cellogrrlMK
Posts: 672
Joined: 3/11/2005 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Lordandmaster My suggestion is to see an allergist. That's really the only way to treat your condition. Over-the-counter stuff just makes you tired, and usually doesn't work very well anyway. Also, allergies can lead to other problems, especially asthma. So I wouldn't fool around. Maybe I didn't see a good one so I am a bit ambivalent when it comes to allergists, but I finally went to see one because I was scratching myself raw from hives all over and was sick of going to the ER for swelling lips and tongue. They took 11 vials of blood from me to test... dogs, cats, latex, and a grocery list of foods, all of which came back negative. He then told me we might never find out what I am allergic to! When I suggested they test me for stuff like detergents, etc. he told me they didn't do that, that I would have to see a dermatologist for that. Then he wanted to see me again in four weeks! I've been a few times, the visit lasting less than five minutes, for him to tell me how much better I look than the first time I saw him (I was covered in hives and scratched bloody!). I'm tired of going back there and being told I'm doing better, I know that, uh-duh! I've been treating myself for these symptoms for years. I've taken Claritin (which works okay) and Zyrtec, which is the only thing that controls the hives. You can get both of those drugs OTC in Canada, the Zyrtec is called Reactine there. Luckily I have a friend up there who sends it to me whenever I need it. I also carry an Epi-Pen if I know I can't get to the ER quickly. The allergist did give me Allegra, which has also helped alot. That stuff ain't cheap though. That is also OTC in Canada, and my "supplier" has told me all I need to do is whistle if I need any more. Lately everything has been under control, without any drugs, and I still don't know what it is I am allergic to. I'm sure stress has something to do with it, and my body adapts to that too. I'm due for another outbreak pretty soon, but I'm all stocked up at the moment!
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