Welcome Back to the Blog!
I thought today I would have a chat about my latest allergist appointment as it marked a big milestone. I have a lot of posts lined up for the next few weeks, however I thought this one should go first.
I haven't had an allergist appointment in a few years because nothing had changed for me. However I was getting quite frustrated with my environmental allergens and wanted to see if something could be done.
First thing that I noticed is that the way they do skin prick tests has changed since I had my last one! The old method was where they put drops of the allergen protein on your arm (or wherever they were testing) and then took a needle and pricked the skin underneath the droplet. Nowadays they take what almost looks like a pushpin, but with a smaller needle. They let these pushpins sit in the protein of the allergens before pricking your skin with them. It is a lot easier, quicker and with a lot less pain!
Secondly, whilst my allergens have not changed, they have altered in the size of the reaction. I found it absolutely fascinating to watch the reactions come up, despite how itchy it was! I also found it interesting that I thought it was tree pollen that was irritating me, but in fact it is grass!
After a consultation about my results, it was decided I would be a good candidate for immunotherapy for my environmental allergens. Due to the combination of allergens it was suggested that I go for immunotherapy via injections.
However it does take a few months for the injections to be ordered and arrive and then between 6-12 months to see a difference! Which means I have to go through windy spring days for another year. I am just looking forward to the benefits of immunotherapy!
I can handle avoiding certain foods, but environmental allergens are so hard to avoid as a mere change in weather can mean a flare up!
Have you had immunotherapy? Do you have environmental allergens? How do you manage them?
Look forward to hearing your stories and keep an eye out for the next post soon!
