New the board

[smiley85243]

Hi everyone. I have had asthma for as long as I can remember but once I moved out West my asthma got worse. SO bad in fact that in the pas 7 months I have been hospitalized 6 times. My asthma was out of control. I finally went to an allergist and got allergy testing done. It turns out I am pretty much allergic to all they tested me for grasses, pollen, dust mites, etc.. My major allergies though are to dogs, cats, horses and mold. Now the problem is I work with animals and love it as well as I have 2 dogs at home. Now in terms of my dogs, I keep them out of the bedroom, make sure they are clean etc.. but will I still be able to work with animals? I am currently on Nasonex and astelin twice a day as well as Allegra D twice a day. Since I have been on the allergy meds I do see a difference. I also have reflux and take meds for that as well twice a day. My allergist wants me to get shots which I am fine with as well as start taking xolair to help prevent major asthma attacks. My Question is if I do get shots will I be sensitized to the animal dander? Can I still work with animals even though I am allergic to them?

Thank you all and I look forward to meeting and talking with you

[Titchou]

The shots are to DEsensitize you to the things to which you are allergic so that you can come in contact with them and not have a reaction. So, yes, you should be able to continue with the animals. Why else would one take the shots if they didn't do this? I am highly allergic to cats (actually everything they tested me for but cats, must mites, mold, grass, trees and ragweed were the worst ones). I sleep with a 12 pound longhaired cat and have no issues.

Good luck!