It was a theory, only wrong

[drwex]

Saw the allergist this AM. No I am not allergic to any of the potato family (they tested seven things including the suspected tomatoes and eggplants). My father had mentioned that his mother had something of a tomato allergy. But I don't.

The only foods that came up significantly positive were two of the nuts: walnuts and almonds. The allergist noted that even if I don't eat the nuts themselves the oils may get used in some foods. On the other hand, all a positive test says is that the antibody is present. If it doesn't react when I eat the food, then it's not significant. I don't like or eat many nuts anyway.

We talked a bit about reducing environmental allergies, which I'm very bad about, and he agreed that continued prophylactic use of a 12- or 24-hour non-drowsy med makes sense at least through the height of pollen season. So excuse me while I dive for the Loratidine. I've been off antihistamines since last Wed in order that the skin tests today would give good readings. This has been neither fun nor amusing, and I'm glad it's over.

I see a GI specialist later this week - maybe she will have some new theories, because I'm fresh out.

Comments

[hlmt.livejournal.com]

Mmf, I'm sorry. Frustrating indeed. *hugsnuggles*

[drwex]

Thanks babe.

[rednikki.livejournal.com]

Just as a heads-up: many food sensitivities don't register on a scratch test, just on a food elimination diet. According to allergy tests, I have no problem with corn whatsoever. (And according to allergists, if it didn't come up in the allergy test, then it's obviously all in my head.) The Marino Clinic in Cambridge was very helpful to me on that front, as well as several other people I know.

[drwex]

Yes, I know. But I'm not looking for a subtle effect. I'm looking for something violent enough to send me to the ER. I also know that there are sensitivities that don't show up as allergies, but again I'm dealing with something that produced a classic and extreme histamine response.

I can't see how that would fail to register on a skin test.

[tamidon.livejournal.com]

damn,that sucks in that "I kinda would rather a diagnoses of something,preferably mild,than nothing at all" kinda way.Adira has her pincushion test in a few hours.

[drwex]

Good luck to the kidlet.

[taura-g.livejournal.com]

Ugh - well, it eliminates a possibility but it doesn't exactly help you right now.

The lack of allergy meds must have been awful over the weekend. I hope you are doing better quickly.

[drwex]

Thanks babe. It wasn't as bad as I had feared. Even doing the outdoor work on Saturday I wasn't in horrible shape.

[rintrahroars.livejournal.com]

Grrr. How very frustrating! I'm hoping you and your doctors can find some answers soon. *hugs*

[drwex]

Thank you.

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

How crummy! For the pollen issues, have you ever considered using a neti pot? I know it sounds really unpleasant, but neti-ing on a regular basis in the spring has been as effective for my hay fever as antihistamines ever were, and it doesn't make me stupid drowsy all day long.

I used to have at least one or two days every spring when I would just have to go home and take the day off work -- either the uncontrollable sneezing or being completely drugged out on Benadryl would make it completely impossible to get anything done. These days I have no problem with pollen, and it's mildly amazing to me.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

For the pollen issues, have you ever considered using a neti pot?

"Neti pot"?

[wikipedia, wikipedia]

Ah, so that's what you call the thing I do. 'Cept I use a squeeze bulb instead of a pot.

For my nasal issues, it helps loads. I don't know if it would serve in Wex's case.

[drwex]

I'm glad it works for you guys. The notion of putting salt water up my snout makes me cringe to start with.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

The notion of putting salt water up my snout makes me cringe to start with.

Salt water is way less painful than fresh, actually. With fresh water there's osmotic pressure and it feels like jabbing yourself in the back of your eye.

And, yeah, the first few times were treh weird. But you get used to it.

[keyne.livejournal.com]

Yeah, what he said.

[edichka2.livejournal.com]

I tell patients that saline nasal spray is the safest product they can find in a drug store, the only potential serious outcome being drowning.

I tend to avoid it myself, though.

G'luck,
- Eddie