Allergy Testing

Given that I live in the pollen capital of the world AND I insist on living with cats, I receive a weekly allergy shot so that I'm able to...wait, what is it again? Oh yes. Breathe. 

Tuesday I went in for my annual evaluation. That's where they take a magic marker and number 1-50 on your back then inject you with small doses of allergens to see what you test positive for. Prick, prick, prick... it's like Chinese water torture. No one needle hurts but 50 tiny needles kind of sets your teeth on edge. 

Here are the results: I should never be around dogs or cats. Ever. They're my worst allergies. No surprise there. Also no surprise that my allergist has given up on me.

"Still ignoring my advice about pets in the house?" he asked. 

"Yup," I answered.

"Okay then. Moving on."

What was unexpected was that I tested strongly allergic to beef and pork. You don't usually test strongly for foods you don't eat but hey--now I have another reason to stay vegetarian. Beef makes me sneeze. 

I also had mild reactions to dairy and peanuts. I wish I had the willpower to give up dairy. I gave it up the summer I trained for the Chicago marathon and I've never felt better. Clear head, clear sinus', even pollen season didn't bother me as much. I'm toying with the idea of once again trying to go without, at least until my marathon is over. 

Add in the other standard allergies of trees, grasses, molds, and dust mites, and it's a wonder I'm able to get out of bed in the mornings. On the bright side, my allergist encouraged me to try going 2 weeks between shots to see how I do. I think I'll do just fine.

Until I hug a cat and eat some cheese, that is.

Cheers,

Dena