My Allergy Test Results Are Back

[ducklite]

After the acute asthmatic episode I went through a month ago, my doctors tried to find the cause. A chest x-ray and other tests were negative for scarring and other issues (emphasyma and POD for example). So they looked at allergies. They took blood and sent it out to test antigens, and it came back with moderate allergies to a number of things.

The good news is I'm not allergic to cats, dogs, and ragweed, which are three of the five most common allergens.

The bad news is that I'm allergic to a lot of trees, and pretty much every type of mold. And the scariest part is I'm allergic to fireants. The doctor warned me that most people who are allergic to fireants have an anaphylactic reaction when bitten. Oh goody.

They think the problem was the trees blooming and pollenating, coupled with the very dry weather which kept it all from being washed away.

At least now we know what we're dealing with, and I can take precautions.

Anne

 

[Tigger&Belle]

So now you can get one of those DIS kittens?

Too bad about the fire ants. They are nasty buggers and one thing that I don't miss about living in TX.

 

[paigevz]

Wow, yeah, I don't know how anyone can live here being allergic to fireants. Are they as rampant there as here?

Have there been any recent pictures of those kitties? I haven't looked for the thread lately.

 

[ducklite]

Well, I think the idea of getting a kitten is out--I just adopted another ferret froma a shelter in NJ. His name is Diesel, and he's going to give Pudge a run for her money. He'll come to live with us in May the next time DH drives down.

Anne

 

[Planogirl]

Watch those fireants! Those are nasty buggers.

I'm allergic to mold and dust but apparently not as bad you are. I'm always congested and my hands swell up sometimes severely when I go antiquing.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

At least now we know what we're dealing with, and I can take precautions

Did he give you a script for an EpiPen? If there is a possibility of anaphylaxis be prepared. I remember all those tests, not fun, glad its over for you too. Hope your feeling better. Do a daily peak flow so you can stay on top of how your feeling before you have a potential problem.

 

[Feralpeg]

Well, if it is any consolation, ferrets make much better pets than fire-ants!

Do get an Epi pen and be careful. I pulled a weed the other day under my tree. There wood chips under the tree so I couldn't tell that there was a nest of fire-ants there. Fortunately, I didn't get bitten, but it was close. I've been bitten before and it wasn't fun.

 

[ducklite]

Did he give you a script for an EpiPen? If there is a possibility of anaphylaxis be prepared. I remember all those tests, not fun, glad its over for you too. Hope your feeling better. Do a daily peak flow so you can stay on top of how your feeling before you have a potential problem.

I actually already have an Epipen due to food allergies. I've been checking my breathing daily, and I actually blew a 500 a couple times this week! (Normal range for my height/age is 375-435.) Even when I had that rotten cold last week I was breathing OK.

I don't ever want to go through what I did a month ago when I was having problems--the day I was having trouble hitting 100 on the peak flow they wanted to hospitalize me--and I went to photograph a KoRn concert instead. Stupid is as stupid does...

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Well, if it is any consolation, ferrets make much better pets than fire-ants!

OMG that's too funny!

Do get an Epi pen and be careful. I pulled a weed the other day under my tree. There wood chips under the tree so I couldn't tell that there was a nest of fire-ants there. Fortunately, I didn't get bitten, but it was close. I've been bitten before and it wasn't fun.

Fortunately we've got river rock instead of mulch in all of our landscaping. We originally put it in because we are too lazy to turn the mulch , but it's also less attractive to insects and much easier to spot them in. And it's also a lot less likely to harbor mold, so I'm glad we did it!

Plus after bad storms I see all the neighbors raking their mulch back into the beds. I just walk around the house and kick a rock or two back into place.

Anne

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I'm glad you already have the EpiPen. I can't believe you blew 100 and went to a concert! More than that I cant believe you didnt end up in the hospital. That must have been some evening. I am so happy you're feeling better.

On a side note...We have a ferret too. She's a female and we got her as a surprise at Christmas for the kids. What a bundle of joy they are. She is so entertaining and silly. We recently bought a Marshall Ferret condo and last night my DH said "wanna get another"? I'm still thinking on that. I bet she would LOVE the company, right?

 

[MAKmom]

They took blood and sent it out to test antigens, and it came back with moderate allergies to a number of things.


I though they did skin test for allergies. How did they test for food? I'm glad your feeling better.

 

[ducklite]

I'm glad you already have the EpiPen. I can't believe you blew 100 and went to a concert! More than that I cant believe you didnt end up in the hospital. That must have been some evening. I am so happy you're feeling better.

Thanks! I knew the paramedics would be at that show and would drag my carcass out of need be. Plus I kewn my dawgs would all be there to watch my back that night--and they really kicked in for me. This made it all worth while...

It was honestly one of the best shows I've EVER EVER seen--and I've seen thousands, no exageration!

On a side note...We have a ferret too. She's a female and we got her as a surprise at Christmas for the kids. What a bundle of joy they are. She is so entertaining and silly. We recently bought a Marshall Ferret condo and last night my DH said "wanna get another"? I'm still thinking on that. I bet she would LOVE the company, right?

Yes, they do seem to prefer to have a playmate. It's called "ferret math" when you have one it will become two, then three, then...



In all seriousness three seems to be the magic number for them.

Anne

(And yes, I have a "thang" for dreaded/braided singers, but it's not what you might think...)

 

[ducklite]

They took blood and sent it out to test antigens, and it came back with moderate allergies to a number of things.


I though they did skin test for allergies. How did they test for food? I'm glad your feeling better.

Well my food allergies I've found out the hard way. They tested for airborne allergens by taking a blood sample (draining me it seemed!) and doing antibody testing on the blood. The lab that did it was "Esoterix."

Anne

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

They took blood and sent it out to test antigens, and it came back with moderate allergies to a number of things.


I though they did skin test for allergies. How did they test for food? I'm glad your feeling better.

I thought so too. With my daughter they did a blood test.

I probalby need allergy testing. I know i have allergies. But--I'm not interested in getting blood drawn to find out. So I opt to wait.

I think I"m allergic to needles.

 

[ducklite]

I thought so too. With my daughter they did a blood test.

I probalby need allergy testing. I know i have allergies. But--I'm not interested in getting blood drawn to find out. So I opt to wait.

I think I"m allergic to needles.

I HATE shots, but I don't mind having blood drawn. Shots hurt, blood drawn (except arterial blood) is a little pinch then it's over. If you get a really good phlebotimist, there's absolutely no pain.

Anne

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I get to a lot of concerts too. I love going and dont think thats ever getting old. Your picture is amazing! What a great shot. I have yet to see KoRn. They're on my list.

 

[ducklite]

I get to a lot of concerts too. I love going and dont think thats ever getting old. Your picture is amazing! What a great shot. I have yet to see KoRn. They're on my list.

Thanks! They were amazing, they played a full two hour set--no intermission!

In addition to the four band members they had four additional musicians onstage, one was a guitarist who basically replaced Head, and then three other, one on keys, one one drums/percussion, and another who did guitar, percussion and vox. It gave an amazingly full sound and they were all just incredibly tight.

I've been going to concerts for 30 years, and it takes a lot to keep my attention after the 45 minute mark (that seems to be the "bewitching hour for me) but they absolutely did.

Anne

 

[Aidensmom]

I am a Floridian who is allergic to fireants.....

First time reaction I had been bit on my foot, my foot, ankle, and bottom half of my leg were swollen for days (and I could not wear a shoe.)

I get the same type of reactions now, but I also get severe asthma attacks along with it. Last time it ocurred was several months ago, my son and I were out walking the dog and I inadvertantly stepped in an ant pile while wearing sandals. We were a couple of blocks from home, and it was very scary because I immediately had a very bad asthma attack, and I don't carry an epipen. My FOUR year old was making sure we made it back to the house, and it was a very scary thing for him.

I strongly recommend always carrying an epipen, advice I need to give to myself.