Mon 22 Sep 2008
ARGHHHHHHHH!!!
I was going to write, “There; I feel better now,” but the sad fact is, I don’t! For the past two weeks, I’ve been plagued by the worst allergies I’ve ever had in my life!
I know I’m not alone out here. According to everything I’ve read, we’re having the worst allergy season we’ve had in years, with the most heinous culprit being ragweed. Everyone is sneezing, itching, wiping their eyes, sniffing and coughing. If misery loves company, I should be thrilled about now. To be honest, though, I’d be more thrilled if it were just those other people suffering, so I could go on living in ignorance and comfort
When I was young, I wasn’t allergic to anything at all. I could roll around in poison ivy, and it wouldn’t phase me. (I actually did this once with my boyfriend. ::cough:: The next day, he was covered in calamine lotion, and the only sign I’d been there was the knowing smile on my face.) My poor brother, on the other hand, was highly allergic. I can still see the rash on his arms, which always looked angry and inflamed and was usually bleeding to some degree from his constant scratching. I felt for him, but I really had no idea what he was going through.
Now, I do!
Over the past twenty years or so, I’ve slowly developed allergies to this and that. I’ve had three allergy tests (ooOOooo! Needles!), and each one has shown that I’m progressively becoming more allergic to more things. The last time I took one (last year), it showed that I am at least a little bit allergic to everything they tested me for except dogs and cats. Thank goodness, since I have four cats and two dogs!
This bout with allergies, though, has been like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It started with a little itching, then became an angry, bumpy rash on my lower legs and hot, red, itchy skin over the rest of my body, except for my head. At first, I took a back scratcher to bed with me. When it didn’t do the job, I tucked a hair brush into my hand before nodding off. (Oh, how I now love that hair brush/skin shreader!)
When the itching got so bad that I couldn’t sleep or sit still anymore, I rushed to the doctor, who put me on Prednisone and a really strong topical steroidal cream. At first, it helped, but as soon as I began lowering the dose to avoid becoming addicted to it, the itching came back with a vengence! Now, my head and face also itch. Joy.
I suppose I should be grateful. After all, I’ve never felt more alive. Unfortunately, I have also never felt more like I’m covered with other live things like mosquitos or stinging ants.
I itch; therefore, I am. It’s times like these, though, that I wish I could just not itch and sleep. That’s it…sleep, perchance to dream…of not itching!
December 21st, 2008 at 4:13 am
You may have scabies! Unfortunatly, that is another lovely thing thats been going arround. Check with you doctor. And have the doctor actually test for it. If you have it you’ll need a cream that only they can presribe to you. Another thing you can do in the mean time is use liquid benadryl, Aveena bath and Golds Bonds Body lotion. I’m not a doctor however, I do know these products work. I hope I helped. However, even if the itching subsides alittle after doing these things still don’t forget to contact your doctor about possible scabies.
January 18th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
How ironic I’m having the same problem and so are about 4 others in my extended family. I went to the Dr and was given steroids as well and it helps but the minute i forget a dose it red and itch come back with a vengeance. I’m about to go back to the Dr and make him run some test not look from a distance and run. Thank you for your post it convenced me not to put this off.
Thanks,
Donna
March 4th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
OMG - this is the most hillarious thing I’ve read in a long time…..how funny
March 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Oops, commented on the wrong story - I was trying to leave a comment on the toilet story…sorry