I am Tired of Allergy Meds

They have offered allergy shots. Start off with 2-3 times a week for like 2 months. Working down to about once a month.

Anyone have any experience with these? It has to be better than just being medicated all spring, summer and fall.

 

there wasn't much help regarding allergies and shots. I'm feeling better after 4 months of shots but it is a long process; 3 to 5 years. Cats are the most difficult for my to over come.

Allergies and immunization

 

I am just the pollen. They told me it would take a lot of time. Is it better than taking stuff that just make you sleepy and grouchy? Basically they told me that they are just shooting the stuff in you to build up your resistance. At least it is not just some drug.

 

Shots are the way to go but you have to complete the program. Pollen and mold treatment isn't nearly as long as animal allergy treatment. I have already reached the maint. level. I don't know how much longer they'll boot me with that program, but I already feel better. Next two weeks will be the real test.

 

Trace, I'm 2 years in on a pretty full course.

I'd say that overall, I feel better, but I'm still susceptible to really strong allergen levels.

Biggest thing is the time & money commitment. Good insurance will pay most of the tab, but usually it works out that you have to foot a lot of the bill for the serum bottles (which can be pricey), and they almost gleefully throw those away every few months and charge you for a new one. Meanwhile, they also say that it will only take a couple of months to get to maintenance which is bull. Expect 6 mos to a year or more. At 2 years, I am still not techinically on maintenance (need one more shot). That's partially my fault, cause I got tired of going twice a week. Don't let them downplay the time commitment of dragging your ass to the shot clinic once or twice a week. It can be hard to keep up if you have a lot going on at work/home.

 

Thanks, that is good info. It still has to be better than medicating youself doesn't it?

 

yes. especially if you take decongestants (pseudoephedrine hcl) with your claritan, etc.

BTW, the OTC stuff sucks if that's what you mean. All but Claritan cause drowsiness, especially dyphenhydramine (Benedryl) which is actually the sleep aid in meds like Tylenol PM. Most of the older allergy meds were developed as cheap alternatives to claritan, allegra & zyrtec, which have been available OTC for decades in every other country but the USA. Pardon the rant here, but the drug co's lobbied hard to make sure we americans paid for their R&D expenses, while you could buy claritan & zyrtec for pennies on the dollar in Canada, Australia, etc.

The only reason Claritan is OTC now is because the company came up with a new, more effective formulation - desloratadine hcl (10 mg) a/k/a Clarinex.

 

Right now it is all prescriptions. Astelin, Zyrtex and Flonase. Excuse me if these are all spelled wrong. They all have crappy side effects.

 

shit, I'd be shocked if I spelled half of them right.

I havent taken Astelin. Flonase or somethin like it made my nose look like fuckin rudolph. screw that.

My favorite one is how they want you to "nose gargle" salt water about 5 times a day. That'll win you some friends at the workplace. especially the post-snort leakage.

 

TOO FUNNY>