allergie shot

My daughter almost cried all the tears of her body today when the doctor told her that she is allergic to cats +4, horses +4, dandelions +4, and most grass +3, as well as dogs +2. She is so sad. She as a cat that she addores (I never noticed any reaction to it in the last year) and a poodle.

She is 9 years old and as asperger syndrome, even getting the test done was verry difficult. But she wont let the cat go.

She sais she want to take the shots (!!!!!!!), I usualy can't even have her having blood work or a regular vaccin. Well the question is does the shot work and what are the most commun side effect.

[tschock]

When starting immunotherapy, you will need to go to your healthcare provider once or twice a week for several months. The dose is increased each time until the maintenance dose is reached. If the shots are effective, you will go to your healthcare provider every 2 to 4 weeks for 2 to 5 more years.
Therapy is continued for 3 to 5 years total, after which the patient continues to get benefit for another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return more quickly.
The risks of immunotherapy consist of the possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to the allergy shot. Most allergic reactions consist of mild to moderate swelling and itching at the site of the injection. These reactions occur frequently, but rarely require any change in treatment. A large swelling may require an adjustment of the immunotherapy dosage or a change in the frequency and amount of the shots.

Less commonly patients experience whole-body allergic reactions, sometimes called “anaphylaxis”. Most of these reactions are mild and consist of itching of the skin, hives, or runny nose. Others are more severe and can present as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, throat tightness, shock and rarely can be life-threatening.

They also offer the oral version...so no shots.
They will keep her there for around 30 minutes to watch for symptoms.

Is there a way to "replace" the real cat for a "fake one"? They have many cute fake ones out there that seem life-like.

Sorry for all the bad news...wish there was an easier way.

[drewlevas]

Thank you for all the information. She is going to her doctor tomorow. I think thas when it's going to be decided. As for the fake cat, it just wont work. She has one, but it does not respond like a normal cat would, so she doesnt like it!

[mstbond]

Hi I have a nine year girl that I m finding out on my own that she is alergect to her cat I have been giving her benadyral pills and make her take alot of showers and it works so far and i also have her put on a mask and gloves when she goes outside to see her cats i have her wash her hands alot and I will not let her handle her cats she can take a long string and a ball and play that way. thats the only way I let her keep the cat and i read alot on allergys (allergies) she is allergic to pet dandefe and cig smoke her eyes will start ictching and swelling and flu like symtoms (symptoms) i have been going trough this for about three years and she can't be around any one that has pets but i moniter eal close and if she does get expose to I have her take a shower and change cloths fast wash hair and so far its been working