Okay so after my sinuses shut down for the third time this year I finally broke down and went to an Allergist. Now I knew that I was allergic to tons of things... including cats, and dogs... but holy crap I wasn't expecting to find out that I was basically allergic to life. Horses (ha!), cats (ha!), dogs (ha!), feathers (ha!), grass, trees, mold... seriously just lump it together and say "You are allergic to life Jenn".

 

The doctor recommended that I start the course of allergy shots to try and lessen the severity of everything because I am currently on a host of medications and I still suffer. 

Has anyone taken these shots? If so, have they offered you any relief? At what point during the course did you notice a difference?

I hear you DD - I'm allergic to most things too ... Particularly dogs, horses and cats - as a result I stay clear of dogs and horses ! :-) my doc also suggested the shots but I haven't actually gone ahead - so I am also interested in how people went with the shots ??

Yes I have! I got 2 shots one in each arm for over 10 years! My big 3 allergens were Timothy grass, ragweed, and cats. A big pain in the butt or arm in my case lol. It worked! That was over 10 years ago now and I do not have the problems anymore, maybe a little bit on windy days in the fall but nothing like I used to have. Only thing that sucked was some times if the nurse hit the muscle I would get a knot and it would be sore for a couple of hours. It was funny too watching when a little 5 year old would go up to get a shot, she would roll up there sleeves and not flinch at all and a big guy would go up and jump when he got his lol. Anyway I will testify that they do work but it takes a little time to get it built up in your body all depends on how bad your allergies are to start with. Good luck!

Thanks Rez. I am glad to see that it does offer relief. I am currently on a host of medication... Allegra, pepcid, zyrtec, qnasl, flonase and zaditor... And I STILL suffer. :/ I have no problem getting a needle every week as long as there is some relief for me in the future!

DD,

Have you ever tried astelin?

DD,

Have you ever tried astelin?

Yes unfortunately it gives me nosebleeds. :( Part of the problem is that the sprays don't as high up as they are supposed to. 

Yes unfortunately it gives me nosebleeds. :( Part of the problem is that the sprays don't as high up as they are supposed to. 

Have you ever been to an ENT?  and had a ct scan of your sinus cavities?  

Have you ever been to an ENT?  and had a ct scan of your sinus cavities?

 

I have my referral and my appointment with an ENT. The allergist said that I have a really narrow nasal cavity. I go to the ENT mid-month.

I have my referral and my appointment with an ENT. The allergist said that I have a really narrow nasal cavity. I go to the ENT mid-month.

Narrow nasal cavity?  Or a deviated septum?  Is just one side narrow?

I should have paid more attention. My septum is deviated but something is narrow as well. The sprays don't make it into my sinuses which is why they get pissed off and swell shut. She gave me a new "spray" called Qnasl, it is beclamethasone in an aerosol type of spray, it looks like an asthma inhaler for your nose. That has helped with the swelling but not an enormous amount.

First round started today.

I'm having issues with sinus infections. Really thought is was due to allergies. Went recently for a CT scan of the sinuses after extensive allergy testing. My problem is the only thing that came back positive is for dust mites (which pretty much everybody is allergic to). Thought it might also be caused by an Autoimmune disorder, but blood work came back fine for that as well. Currently taking the nasal spray, Allegra and an acid reflux med. Will not truly know as months November-May are the worst.

 

Doctor thinks I may of fried off the lining on my sinus cavities from the years of smoking. It's like cooking without a non stick pan. Everything just builds up there. I know it's not the same of going through the many shots DD, just wanted to share. Good luck.