Okay, it was actually an allergy test, but it was every bit as uncomfortable as whatever you were picturing in your head when you read the title.
Anyway, something you didn't know about me; I suffer from pretty severe allergies, and have done so since I was about 12. I remember one night as a child waking up in the middle of the night having problems breathing and not knowing what the hell was going on. I knew I was allergic to cats, but I'd never had any problems with environmental stuff. One day and one doctors visit later I was on two different prescription medications, something which would stay with me for years. It's always been on and off, some years I'm totally fine, other years I'm not.
Last spring into the summer I was horrible, I literally couldn't go outside. Imagine a really bad cold, now imagine having that cold 24 hours a day 7 days a week for 5 months. Some days are better, some are worse, but it never gets better never goes away. I became a shut in, like some kind of crazy old person. Was nice to have an excuse to play more SC2, but I love the outdoors. I used to love running and biking and being super active, but for the year and already starting this year I can't do those things anymore. Hell even my sleep is getting fucked up. I've put on quite a bit of weight (a lot actually, probably from not ever going outside and lack of sleep) and generally just feel like crap. The prescriptions aren't helping anymore and I'm miserable.
So last week I finally bit the bullet and got a referral to an allergist from my normal doctor. I probably should've done it a long time ago, but with college and crap it just wasn't possible. Today was my first appointment, and it was every bit as miserable as I imagined.
For those of you unaware, to start treating allergies they first have to figure out what you're actually allergic to. To do this, they basically inject your skin with all different types of allergens and see what your skin reacts to. And when I say react to, I mean the spot on your skin becomes a giant inflamed bump with hurts and itches to no end. Fun, I know.
So I went in, sat in the waiting room like they always make you do for 10 minutes, then a nurse took my vitals and medical+allergy history, Basic stuff. Then she left the room, and as she did, turned on music; unfortunately it was 80s soft rock. Actually, it was like someone sat down and intentionally created the single worst play list of 80s soft rock. And I had to sit there for 15-20 minutes listening to it. Oh god.
If the needle stabbings weren't enough, imagine listening to this crap for 15 minutes straight with no escape yes they really played this song...
So anyway, the doctor comes in and talks to me for a few minutes about my general condition and allergies, explains the testing procedure, pretty standard stuff. He leaves and in a few minutes the nurse comes back with the testing stuff.
Basically, they are big plastic squares with 6 little plastic cylinders coming out the end which each have a bunch of needles at the end of them. The needles have allergens on them, and then prick the skin and get the allergens below your skin and then if you are allergic your skin reacts. Well there are 6 of these things (each with 6 sets of needles on each) which they prick into your back while lying down. But then the worst part, you have sit there for 15 minutes.
Well, she goes ahead and does the pricking, not so bad, just a bit of a sharp pinch. And after about 30 seconds I start to feel it: intense itching. Then sort of a pain. Imagine the worst itch you've ever had, times 5, and you can't scratch it. It felt like my back was on fire. As the nurse leaves the room she mentions there's a video to watch about allergens which may provide me with more information. She turns it on, there's a little TV screen in the room, and she leaves. To my astonishment, there's the doctors I was talking with a few minutes ago, on this video explaining things to me.
Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I thought this was a little weird. Sure, I bet he gets tired of explaining the same things over and over, but what doctor makes videos of themselves? So here he is, talking to me on this video while he was in fact probably on the other end of the office. It was a peek into some strange future where all our doctors are AI programs haha. Either way I didn't hear a word of what he said, since there was a FUCKING INFERNO on my back.
The video ends and the nurse comes back to check on me, tells me it will be a bit longer. Then as she's leaving says she'll turn the music back on, I was like "no no no it's worse with the music!!". She told me that the walls for the exam rooms were thin and for privacy reasons she had to turn it on. Huh? Okay, whatever. So there I am, in extreme discomfort having to listen to shitty light rock. If hell is real, that's what it must be like.
Anyway, after that I had to have a series of shots in the arm, which were bigger needles with more stuff in them that they inject below the skin in your arms. More extreme discomfort, more watching crappy videos from the future robot doctor. Except this time sitting there watching the spots on my arm become giant inflamed bumps. Really, good times.
Anyway, he gave me some new meds and I'll probably start getting regular allergy shots, which over time can actually cure most allergy symptoms. Basically they inject the stuff you are allergic to into your body so that in time your immune response lessons. As annoying as it was, if it can help with my allergies it will be worth it. Hopefully.
Damn allergy. I have a rather weak one but it still gets really bad at times. And the allergy test are really bad, it's supposed to itch you and you are supposed to just sit there with nothing else to do but think about how much it itches you. I'm really lucky my allergies are only for like 4 weeks a year + some food and animal stuff but I definitely feel your pain :/
Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I thought this was a little weird. Sure, I bet he gets tired of explaining the same things over and over, but what doctor makes videos of themselves? So here he is, talking to me on this video while he was in fact probably on the other end of the office. It was a peek into some strange future where all our doctors are AI programs haha. Either way I didn't hear a word of what he said, since there was a FUCKING INFERNO on my back.
Hahaha. Hope the allergies lighten up for you, sucks to not be able to go outside (or anywhere?) without feeling awful
On May 08 2012 03:57 Qbek wrote: Damn allergy. I have a rather weak one but it still gets really bad at times. And the allergy test are really bad, it's supposed to itch you and you are supposed to just sit there with nothing else to do but think about how much it itches you. I'm really lucky my allergies are only for like 4 weeks a year + some food and animal stuff but I definitely feel your pain :/
Yeah, it's really bad. 15-20 minutes of literally my whole back feeling like it was on fire. But, my daily symptoms during bad allergy years as such that it's a small price to pay if I can get some relief. At least the staff at this guy's office were all super pleasant. There's nothing worse than having something like this done by some cranky ass 60 year old nurse.
I actually don't have any food allergies at all though, so I'm lucky in that regard. I do have a severe cat allergy that I knew about, as well as a moderate allergy to dog dander according to the test. It's weird though, my family had a dog for years and I didn't have any problems. The doctor told me that with my allergies; having a dog, then going for years without a dog, then getting one again could lead to some severe asthma problems. Which really sucks, because I <3 dog.
On May 08 2012 04:00 TheKefka wrote: Lol poor toast.Gets stabbed by needles and some asshole comes along and one stars him.
Right? lol. I'm sure someone came in here, saw how long it was, and just one starred an left. Oh well, I don't care about my blog ratings. I write what I want, not what people want to read
Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I thought this was a little weird. Sure, I bet he gets tired of explaining the same things over and over, but what doctor makes videos of themselves? So here he is, talking to me on this video while he was in fact probably on the other end of the office. It was a peek into some strange future where all our doctors are AI programs haha. Either way I didn't hear a word of what he said, since there was a FUCKING INFERNO on my back.
Hahaha. Hope the allergies lighten up for you, sucks to not be able to go outside (or anywhere?) without feeling awful
Pretty much. Although it was only because last year was such a terrible year for allergens, and with the really mild winter and early spring across most of the US, this year is shaping up to be the same way. I should move to Arizona
Wow, I'm sure it must have felt really terrible at the time, but reading it here its pretty hilarious. I keep imagining you in agonizing pain listening to soft rock watching future doctors talk to you...LOL
Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I thought this was a little weird. Sure, I bet he gets tired of explaining the same things over and over, but what doctor makes videos of themselves? So here he is, talking to me on this video while he was in fact probably on the other end of the office. It was a peek into some strange future where all our doctors are AI programs haha. Either way I didn't hear a word of what he said, since there was a FUCKING INFERNO on my back.
Hahaha. Hope the allergies lighten up for you, sucks to not be able to go outside (or anywhere?) without feeling awful
Pretty much. Although it was only because last year was such a terrible year for allergens, and with the really mild winter and early spring across most of the US, this year is shaping up to be the same way. I should move to Arizona
I had a day a few weeks back where I couldn't do anything outside because my eyes just watered and I couldn't see and I sneezed nonstop. Felt super congested and in a haze. Kinda random since it hasn't occured since... If that's what it was like for months my sympathies.
Please keep me updated on your progress if you mind
My wife has various allergies: - Nuts - Apple - Peas - Dog hair - Horse hair - Cat hair (allergy test, not in real life) - Raw potatoes - Various pollens (Birch is the worst) - Latex (Worst in my opinion...) - Likely more
If only there was a fix huh. Is your allergy (or allergies) similar?
OMG, allergy testing sucks. I have been desensitized twice, once from bee's when I was a kid, and for dust mites in college and it is a long and annoying process.
Let me tell you Toast, be thankful that you got your tests done now though. Instead of pricking you with about 30 small plastic needle things for the initial test, they would inject you with 30 or so honest to goodness syringe needles. When I found out I was allergic to bees I think I ended up getting about 60 shots total (30 in each arm) in a single day to see what was what. I can safely say that after that experience as a kid I am completely desensitized to needles.
Oh and that was back in the day when taking Benedryl to "help" actually would end up putting me to sleep in school (no non-drowsy version). Ahhh fun times...
Certain things in medicine I just don't think I could put up with. Hernia, kidney stone? Eh, I've lived long enough, I think I'd just end it if I ever got one. Also, I don't think we're in the future yet because the robot doctor would have been able to genetically engineer your allergies away.
Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I thought this was a little weird. Sure, I bet he gets tired of explaining the same things over and over, but what doctor makes videos of themselves? So here he is, talking to me on this video while he was in fact probably on the other end of the office. It was a peek into some strange future where all our doctors are AI programs haha. Either way I didn't hear a word of what he said, since there was a FUCKING INFERNO on my back.
Hahaha. Hope the allergies lighten up for you, sucks to not be able to go outside (or anywhere?) without feeling awful
Pretty much. Although it was only because last year was such a terrible year for allergens, and with the really mild winter and early spring across most of the US, this year is shaping up to be the same way. I should move to Arizona
I had a day a few weeks back where I couldn't do anything outside because my eyes just watered and I couldn't see and I sneezed nonstop. Felt super congested and in a haze. Kinda random since it hasn't occured since... If that's what it was like for months my sympathies.
You're probably allergic to one specific plant that happened to be in bloom at that time. Basically what you described is how I felt virtually all of last summer; and that was with a prescription and several over the counter meds. It gets old fast.
On May 08 2012 04:17 micronesia wrote: I don't have severe allergies like you but I was thinking about going to an allergist.... after hearing this story maybe I won't rofl
Well, they only have to do the tests if you want to get allergy shots, there are a lot of medications out there that can help you deal with the symptoms. I can say the guy I went to see this morning seemed to be way more knowledgeable about the prescriptions on the market than my normal doctor is. He switched around my meds and gave me some new stuff, so we'll see how it goes. But it may still be worth it to talk to one in your case.
On May 08 2012 04:20 Badjas wrote: Please keep me updated on your progress if you mind
My wife has various allergies: - Nuts - Apple - Peas - Dog hair - Horse hair - Cat hair (allergy test, not in real life) - Raw potatoes - Various pollens (Birch is the worst) - Latex (Worst in my opinion...) - Likely more
If only there was a fix huh. Is your allergy (or allergies) similar?
My allergies are basically all pollens. So trees, weeds, grass, dust mites, etc. From what the guy was explaining to me, allergy shots are really only recommended in cases of environmental stuff like that, where you can't avoid it no matter what.
Basically, allergy shots are a 'cure' of sorts. The idea is that it's retraining your immune system to be less responsive to the stuff by constantly injecting the stuff straight into your system. From what he told me this morning, it's really helpful in dealing with environmental stuff, but pets like dogs it's not so helpful with as living with them you are constantly exposed to the allergens. My next appointment isn't for another month, so it'll be a while before I have any updates.
Idk, we'll see what comes out of it. The allergy shot treatments aren't cheap, and it apparently can take between 9 and 12 months for it to be effective. But I think it will be worth it if I can get some relief.
On May 08 2012 04:23 wo1fwood wrote: OMG, allergy testing sucks. I have been desensitized twice, once from bee's when I was a kid, and for dust mites in college and it is a long and annoying process.
Let me tell you Toast, be thankful that you got your tests done now though. Instead of pricking you with about 30 small plastic needle things for the initial test, they would inject you with 30 or so honest to goodness syringe needles. When I found out I was allergic to bees I think I ended up getting about 60 shots total (30 in each arm) in a single day to see what was what. I can safely say that after that experience as a kid I am completely desensitized to needles.
Oh and that was back in the day when taking Benedryl to "help" actually would end up putting me to sleep in school (no non-drowsy version). Ahhh fun times...
Yup, been there done that with the benedryl haha. My brother actually got an allergy test done something like 20 years ago, and they did the same process with him as they did for you, it didn't look fun.
Last I checked I don't have allergies but my nose is constantly flemmy, stuffed up and whistling. It's the most annoying thing ever, and I have no idea what's doing it.
And hey...That's a good song, I listen to it for 20 minutes straight sometimes.
On May 08 2012 04:17 micronesia wrote: I don't have severe allergies like you but I was thinking about going to an allergist.... after hearing this story maybe I won't rofl
Well, they only have to do the tests if you want to get allergy shots, there are a lot of medications out there that can help you deal with the symptoms. I can say the guy I went to see this morning seemed to be way more knowledgeable about the prescriptions on the market than my normal doctor is. He switched around my meds and gave me some new stuff, so we'll see how it goes. But it may still be worth it to talk to one in your case.
Don't mean to hijack, but in my case I'm kinda curious to learn exactly what it is I'm allergic to.
When I was in high school I seemed to have terrible hay fever. Then I went away for college where I didn't have much in the way of allergy symptoms. 4 years later I came back to my original area without much of a resurgence of symptoms. During my recent trip to Myrtle Beach I had a sudden allergy attack (not major, just very annoying) throughout almost the whole duration of the trip, and now I'm home and fine again. I go through like 1-2 tissues a day and have some post-nasal drip... but yea I don't know wtf is up with me XD
On May 08 2012 04:17 micronesia wrote: I don't have severe allergies like you but I was thinking about going to an allergist.... after hearing this story maybe I won't rofl
Well, they only have to do the tests if you want to get allergy shots, there are a lot of medications out there that can help you deal with the symptoms. I can say the guy I went to see this morning seemed to be way more knowledgeable about the prescriptions on the market than my normal doctor is. He switched around my meds and gave me some new stuff, so we'll see how it goes. But it may still be worth it to talk to one in your case.
Don't mean to hijack, but in my case I'm kinda curious to learn exactly what it is I'm allergic to.
When I was in high school I seemed to have terrible hay fever. Then I went away for college where I didn't have much in the way of allergy symptoms. 4 years later I came back to my original area without much of a resurgence of symptoms. During my recent trip to Myrtle Beach I had a sudden allergy attack (not major, just very annoying) throughout almost the whole duration of the trip, and now I'm home and fine again. I go through like 1-2 tissues a day and have some post-nasal drip... but yea I don't know wtf is up with me XD
Well as I've learned, the severity of allergies can really vary depending on the year, some years when it's cooler and drier I'm perfectly fine. Other years when the summers are warmer and wetter I can be totally miserable.
They didn't tell me specifically what I was allergic to. The test results are generic, i.e. tree, weed, ragweed, grass. I suppose they could probably do a more specific one if you needed? Either way, I'm sure that the reason the test was so uncomfortable is because I'm allergic to so much shit. I'm guessing for someone with lighter allergies it's probably not so bad. Getting pricked with the needles really wasn't a big deal, it was sitting there for 15 minutes while my back flared up. yeesh.
Okay, whatever. So there I am, in extreme discomfort having to listen to shitty light rock. If hell is real, that's what it must be like.
Hahaha this made me laugh im sorry but at least you won't have to go through that again right (?)
No, I shouldn't have to. Now that they know what I'm allergic to I think they can start treating it.
On May 08 2012 05:11 Roe wrote: Last I checked I don't have allergies but my nose is constantly flemmy, stuffed up and whistling. It's the most annoying thing ever, and I have no idea what's doing it.
And hey...That's a good song, I listen to it for 20 minutes straight sometimes.
Pretty sure if you listened to it for 20 minutes straight you would go insane. Or you would feel compelled to "drop a bomb" on someone....
I just got finished with my 6 year routine of this. I went twice a week and got two shots in each arm for around 4 years - they slowly lower your dosage as your immunity builds up. Once you start to be on the decline of the cycle you'll start to know every nurse at the clinic like I did, it'll be like a second home.
As someone who has been through this and had serious allergies I can say that it has helped immensely. It is definitely a treatment that works and is worth the money.
EPT
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