So today, I went in for my first round of allergy testing and apparently have to head back for round two in a week.
Here's a few interesting things they're exploring:
My location: Right now, my home backs a major road. My issues started seven years ago -- about the time we moved into our home. Another interesting point is that my husband -- who works from home -- has experienced more cold and sinus infections in the last 18 months than he has in the entire 17 years that I've known him. The actual effects of exhaust can't be measured, but that may be a factor. Increased sensitivity perhaps?
The results from my prick tests: I had 51 different allergens injected into my back. It's honestly not as bad as it sounds. The lab assistant blew through test in less than three minutes so I didn't feel like I was being tortured. In fact, I was more ticklish than anything. Then I hung out for another 20 -- just enough time for some hives to form. In the end, it was more difficult for me not to scratch the areas where they noticed the bubbling up than it was to endure the pricking.
My symptoms: Apparently they more closely match Shift Work Sleep Disorder than allergies, but they're still investigating. Fatigue apparently does not present as a major symptom of allergies.
A few things I wasn't aware of:
I wasn't supposed to take over-the-counter sleep aids within three days of my testing. They contain the same ingredients as anti-histamines which help us sleep. I landed just outside the requisite time.
That's the update for now. Will let you know more next week when I find out more.
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Here is some information on our site about Shift Work Sleep Disorder: https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/shift-workers-solutions-sleep-problems
It is interesting that your symptoms may be tied to your house. A number of years ago, I had horrible allergies. I was sneezing all the time, congested, and generally not feeling well. I went to the allergist and barely anything showed up. About six months later I switched jobs and I realized my symptoms went away! Turns out my symptoms were caused by the building I was working in!
February 16, 2009 - 9:45amThis Comment
Tina,
Did they tell you what hives formed for the particular allergens that they tested you for on your back?
When I received my prick test (and I agree with you...the itching was worse than the "prick"), I had to wait 30 minutes, and after that time, it was very apparent what I was allergic to. They measured the size of each hive (small bumps) as well as how large the red-area on my arm was (the location of my test was on both upper arms and lower arms). This told them what I was allergic to, and by what degree---the more redness and larger hive correlated to more sensitivity to that allergen. The areas without an observable and palpable hive was not correlated with allergen.
So...that's the reason for my question, since it sounded like you are allergic to some of the allergens, since you reacted with hives?
February 15, 2009 - 3:20pmThis Comment
That's so interesting about the possible correlation between when your allergy problems started and when you moved into your house.... I've never heard of Shift Work Sleep Disorder. I'll be interested to hear more next week.
February 13, 2009 - 9:04pmThis Comment