I recently went to the allergist to see if they might have any clues to explain some of my health-related struggles. And this was the result...
Day 1 of Allergy Testing
Day 2 of Allergy Testing (not so flattering, but that's reality for ya sometimes)
The first day they test you against everything. They take needles that have been dipped in the different allergens and lightly scratch them across your back. If you end up with a big red spot it means you're allergic to that allergen. The second day they go back and double check all of the things that didn't seem to react to the first day. They do this by inserting small amounts of more concentrated allergen right under the skin rather than just scratching the surface. I think the proper way to explain it would be, "Ouch, eeeh, oooh, itch!!!!" Again they wait to see which ones react and that shows you what you're allergic to.
And so it turns out that I am allergic to basically everything they tested for. Grass, trees, mold, etc. etc. There was one happy, happy, exception: DOGS!!! They said the reaction was there but it was minor enough that it shouldn't be a problem as long as I don't sleep with the dog. I am SO glad that we don't have to decide between my health and keeping Libby.
As far as treatment goes I'm currently taking two medicines daily and I'll soon be adding regular allergy shots to the regimen. It takes 3-5 years of consistent treatment, but the allergy shots can help my body build up its own immunity over time.
