Ever have an allergy test? - Updated #27

[tink_n_pooh]

Has anyone here ever had an allergy test done before? I'm going next week for mine and I was just wondering what to expect. The receptionist told me that it will take about an hour. Any input?

 

[GoodFairies]

They aren't fun. Are they looking for something specific or are you having the full range done? I had the full range done a few years ago and it took up both arms, shoulder to wrist. I don't know if they were all like this, but my specific allergist did about 3/4 scrapes and 1/4 needles, and the scrapes hurt way worse.

 

[lindakmonty]

well...I had this at age 3 and I still remember this!!! They said they were going to let a kitty cat loose on my back and it would feel like a kitten walking around on my back while they basically pricked all over my back. Yes, I remember the scrapes too....that was 26 years ago I'm sure its easier as an adult but it was no fun! Maybe they can give you a valium?(sp) good luck...they found that I was allergic to dust and grass

 

[floridafam]

DS10 had a full one done about2 months ago-both arms. He said it didn't hurt at all. He was itchy afterward, though.


It did take about an hour.

 

[yearbook50]

I had one done years ago when I was really sick.
They draw a bunch of little squares on your back then do the scape tests. It was ok.
Then they draw the little squares on your arms and and they do a bunch of shots in your arms. You have to wait for a bit to see if there are reactions or whatnot.

After that, I had to have a blood test.

I was in tears after it all then again I was 9.

 

[Jpgirl]

I had the needle one done-both arms elbow to wrist. They only got one arm done and I had a SEVERE reaction to the grass one (already knew I was allergic to grass and I told them so before the test). My throat started closing and I told them Gee my throat feels funny. You never saw a more panic stricken staff. They gave me a dose of epi and kept me there until I was better. I broke out in hives head to toe and it took 2 weeks to clear it up. They sent me home with massive doses of steroids and antihistamines. My eyes were so swollen I wore sunglasses for 3 days because it looked like I had been beaten. I had to go back a month later and get the other arm done-not fun. So if you know you're allergic to something and you think it's a bad allergy make sure you tell them. I did tell the staff but they didn't believe me-lol they believed everything I said after that. I really didn't know how bad my grass allergy was as I've lived with it my whole life so "bad allergy" is relative. Anyway I gave myself the shots for 3 years and they really worked-been allergy free for 4 years now. Sometimes the grass bothers me but an OTC antihistamine works now where it didn't before. Good luck

 

[tink_n_pooh]

JPgirl, that didn't sound like fun at all, it's great that your allergies are better now.

I had a pretty bad reaction to an Iodine injection a few years ago and I was told not to eat shellfish after that. I've never eaten shellfish and luckily I haven't had a reaction like that since.

Will they test for things like shellfish? My lips swell and itch every time someone cooks a salmon burger (I know, I work with odd people) at my office so I wonder if I am allergic to fish?

Other than that I have had some problems with asthma and allergies for the past 10 years or so and I want to find out what it is that I am actually allergic to and see if they can do anything about it.

 

[DawnCt1]

I had an allergy test several years ago to rule out a pennicillin allergy. After a brief skin test the doctor poured a dose of PCN liquid in a cup. He handed it to me and said "take this" and walked out of the room. A few minutes later he came back in and said, "where is the PCN?" I told him I drank it and he got a shocked look on his face and said; "OH NO!!". It scared the life out of me and then he started laughing. Good thing I have a warped sense of humor.

 

[DisneyPhD]

JPgirl, that didn't sound like fun at all, it's great that your allergies are better now.

I had a pretty bad reaction to an Iodine injection a few years ago and I was told not to eat shellfish after that. I've never eaten shellfish and luckily I haven't had a reaction like that since.

Will they test for things like shellfish? My lips swell and itch every time someone cooks a salmon burger (I know, I work with odd people) at my office so I wonder if I am allergic to fish?

Other than that I have had some problems with asthma and allergies for the past 10 years or so and I want to find out what it is that I am actually allergic to and see if they can do anything about it.

RAST skin tests can be painful. It really depends on how many things they test for.

They most likely will do shellfish and other high incidents of allergy foods. I would make sure the doc has all this info (how you respond to salmon) because shell fish and seafood are not the same allergy (but often people have both.) We thought my niece was allergy to shell fish (started when she was 13 years old), but she tested neg for clams. She had some clam chowder at WDW and had an allergic reaction to it. They swore up and down there was no other seafood in it, but now all are out (crab, clams, shrimp, lobster ect..) She still can eat fish ok though.

Just a few pricks doesn't hurt so much. After about the 12th one it really starts to get to you. I am still waiting to hear the blood work results back on DD's food allergies (milk and eggs) we are hoping she has outgrown at least the eggs.

 

[Crankyshank]

Bring a book. You'll be sitting for a while waiting for any reaction.

I have had 5 done. They don't hurt, but they can be very uncomfortable afterwards depending on the level of reaction (if any).

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Had the scratch test done on my back when I was 4 and I still remember how miserable it was.

 

[sap1227]

I had to take my son (when he was 3) to get them twice. I felt terrible for him. They did around 30-40 scratches on his back and like 5 on his arm, both times. The good news is they were able to figure out his allergies and now he is so much better.

Bring something to read because it can be long and BORING!!

 

[chell]

Are they making you keep a food diary? That should help them determine what all to test for besides foods you already know cause a problem. If you want, you can ask them to do a blood test on the food allergies. Some people respond better to that test.

Did they tell you what you can't take before the tests such as ibuprofen and some allergy meds?

Good luck with the testing! Hope you only have to go one round.

 

[floridafam]

I was wrong. DS's wasn't the full one. He did not have the scrapes on his back.

 

[spacemountain]

I was just supposed to have the scrape test done but it didn't work so I had to have the needles stuck in my arm. I remember it being really painful, but I think I was only around 10 so it might've seemed worse.

 

[LBAK]

The scrape tests and the needle tests didn't bother me. The scratching for the rest of the afternoon did however.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

The doctors office didn't tell me anything. I just called and made an appointment for allergy testing, I don't even know what tests I will having done. All she told me was that I would have to see the doctor first and then they would do the tests and that it would take about an hour

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I had the back scratch test done and was only allergic to 1 thing...which I knew wasn't right.

Years later I saw a different doc and had the arm needle test and low and behold, tons of allergies...all mild but alot of them. I was so bad I couldn't get out some days. My eyes would be almost swollen shut some mornings.

I did shots for 3+ years and I am way better but not "cured".

They never did anything with food. I would inquire to have that done as well if you think it is a problem. It may link you to some of your issues too.

Good Luck!

 

[chell]

The doctors office didn't tell me anything. I just called and made an appointment for allergy testing, I don't even know what tests I will having done. All she told me was that I would have to see the doctor first and then they would do the tests and that it would take about an hour

If you can, call them back tomorrow to get more details. Every time I've had the tests done as an adult (3 times) I have had to stop taking certain medications that may interfere with the results. Maybe they don't need you to make any changes but it wouldn't hurt to check. That way you don't get there and find out you have to reschedule or something.

 

[FutureMrsC]

I just had one yesterday!

It wasn't bad to me, only because I've been MISERABLE with allergies (wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc... you name the symptom, I probably had it!). Last week I started my own countdown with my students (we were practicing counting backwards anyway... anything is a teachable moment!)...

As for how it was, I didn't have the scrape test. I had the back test as the first part... the tech divided my back into 4 sections and injected each section with 6 shots. They weren't big though... just a small quantity of allergen to see if there was a reaction... I HATE HATE HATE other shots (flu shots, hepatitis shots, etc... they make me HURT!), but the allergy shots didn't hurt at all. The only hard part for me was not scratching! I got bored halfway through it and started observing my reaction on my back in the mirror... I took pictures w/ my cell phone too (my DH was working, and he's always interested in that kind of stuff).

Anywho... part 2 of my test was injections of a higher concentration into my arm. The tech said that they inject higher concentrations of what you didn't react to w/ the back test, just to rule everything out.

As far as what they'll test for, I wasn't tested for food allergies, because (beyond bananas) I haven't ever had any reactions to food. However, my allergist talked with me for 15-20 minutes before ordering the skin test...

And my results? (just in case anyone is curious) If it has 4 legs, if it grows out of the ground, if it's a dust mite, or if it's mold, I'm pretty allergic to it. I think 80% of my injections caused a pretty big reaction... (think mosquito bites on steroids... surounded by inflamed skin).

All in all... not painful, just incredibly itchy!

I found lots of comfort in knowing that I'd have a list of things I was allergic to

Best of luck! PM me if there's anything you're curious of!