Input Needed From Allergy Sufferers

[jennipurrr]

I finally broke down and went to an ENT/Allergy place after years of dealing with sinus infections by going to the doc in the box when it just got super bad (usually 3 times a year...on a regular basis, so I figured it was allergies).

I pretty much keep a constant sniffle, but it only flares up those several times a year. I do have to admit during that time I am pretty miserable and it gets out of hand with a full blown infection. DH thinks I am overly sickly though, so there's another perspective. When I start getting stopped up I cough a lot at night and it drives him insane.

So...turns out I am severely allergic to both species of dust mite which accounts for my constant sniffle/nasal drip, and oak trees. Uhhh...where I live is nicknamed "The Druid City" for a reason. Moderately allergic to cats (see username and avatar :(), several types of grass, and maple trees. The dr believes the grasses trigger my summer allergy bout and my cats snuggling and sleeping with me in the winter has a lot to do with the winter issues.

So...this is the drs plan of action. Medicine - veramist spray every day (eek), allegra and another nasal spray as needed. Environmentally - no cats in the bedroom :(, wipe down the cats and wash the dogs every week, dust mite pillow protectors, mattress protector and HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom. Remove all the dusty stuff, dust and vaccum every week...generally keep a cleaner house.

On top of that...allergy shots every week for at least a year! My insurance will pay 100 percent (whew) so it is not the cost...but I am just worried about all this medication and shots, etc. Anyone with allergies want to chime in? Was it worth it? Will I ever be able to snuggle my kitties again?

[reader99]

I had similar experience with allergies. I had a serious sinus infection that eventually went to my chest several times a year for years, including Christmas time until I realized I was allergic to the real tree.

First: nasal saline. I use this every day morning and night and have not had a sinus infection in 15+ years because of it. I buy a bottle of nasal saline and then make my own to refill it: 1/2 tsp salt to 1 cup filtered or distilled water, 1 Drop concentrated grapefruit extract as a preservative. This is important because everytime I got an infection I took antibiotics, which eventually threw my intestinal flora off, which has caused lots of additional problems over the years.

Second: allergy shots are good. They will tide you over until you can make the lifestyle changes to control your reactions. I stopped needing shots after I cleaned out my liver using the program in The Liver Cleansing Diet by Dr. Sandra Cabot. I had cats and continued to have them, helped by the allergy shots.

Third: the pillow protectors, mattress cover and HEPA filter are worth the cost and will really help.

[jennipurrr]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

After checking out the internet I decided to go ahead with the shots...I have my first one scheduled for Friday. I think if it can prevent my body from getting so out of whack in the long run it will save money, and actually end up with reduced meds (maybe?). Antibiotics wreck my system also, and I had kind of forgotten about that until you mentioned it. It will be nice if I can just prevent myself from getting so sick 3 times a year...so we'll see.

I am really having to get used to the pillow protector! Argh! I ordered a soft bed cover from Amazon because I loathe the noisy plasticy ones, but I just picked up a cheapie plastic-ish pillow protector at walmart. It is very hot. I have been sweating at night...and my house is in the 60s, no heat on. Last night I put on my summer pjs (shorts and a cami) and I felt better. I might have to get a less plastic one that has better reviews when summer comes.

[bae]

I never used to have allergies until I moved to the Pacific NW. And got cats. Turns out I'm increasingly allergic to various pollens and molds here, and our cats.

What has helped:

- cats are simply not allowed in our bedroom, or in the floor of the house with my office, workshop, and studio
- bedding is changed frequently, and comforters shaken out every other day or so
- tea made from stinging nettles seems to help with the pollen/mold issues, as does beer made with lots of hops. I've tried hops tea and it had the same effect
- reducing clutter has removed many places for dust/pollen to accumulate
- when I started using a CPAP machine last year for my sleep apnea, many of my allergy issues were significantly reduced, as I end up breathing through some serious filtration for 6-8 hours a day now. I've found this also allows me to visit my smokes-like-a-chimney mother-in-law, and sleep comfortably at her house, something I've not ever been able to do for 30+ years until the CPAP.

[Gardenarian]

I second the nasal saline! Since I've been using my neti pot daily I have not a had a sinus infection (touch wood.) I couldn't live without it now.

Do take a look at the ingredients in your allergy shots and research them. I had a friend who had a bad reaction, not to the medicine, but to the preservative used.

Good luck!