Have you ever been to an allergist?
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I have been and go regularly. I get allergy shots, i started out with 2 a week and now am down to 2 every 2 weeks.
On my first visit they did a breathing test and a test where they drew a chart on my back of a bunch of squares. In aech square they pricked me with a different allergen to see how I reacted in order to see what I was allergic too. It really wasn't bad, the worst part for me was drwing the chart on my back, I'm ticklish...lol. The little pricks didn't really hurt, but she might be a little scared at first.
I'm allergic to just about everything, I hope her tests go well!
On my first visit they did a breathing test and a test where they drew a chart on my back of a bunch of squares. In aech square they pricked me with a different allergen to see how I reacted in order to see what I was allergic too. It really wasn't bad, the worst part for me was drwing the chart on my back, I'm ticklish...lol. The little pricks didn't really hurt, but she might be a little scared at first.
I'm allergic to just about everything, I hope her tests go well!
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I went years ago and got two shots a week. I finally quit, not because I didn't need them, but because it was too hard to get to the clinic each week for the shots.
I had the same test Angie described. It didn't hurt, just made me itch.
Other than that, all I remember is lots of questions about symptoms.
I had the same test Angie described. It didn't hurt, just made me itch.
Other than that, all I remember is lots of questions about symptoms.
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That's what they did to my son Mathieu and did not hurt. His arm just was more itchy on some areas.
Good luck for Lauren!
Tell us how it went...
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Have I ever been to an allergist? Puh-lease! I think I paid for both of his sons college educations! I've been getting shots since I was 3 and he also cares for my asthma. I now get 2 shots in each arm once every four weeks and I take pills for my asthma every morning, along with an every day inhaler and a rescue inhaler. Sounds like a lot, but the fact of the matter is, I make sure to take my medicine and there is really nothing I can't do. My allergies have always been terrible, and with my asthma, I know immediately if I'm even a little late in the morning with my medication, but once I take it, I'm ready to run a mile. It really makes all the difference in my quality of life. It may be scary for her at first, but it is worth it if it frees her of the burden of a health problem. My dd is 2 and just started showing allergy symptoms (which I was NOT pleased with...I was hoping dh's genes would conquer there...guess not!) and they put her on Zyrtec every night. I am not ready for her to get tested for shots, because at 2, I don't think she would be able to understand that they weren't trying to hurt her. At 5, yes, but 2, no. I'd get Lauren to an allergist. It can really only help.
:angel: Hi, Lauren!!!
My children went for allergy testing when they were about your age. The doctor asked them, and me lots of questions, some of them were really quite funny. Things like asking about a runny nose, do you scratch your nose with a certain part of your hand, what makes you go GaZoo.....(sneeze), things like that!
He then drew a chart on their back, and a bit on their arms, and then he lightly touched each spot on the chart, to help figure out what is causing all the GaZooing, and runny nose, and sore eyes.....and for some people SNORING!!!
Oh, and he did a smiley face in a couple of spots, and had them try to guess where they were on their back. That was funny, too!
I was there the whole time, holding their hands and trying to talk to them. They were too busy listening to music to really pay attention to me. Before they knew it, all the testing was done, and they were happy to get help with all the things that made them so uncomfortable.
Good Luck, Lauren!:smball:
They may also want to do a blood test, some of my friends have mentioned this. I can't remember if they did one for my children for the allergies....I know they do for my friend's son that has a nut allergy and asthma.
I brought a walkman for my children to use while they were having the test done. It helped distract them, and seemed to make the time go quickly for them.
I have also had the test done a few times. It really does not hurt when they do the testing....I wish I could remember what sensation it reminded me of...I will have to ask my children, in case this may be helpful in preparing Lauren for the test.
Allergy testing was a God send for us. They were so uncomfortable before we got it properly managed!
My children went for allergy testing when they were about your age. The doctor asked them, and me lots of questions, some of them were really quite funny. Things like asking about a runny nose, do you scratch your nose with a certain part of your hand, what makes you go GaZoo.....(sneeze), things like that!
He then drew a chart on their back, and a bit on their arms, and then he lightly touched each spot on the chart, to help figure out what is causing all the GaZooing, and runny nose, and sore eyes.....and for some people SNORING!!!
Oh, and he did a smiley face in a couple of spots, and had them try to guess where they were on their back. That was funny, too!
I was there the whole time, holding their hands and trying to talk to them. They were too busy listening to music to really pay attention to me. Before they knew it, all the testing was done, and they were happy to get help with all the things that made them so uncomfortable.
Good Luck, Lauren!:smball:
They may also want to do a blood test, some of my friends have mentioned this. I can't remember if they did one for my children for the allergies....I know they do for my friend's son that has a nut allergy and asthma.
I brought a walkman for my children to use while they were having the test done. It helped distract them, and seemed to make the time go quickly for them.
I have also had the test done a few times. It really does not hurt when they do the testing....I wish I could remember what sensation it reminded me of...I will have to ask my children, in case this may be helpful in preparing Lauren for the test.
Allergy testing was a God send for us. They were so uncomfortable before we got it properly managed!
:smball: Your welcome! My children, 5 and 7yrs. of age love to feel part of Mommy's site as well.
When you mentioned that you would share some of this information with Lauren, I figured that you would have her close to the computer, so that she would see the messages.
I hope all goes well for you and Lauren.
You may want to phone ahead as well, because I know that many of the specialists around here have headphones for television and music built into their rooms....just for the children. It really helps to calm them, and distract them during examinations and procedures.
Your doctor's office would be able to tell you this, and perhaps give you some info/tips to help prepare you both.
I know I was very nervous with my dd. She did so well as a baby with all her shots.....not even a whimper. Then, when she got old enough to anticipate things, and imagine horrible scenarios.....well, look out poor Mommy!
:smball: She always did fine, but before the appointments we were both a nervous wreck!
Hope all goes well. If my children have anything to add, I will have them come post a message for Lauren. That may help give her confidence, as well!
When you mentioned that you would share some of this information with Lauren, I figured that you would have her close to the computer, so that she would see the messages.
I hope all goes well for you and Lauren.
You may want to phone ahead as well, because I know that many of the specialists around here have headphones for television and music built into their rooms....just for the children. It really helps to calm them, and distract them during examinations and procedures.
Your doctor's office would be able to tell you this, and perhaps give you some info/tips to help prepare you both.
I know I was very nervous with my dd. She did so well as a baby with all her shots.....not even a whimper. Then, when she got old enough to anticipate things, and imagine horrible scenarios.....well, look out poor Mommy!
:smball: She always did fine, but before the appointments we were both a nervous wreck!
Hope all goes well. If my children have anything to add, I will have them come post a message for Lauren. That may help give her confidence, as well!
:smball: Excellent idea, the gameboy will certainly keep her distracted.
My children want to post a message closer to the time she goes, just to wish her luck.
I will pm you or post ahead to let you know!
You guys will be fine! Sounds like you have already prepared her well. I always find that talking about, and addressing or anticipating any fears or concerns, does wonders with my children! By the time we have addressed their fears, brought things to distract them, and made it to the appt. they are full of confidence, or at least reassured that I will be there to help them through it.
:smball: :angel: Bet you will both be happy when this is all over!
My children want to post a message closer to the time she goes, just to wish her luck.
I will pm you or post ahead to let you know!
You guys will be fine! Sounds like you have already prepared her well. I always find that talking about, and addressing or anticipating any fears or concerns, does wonders with my children! By the time we have addressed their fears, brought things to distract them, and made it to the appt. they are full of confidence, or at least reassured that I will be there to help them through it.
:smball: :angel: Bet you will both be happy when this is all over!
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