Allergic to so much wonder if I am allergic to myself??

A few weeks ago I went in for allergy testing. I have gotten sick too many times to count since about August of last year and have been sick at least one day a week since Christmas. Last year I was getting tonsillitis off and on so they thought my tonsils needed to be removed but when I saw a specialist he didn't agree. At first I was really upset because I was just so sick and tired of being sick that I wanted them removed! Well, in the end it was a blessing because I have not gotten tonsillitis again, so he made the right call.

Instead, I have just gotten lots of colds, the flu, sinus infections, etc, etc. So about a month ago I decided I was sick and tired of it all once again and went back to the ENT to see if they would test me to see what I was allergic to. As a kid I was allergic to dairy, cats, cucumbers, most shampoos, soaps, and lotions....had bad hay fever, etc, etc, etc. As I have gotten older my allergies have been the same except for the dairy. A lot of that allergy seemed to diminish and I actually have been eating it quite regularly since I got married, until now:)

When I got my testing done I didn't cry like a baby but boy I sure felt like it! I am quite a baby when it comes to needles:) I had to be given over 75 individual shots. I have heard that some allergy clinics have devices that do like 5 shots at once...well mine didn't. All the needles were brand new but some of them were so dull it was ridiculous! To say the least...I did make it through but wasn't the happiest camper! The started off with a row of 29 shots. If each shot reacts enough they have to do another test on that actual allergen. All 29 of mine reacted, so I had to do a another full set of 29. Of the second set of 29 only half reacted...so my third row wasn't too bad! The allergy lady said I was one of the most difficult patients she has had to figure out in a long time! Usually after one row plus just a handful on the second row she knows all she needs but I had to do three! She even had to go into their back office to pull out allergens she hasn't had to use on patients in forever!

This is a picture of my arm after the testing. I am weird, I know, but I couldn't help but take a picture because it looked like I had been stabbed to death. I had a really bad rash too but it is hard to see in the picture.

The day after my testing I went back for the results. Out of the 29 things I was tested for....I was allergic to 27!!!!!!!!!! Keep in mind...I was just tested for inhalants. They always test and treat for that first and then if needed they do food allergy testing. I was allergic to a ton of molds, everything you find outside in Louisiana except pine trees, cockroaches, cats, can't remember them all. I wasn't allergic to dogs though! I was happy about that!

The allergy nurse said that once you have lived somewhere about 2 years that is when your allergies to the area become prevalent, which totally makes sense because it was almost 2 years to the day when I started to get sick a lot. Some of the things I am allergic to now I wasn't as a kid. I found it really interesting to learn how your allergies develop and such. The more you are exposed to something the more likely you will become allergic to it. Our apartment has mold in the window seals (mold is everywhere in Louisiana since it is so moist) so that is why I am allergic to mold. Cockroaches are EVERYWHERE here as well...so that explains that one. I am excited I am getting shots now because I am hoping they will help!

The hardest part about it all is I have had to try to figure out a different diet again. Although they didn't do food allergy testing they can still tell some of the things you are allergic to by it. With being diabetic and needing to watch my carbs I have developed a routine of what I always eat. Since milk does bother me to an extent I have been having soy milk for breakfast. It is low in carbs, high in protein. I also have a lot of nuts and peanut butter for snacks, as well as cheese and crackers. The nurse informed me that since I am allergic to so many molds that I need to watch my intake of soy milk, nuts, and cheeses because they all contain molds. She said that my chances of going into anaphylactic shock are minimal but no guarantees. But mostly I need to avoid them to help with my allergies, sinus congestion and infections, etc. It has been hard to once again try to replace certain foods but I know it will be worth it!

Okay, I am done talking about allergies now...I have probably bored everyone to death...but this blog is not only for others to read but basically a family journal for me as well! So sorry!