This Job is Killing Me

Wednesday was D-day. Allergy testing was to reveal why I have been so sick the past year and the doc was going to create a treatment plan. As with any medical testing, the prep work is always a joy. For these tests, I had to quit taking a majority of my medications beginning ten days prior. Then five days before, I could not take any other meds, such as vitamins, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or heartburn reducers. Near migraines became my constant companion. The day of testing, I had to smear some anesthetic cream on my arms, in which there were instructions on properly smearing it since we only wanted to numb the top layer of skin. Then I had to wrap my arms in plastic so the cream would settle rather than evaporate or rub off against my clothing.

My appointment was for 1.5 hours then a break before consulting with the allergist. I know it will surprise everyone that it became 2.5 hours of testing followed by a consult with my allergist and the head of the allergy department. They said it was testing for eighteen allergens. No one mentioned that they did the scratch test for the initial eighteen, then based on the reactions, another twenty-six injections. If there is a reaction to a certain allergen, then more injections of that allergen and its relations. I lost count after thirty-five injections. Then the numbing cream wore off, so I felt the final seventeen injections as they were administered. Considering that I am terrified of needles, this was not a pleasant experience though my nurse was wonderful and tried to get me to focus on other things.

All those times I told James that mowing the yard made me sick, I now have proof. I'm allergic to the mold spores that are released when mowing grass, along with russian thistle and pine which are prevalent in this region. Molds are a real issue for me including one that is commonly found in paper. Then there is my extremely high numbers for both forms of dust mites. This might explain why I started to get sick when I moved into a job that requires me to do a lot of preservation work with old papers and books. My office shelves are filled with these items.

My frequent swelling was bad enough that the head of the department was called in. My doc had never seen a case like mine but thankfully the other doctor had so she had a few recommendations. I was given a Depo Medrol injection to take down the swelling, but I needed to sit for half an hour to make sure I didn't pass out. Since none of the meds or inhalers work on me, plus I'm subjected to my allergens everyday, the only solution the doc had for me is allergy shots. These have to be given for possibly years and require that I go on the same day every week. It's a big commitment but the other option is to remain sick.