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*

[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.

[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.

[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.

[rintrahroars.livejournal.com]

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

[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.