Allergy shots, have you tried them?

[Anonymous]

Considering looking into getting allergy shots, and I'd love to hear some feedback from others that have tried them or looked into them.

I've never gotten a test done to see specifically what I'm allergic to, though my triggers seem to be the usual seasonal/dust/pollen allergies, plus animal dander.
When my allergies act up, I get the stuffy nose/itchy, watery eyes problems.

[Anonymous]

I am not sure allergy shots are a good solution for seasonal allergies. First, you need to be tested to see what you are allergic to. The tests are not fun if you are, in fact, allergic to a lot of things, although I have certainly been through worse (labor anyone?). Once you know that, the way the shots work is they give you a little of what you are allergic to, then increase the amount over time to desensitize you to the allergen. It's sort of like the "toughen you up" theory. It takes a lot of time and cost - twice weekly shots in the beginning in my case. I have been on allergy shots for most of my life, but I am extremely allergic to things that are not seasonal. Although you eventually get to a maintenance dose that lets you taper off the frequency of the shots over time, because of having kids and work demands, I have ended up starting all over several times because I have been unable to go for my shots for several weeks or months at a time.

If I were you, I would consult an allergist. You may find that your symptoms are controlled by the right mix of meds and you can skip the shots.

[Anonymous]

Shots were life changing for me. Dust and animals (esp if you own them!) are not seasonal. I went from being on 6 meds per day for allergies and asthma to none. My shots have always been once weekly, as are DD's. I didn't like the side effects of the constant allergy meds. I've seen several allergists over the years and they all had shots once weekly. You can go twice to get to maintenence sooner. Once there you can go every 3 weeks or so. After several years I took a break for 2-3 years. DD had not gotten any sinus infections since she started shots at 4.

Eating local honey can be helpful for pollen allergy.

OP, I'd go ahead and get tested. It sounds like PP has particularly severe allergies, most people don't find the testing anything like labor. If you are allergic to dust, simple things like an allergy cover on your mattress and pillow could help tremendously. Do you work downtown? Fishman at 2141 K and Ein at GW are both good.

[Anonymous]

OP here.
To give more info: I'm a nanny, and while I like dogs a lot, I can't work with them. While searching for families, I see a lot I'd consider....but then I see they have pets so I have to mark them down as a "no". If the shots would help me get my allergies under control, I think it would open up more opportunities for me job wise.

Thank you for all the information!

[Anonymous]

It depends how allergic you are to them. I am severely allergic to cats. I do take shots, but I still can't be in a house for very long where there is a cat. I would never be able to have a cat or visit for long where this is a cat.