Has allergy shots help you?

Hi people, this is my second post I believe. I posted once before about a thyroid issue. I had went to the Dr's complaining of a sore neck, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, extremely tired, fatigue, dizzy, chest pain and so forth. Of course I went through anxiety and panic attacks. There was too much going on and I didn't know how to fix it. I had many blood test done, everything came back fine except for me being anemic. So that ruled some things out.  I did all the thyroid test and those came back normal. I also went to a cardiologist and that was normal. I had an appointment with the ent who looked in my throat and that was fine. So no reflux and then she said I want to do an allergy test. She asked if I knew I had allergies. Like anyone else, I said not that I know of. Well, I did the allergy test and it came back that I am a severe allergy patient. I was stunned people. Really stunned. I guess I figured I probably had some allergies but  not severe. She mentioned that alot of my problems were more than likely allergies. I really didn't know that. I just started my allergy shots. I have to take claritan, flonase, and pulmicort.  What kind of problems did you go through before you  found out it was allergies and did the allergy shots work for you?  What other things did you do to control your allergies?

TIA

[beanie485]

my sister is in the same boat as you she has several severe allergies she even has to carry an epi pen some of the things she went through were trouble breathing, all kinds of stomach problems breaking out and a few other things as far as the shots she is suppose to take them but she does not because she is only ten years old and lives with our grandmother who will not let her get the shots but I am very sure that they would help as far as other ways to control them we just try to avoid what she is allergic to as best as possible

[bsmsl]

What kind of test was done?  CBC checking eos? IgE? Blood RAST? or skin *****?  Skin ***** is by far the most specific and accurate.  Blood RAST is specific, but many times it gives false positives and false negatives.  

Since the dr brought this up on examination I would definitely believe youare allergic as drs can tell by looking at your sinuses, eyes and throat.  

I would recommend that you make sure that your dr is giving you immunotherapy.  Some drs call steroid shots allergy shots.  They make you feel great, but they don't really fix any thing and can lead to long term issues if you have them regulary.  

I would recommend zyrtec instead of the claritin.  It is much more effective and doesn't cause as much drowziness.  Claritin doesn't cause much drowziness though.  Zyrtec is also more expensive, but the generics are good.  Walgreens has a very good price for usually as well.

The flonase is good, but it will take up to two weeks to reach full effectiveness.

You might want to add a sinus rinse.  I use the NeilMed sinus rinse bottle, but neti posts work ok too.  I like the bottle because it has slightly more force to dislodge the crud that builds up in your sinuses.  Use this twice a day and after coming in from extended periods outside.  It can also be used up to 5 times a day if you get a cold or flu.  Personally, that is the best part of my allergy regimen.  

Pulmicort?  Were you also diagnosed with asthma?  Pulmicort is usually use for asthma or COPD.  Some people do use it off lable for sinus issues.  

If you know what you are allergic to that can be helpful.  Food allergens you need to avoid.  Stay inside during your high pollen allergy season so know your seasons.  If you are allergic to dust or dust mites it is a good idea to get allergy proof covers for your pillow, matress, and boxsprings.  Also, you should wash bedding once a week in HOT water.  Showering before getting in bed is a good idea as well as you get rid of allergens that have collected in your hair and don't sleep with them.  If you have pets that you are allergic to, keep them out of your bedroom.

Some people have severe enough issues that the like to get HEPA air filters for their bedrooms.  It works for them.

Good luck learning to control your allergies.  It can be done.  Let us know if you have more questions.  It can be daunting to figure it all out.

[lovlilady]

Yes it was the skin test. I'm severely allergic to dogs, cats,trees, pollen, etc. Whatever they tested me for I was allergic to it. I couldn't believe it. The pulmicort is for asthma. When they did the breathing test, they found I have asthma. I heard about the sinus rinse. I will give that a try. I just never knew that allergies can give you all these problems.  Now I just need to know my seasons....Thank you for all your suggestions. You have been very helpful.