to stuff, he might be less inclined to be so dismissive about symptoms you've been dealing with.

[Michelle]

Sorry you had such a rough time. I always need to remind Lauren's Dr. that she's allergic to Ibuprofen...even when she's looking right at her file

Can you use some Benadryl cream on the allergic reaction?

[IntlMom]

Sorry Heather. You and Missy are great company right now!!

[Mom23boys]

My DS#3 can sympothize with you. He just started allergy testing last month and goes in this month for the food testing. He is allergic to everything they tested him for so far. Did they put you on a breathing treatment before they started testing you for anything? They did him because his asthma has been really bad and they knew that he would probably have trouble breathing during the test. I am just glad to know what is causing a lot of his problems.

I sure hope they are able to find out what food is making you sick. I am sure that is no fun at all!

[YankeeMom]

They did do a breathing treatment. But she didn't say it was in case of allergies. They measured my lung capacity before and after the inhaler.

I also started sneezing like 2-3 minutes after the pokies were put on my arm.

The nurse did rub me down with hydrocortisone as soon as the test was over. It still itched, just not as crazy as it did at first. The dust mite sites swelled up like big ole mosquito bites.

[Mom23boys]

Better make sure there are no dust bunnies around!

[Missy]

How are you feeling now that its later in the day? Any better?

[YankeeMom]

My arms are still itchy. It's amazing what those little buggies can do to a big ole person

[earthymom]

What an ordeal! Did the doctor or nurse tell you what an allergic type looks like?

What foods do you suspect are making you sick?

Years ago a friend of mine was having all kinds of problems. Turned out, after years of misery, she was allergic to wheat and corn (which are in virtually everything!). Once she got it under control, she and her husband were able to have a baby after more than 10 years of trying.

Allergies are surely no fun. Neither are doctors who think they know more about your symptoms than you do.

Hope your arm stops itching soon.

[YankeeMom]

I've been having reactions to bananas, avocados, pears, apples, melon, peaches, figs, and cherries. The list of fruits I can eat is smaller than what I can't Plus, I'm afraid to eat any fruits/veggies. I mean, I used to be able to eat all but the avocado until the last 2-3 months.

I have to keep a food diary...I don't know what they are going to do if there are no reactions to things I eat in the next four weeks. I'm not going to eat stuff that I know will make me sick just so I can write it down. And at the same time I don't want to get sick or find new foods I can't tolerate, I also don't want it to be a waste of time. I almost hope to find something else...but I don't look forward to getting sick.

Eventually I may be looking at an oral challenge where I have to ingest some of these foods under the supervision of the dr. Blah.

[earthymom]

I've been having reactions to bananas, avocados, pears, apples, melon, peaches, figs, and cherries. The list of fruits I can eat is smaller than what I can't Plus, I'm afraid to eat any fruits/veggies. I mean, I used to be able to eat all but the avocado until the last 2-3 months.

I almost hesitate to bring this up -- but do you eat organic? The reason I ask is that two of my children are very sensitive (allergic) to some pesticides in very small amounts. Apples are on the "top twelve" most pesticide residue fruits no matter how much you wash them. I don't know about figs and cherries, but peaches, melons and pears are also way up there. I wouldn't be surprised if avocados are too. My son had asthma, tummy aches, and strange rashes until I switched almost entirely to organic/pesticide free (grown myself. .. )on my doctor's advice -- and ds was too young & unaware at the time to have had the placebo effect.

[YankeeMom]

I try to buy organic of things like tomatoes, carrots, and apples. Of those on the list, apples are the ones that make me the least sick. Avocados, bananas, and pears are the WORST. Ugh.