My allergy testing and now shots! - Allergies Message Board

txcntrygrl · 10-20-2004, 02:09 PM

I had my allergy testing done yesterday. They did 90 pokes on my back and 4 pokes on my left arm and 6 pokes on my right arm. It wasn't that bad but the itching was frustrating because you can't touch it.

On top of that I had been dx with bronchial asthma last week by the same specialist.

I was told that I was to stay clear away from dairy products, and colas.

I had reactions to many of the allergens. The dr said my allergies were severe. I had too many. So now i have to go 3x a week to get allergy shots in his office. He said he normally lets his patients give themselves their own shots but my allergies were so bad that i have to get them in the clinic for now. This is really frustrating for me. I am not 100% comfortably informed about theses allergy shots and why I would have to take them for 5 yrs. Ihad to do this 2 yrs ago and I was able to give myself the shots at home but I quit after awhile because I started second guessing the treatment.

Is anyone else going through this?

reader1 · 10-20-2004, 04:53 PM

For folks with severe allergies, it can take several years of immunotherapy (allergy shots) to become desensitized to the allergens.

Most doctors no longer allow patients to give themselves injections at home due to restrictions by insurance companies.

sneezydiva · 10-20-2004, 06:15 PM

When you are severely allergic you have a risk of having a anaphlatic reaction to your shot. You can go into shock or even die. My doctor required me to have an epi-pen, though I neverr had to use it. Like the previous poster said. most doctors don't let any of their patients give their shots at home because of insurance liability.

It takes 2-5 years to get the most benefit from allergy shots. It is a pain, but be patient, the shots will help you. You have to stick with it.

txcntrygrl · 10-20-2004, 08:11 PM

Thanks for explaining this to me.

It is a good thing that the office is located right next to the hosptial.

sneezydiva · 10-20-2004, 09:46 PM

I should add that the chance is very small, but still very real. That's part of the reason the shots take so long. They start at very small doses and work up to the effective dose, so that your body adjusts and you don't have a serious reaction.