Unexplained Reactions PROBLEM SOLVED!

I'm sharing this just in case it can help someone who is at their wit's end!

For years, I had unexplained allergic symptoms and little medical guidance. Fortunately, I had a dermatologist who recommended Contact Dermatology Allergy testing. This simple step changed my life and gave me some control over my reactions! In fact, the doctor came in with my diagnosis and told me I didn't need to feel insane anymore. How true!

Turns out I developed allergies to steroids, propylene glycol, nickel, cobalt, penicillin, neomycin (and more) as a result of a prescription ear drop for swimmer's ear. I'm fair-skinned and of Scandanavian descent which put me at risk for reactions to this ear drop (it's now pulled off the market). Propylene glycol is an ingredient used in food, cosmetics, shampoo, soap, toothpastes, deodorants, hair gels, lotions, sunscreens, baby wipes, antiseptic hand cleaners, cologne, medications - EVERYWHERE. For years (18 to be exact), I couldn't pinpoint what was causing my reactions because propylene glycol is in so many products.

My problem now? When I go to the doctors for hives/allergic reactions, they often make obnoxious comments about my list of allergens and then want to prescribe steroids to treat my symptoms. I'm now allergic to all classes of steroids. When they realize steroids are listed as an allergen, they give up and act like I don't want to accept "doctor's advice." ANNOYING! It's also depressing as I am educated and work in the medical field and know this is poor and unacceptable practice.

Over the years, I've learned one thing. I believe in my gut feeling. I've been at rock bottom and had doctors tell me I needed psychological services or that I was causing the hives on my own. I've gotten REALLY good at eliminating food or products to determine what is the culprit.

[Deeds]

Yeah for you!!  I am not in the medical field and found out what was 'wrong' with me - after a YEAR of my own research!!!!! ...the doctors just wouldn't listen - it was/is always "try this medicine"...it's like - "I've tried that...I'm allergic"and the cycle continues!!!!!  I was so irate at one nurse when she said "oh dear, your blood pressure is high...you should take something for that"....If it was legal to kick someone in the ars and out the window - I would have!!!!!!!  she was my allergists Nurse and obviously couldn't READ that I was allergic to all classes of BP Medicines!!!!!!!!!  Jeeeesh!  It was thne - that I almost gave up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!