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leighsa200 · 01-18-2009, 11:03 AM

Hi,

I am currently receiving allergy injections, and have just reached my maintenance dose. This has taken about a year and I have noticed that my allergies have improved, however I am still taking Allegra daily and using Rhinocort daily.

My allergist suggested now that it is consistently cold here in the Northeast, trying to stop the Allegra and see how I feel. Well, I did that and after two days noticed that I was having more symptoms, so I went back on it. I do have dust, mold allergies which are indoors. Just wondering if anyone that has reached their maintenance dosage has been able to eliminate any of their allergy meds?

Thanks

Titchou · 01-18-2009, 11:47 AM

It may take more than one year to get where you can do without them. You might try every other day and see how that does. Then, after a while, try every 3 days, etc. I've finished my 5 years on the shots and still have to take a zyrtec during certain times. My worst allergy is ragweed so during late August and Sept I have to take one every day. I have sinusitis every winter from having the heat on and so I take a benedryl at bedtime every day. You'll just have to work with it and see how it goes as time goes on.

MountainReader · 01-18-2009, 12:45 PM

I'm on my second round of immunotherapy- 1 1/2 years into it. I've also reached maintainence. I've never had the expectation of being able to go off all of my allergy meds. I've just wanted things to not be so bad even while on the meds during the peak times. I also have extreme dust and mold allergies so I face year-round allergy issues.

I'm on Allegra, Singulair, Astelin and Flonase. Over the last month, I have cut back some on the Astelin and Flonase. I don't expect to stay off them though. I just thought I'd do a trial now since I'm not dealing with the pollens.

I've just accepted the fact that I will be perpetually stuffy to some extent year-round.

I'm on so many medications that I have a goal of being able to go off of some of them. I talked to my Pulmonologist and he told me it was my choice on whether or not to try going off of any meds. One of two things would happen. I would do just fine or things would get worse.

Singulair was the last one added. I take it for both asthma and allergies. My plan is to try to wean off of the Singulair when warm weather hits since my asthma kicks up in the cold. I'd also like to be able to eventually get off one of the nasal sprays long term. I don't anticipate that in the near future though. I figured I'd see how the sinuses do during the next year.

leighsa200 · 01-19-2009, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll give it a bit more time and then try to wean off again before the spring allergies kick in.

sickofpain2 · 01-20-2009, 04:50 PM

Yes, there is hope. I get 5 shots a month (just got them today) and will do so for life. In early 2001, I started once a week--then increased to every 2 weeks and now get 5 every 4 weeks. It took me a few years to get to the every 4 weeks, but can't really go beyond that--

or I get migraines and infections.

I forget when I was able to go off of daily zyrtec, but I did, maybe after 2-3 years of shots. I take one now as needed or when pollens and mold are high or if I have been exposed to dust or animals.

I have always had a hard time taking allergy medicines and nasal sprays, so that was not part of my daily medicine intake.

I would cleanse the sinuses a lot, as that could help get you off of medications. Plus, just giving your body time to rebuild immunity from the shots will help and hopefully get your medicines reduced.

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