Comments on: Allergies-Sigh http://blog.cathyjonelson.com/?p=335 Each TechnoTuesday Tue, 07 May 2013 01:06:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Pat http://blog.cathyjonelson.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-721 Pat Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:51:19 +0000 http://technotuesday.edublogs.org/?p=379#comment-721 I am so allergic to everything that it is a pain in the neck when I want to do something. I am allergic to trees, leaf mold, dust, etc. (basically the world) and since I love to hike, this causes a big problem in my life. Luckily I hike with a wonderful doctor who suggested that I take an allergy pill before I do something that I know will set off my allergies. So, before I go hiking I take an Allegra (I used to take Claritin) but the prescription for Allegra is cheaper than buying Claritin over the counter. If I do that, I don’t have much trouble with my allergies. If I don’t take the pill BEFORE I hike, that night my face will swell up like a balloon and I will be itchy for days. I don’t know if this will help you at all but if you know something sets it off, you might try Claritin before you do it.

]]> By: Buffy Hamilton http://blog.cathyjonelson.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-720 Buffy Hamilton Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:03:29 +0000 http://technotuesday.edublogs.org/?p=379#comment-720 Cathy, I am so sorry you are suffering so! Our state offers several HMO plans, and it paid for all of my testing and allergy shot serum. I only have to pay a $25 co-pay on my shots (which does add up when you are in the acceleration phase for two shots a week for three months, but it is worth it). I don’t remember how much the skin test and first visit cost, but I know the serum is expensive since it is custom made for each patient—mine is about $1500 each time they have to make a new batch, but Blue Choice HMO pays for all of that. For me, I had to go to shots….I am allergic to everything, and shots completely changed the quality of life for the better.

I take Zyrtec D along with my shots, and I have a nasal spray. I know those are not herbal, but you might give those a try. If I get into a lot of dust when I am cleaning or get exposed to grass pollen, I too get the swelling puffy eye syndrome. Over the counter Benadryl definitely helps with that although it knocks me out! If you get a bad episode, though, you might try that.

I know the expense of the initial treatment is a lot, but the shots have totally made my life 100% better. I hope you are feeling better soon, and hang in there!!!

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