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Post by jesq on May 3, 2015 2:39:22 GMT
I have a number of allergies, both diagnosed and assumed. At various times in my life I have gotten desensitization shots for some of them, but in recent years have been able to control them with Zyrtec (and access to an epi-pen).
I am now at a point where my doctor thinks I should be evaluated again, based on lingering coughs and my unwillingness to get rid of my cats. I have an appointment with an allergist on Monday, during which I'm pretty sure I will be getting scratch tests. In order for the tests to be accurate, however, I had to stop taking the Zyrtec on Thursday.
I am now a sneezy, runny-nosed mess. I cannot be away from a Kleenex box for more than 30 seconds at a time. I look like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. I really wanted to go for a long walk today, because the weather was absolutely gorgeous, but knew I couldn't bring enough Kleenex with me.
This is the first time I have ever wanted a weekend to end.
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Post by blarneygirl on May 3, 2015 2:43:45 GMT
Are you allowed any of the OTC nasal sprays? My son has to be off of Zyrtec before his allergy testing also, but he's permitted to use Nasonex.
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Post by christine58 on May 3, 2015 2:45:13 GMT
I had to go back to my allergist about three years ago due to numerous sinus issues/infections. Best thing he ever gave me was a script for flonase. I use it every day faithfully..2-3 times a day during the height of ragweed season. Good luck.
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Post by stormycat on May 3, 2015 2:46:58 GMT
I have a question for you? Do you sleep with your cats or are they on the bed? My husband is allergic to cats, but does relatively well with ours. But at night he would get all symptomatic. What I finally started doing is taking a lint roller and getting the hair off his pillowcase, and it has made such a a difference. He doesn't need an inhaler at night anymore. He said it is so much better.
Maybe this can help you, I hope you feel better.
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Post by alittleintrepid on May 3, 2015 2:49:59 GMT
Sorry, that's no fun ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/mYSUyHtG9Jrcmm_ydVcK.jpg)
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Post by jesq on May 3, 2015 3:05:24 GMT
Are you allowed any of the OTC nasal sprays? My son has to be off of Zyrtec before his allergy testing also, but he's permitted to use Nasonex. That's a good question. The instructions say to discontinue all antihistamines. Although my doctor has prescribed a nasal spray, I don't use it, because I hate the way it tastes and because, when I'm allowed to use Zyrtec, it control's things pretty well. Because of that, I didn't even think to ask about it.
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Post by jesq on May 3, 2015 3:06:17 GMT
I have a question for you? Do you sleep with your cats or are they on the bed? My husband is allergic to cats, but does relatively well with ours. But at night he would get all symptomatic. What I finally started doing is taking a lint roller and getting the hair off his pillowcase, and it has made such a a difference. He doesn't need an inhaler at night anymore. He said it is so much better. Maybe this can help you, I hope you feel better. The cats do sleep on my bed, although generally at my feet. I haven't noticed that my symptoms are any worse at night.
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Post by blarneygirl on May 3, 2015 3:18:26 GMT
Are you allowed any of the OTC nasal sprays? My son has to be off of Zyrtec before his allergy testing also, but he's permitted to use Nasonex. That's a good question. The instructions say to discontinue all antihistamines. Although my doctor has prescribed a nasal spray, I don't use it, because I hate the way it tastes and because, when I'm allowed to use Zyrtec, it control's things pretty well. Because of that, I didn't even think to ask about it. I'm not terribly fond of them either, (I hate the way my nose gets all crusty) but if you are able to use something like that, it might be worth it in the short term until you can get back on Zyrtec.
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Deleted
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Jun 28, 2024 6:30:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 3:24:35 GMT
So sorry. I have icky allergies too + asthma + COPD, so it's a pain in the butt to be here in humidity-land-FL. I normally take Allegra + Advair + Proair HFA for rescue (and Sudafed for sinus pain) and it works okay. I'm at a loss b/c I don't SEE any pollen or anything remotely green here!! The grass is all crabgrass and there aren't real trees or anything that blooms. I used to like SEEING pollen all over my car and then know I was in for it! This blows!
Good luck with your allergies. I've never been tested for mine. I have 5 cats right now and I KNOW that having their litterboxes all over doesn't help. It doesn't help to be scooping or pouring fresh litter either!! I keep a mask around to do it but it still effects my cough. I keep going back to my PCP to make sure my lungs are clear.
P.S.: Are you an attorney?? Every time I see Esq, I automatically think "lawyer". My dad was a lawyer, as was my sis, and my ex (and so many people I worked for--I was a paralegal).
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Post by Butterfly Momma on May 3, 2015 3:25:44 GMT
I am another vote for the nasal spray. I found one that is in an aerosol type can and it doesnt leave the icky after taste. I cannot remember the brand though. It is more of a mist. It definitely is not an antihistimane version. Hope you are able to find relief soon ... allergies are not fun!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 3:27:04 GMT
I wouldn't suggest taking any type of allergy medications. It can skew the test results because your histamine levels won't react like they should. I know it is rough, but think about the long term results. Good luck.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Gravity on May 3, 2015 3:31:52 GMT
I use NasoCort nose spray. It doesn't have a taste like Flonase and some of the others.
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melissa
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Post by melissa on May 3, 2015 3:33:17 GMT
With your continued issues, if you sucked it up and just dealt with the nasal spray, you might not be at the point where you need to see the allergist again. From one allergy gal to another... just saying!
I did not want to continue with a nasal spray for a variety of reasons until my ENT lectured me. I now use it daily. Flonase is over the counter now. This time of year, it takes multiple meds to control my seasonal allergies. At this point, I am using Flonase, Singulair and Claritin. I have used Zyrtec in the past instead of the Claritin. I was late to add Claritin back this year. I cannot imagine how miserable you must be without anything on board!!
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Post by Skellinton on May 3, 2015 3:58:34 GMT
The nasal spray doesn't kick in right away though, if you started taking it today it wouldn't really help by Monday anyway, they say it takes a week for the Flonase and Nasonex to become effective. I don't think it takes a full week, but taking it for 2 days isn't going to give you any relief sadly. Can you take a cold medicine to help with the snotty nose? I take dimetapp when my allergies are really bad, if nothing else it makes me sleep! Allergies are just awful, besides the runny nose and itchy eyes and sore throat and sneezing I just hate the fatigue! It is crazy how draining they are. Good luck, hope you feel better soon!
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Post by jesq on May 3, 2015 4:03:12 GMT
There was a pretty strong consensus on the internet, from a number of allergy clinics, that Fluticasone would not interfere with the testing, so I took that. It wasn't as bad as I remembered.
Even if I were to take it on a regular basis, I'd probably end up with shots again. I have very dry, itchy eyes, which have prevented me from wearing my contacts lately, plus I am allergic to bees and not very good about carrying my epi-pen.
Bergdorf Blonde, I am an attorney. My user name is a combination of my initials, JES, and esquire.
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on May 3, 2015 4:17:26 GMT
I had testing in march and i was allowed to use flonase. I had to stay 7 days off claritin and any other antihistamines though.
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tincin
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Post by tincin on May 3, 2015 4:44:38 GMT
My allergist made me discontinue allergy meds for 3 weeks before he would test. Guess what? I have no allergies. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) Which is odd considering I have been taking allergy medications for 10+ years. He prescribed Singulair and a neti pot. I feel so much better just using the neti pot that I am not using any allergy meds at all, no Singulair either. You may want to give the neti pot a try until you have testing, it won't skew the results at all because it is just a saline solution.
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Post by flanz on May 3, 2015 4:50:55 GMT
I can totally relate to your allergy misery. One thing that helps me a ton is doing nasal irrigation with the NeilMed Sinus Rince system. I find it MUCH easier than a NetiPot. The relief is significant. I do it about three times a day when my allergies are at their worst. Maybe it would help you too. Hope you find some relief.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 5:06:28 GMT
I don't know how Zyrtec affects you, but during our allergy season I take Claritin and besides being thirsty, my itchy throat and sneezing is gone. For me it is a miracle drug! I feel badly for you as i suffer, too. This year the season hasn't been too bad so far, but come June I shall be feeling awful! melissa is Flonase really OTC now in the US? It is generic but by special authority otherwise you get generic.
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melissa
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Post by melissa on May 3, 2015 5:22:59 GMT
Yes, it is OTC now, but there do not seem to be any generics in the stores yet. I am annoyed because I am paying more now than when it was prescription. I've been using the generic for several years and now my mail order pharmacy will not fill it, generic or otherwise.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 6:51:36 GMT
The nasal spray doesn't kick in right away though, if you started taking it today it wouldn't really help by Monday anyway, they say it takes a week for the Flonase and Nasonex to become effective. I don't think it takes a full week, but taking it for 2 days isn't going to give you any relief sadly. Can you take a cold medicine to help with the snotty nose? I take dimetapp when my allergies are really bad, if nothing else it makes me sleep! Allergies are just awful, besides the runny nose and itchy eyes and sore throat and sneezing I just hate the fatigue! It is crazy how draining they are. Good luck, hope you feel better soon! Most cold meds contain an antihistamine so I wouldn't go that route.
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Post by Merge on May 3, 2015 11:54:34 GMT
This is why I've never returned for additional allergy testing for my chronic hives. I have to go off meds for five days, and by the end of the second day I am swollen, itchy and lumpy with hives 24 hours a day. No thank you!
I hope you're able to use Nasonex or something to get some relief.
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Post by Patter on May 3, 2015 12:46:07 GMT
Yes, it is OTC now, but there do not seem to be any generics in the stores yet. I am annoyed because I am paying more now than when it was prescription. I've been using the generic for several years and now my mail order pharmacy will not fill it, generic or otherwise. Exactly! All 5 of us have been on Flonase for years. It is now more expensive to buy it at Wal-Mart OTC. Oh dear. It works amazing for us. Though it came in handy last week when DD#2 ran out. I didn't have to worry about getting a new prescrip. I sent her to her local Wal-Mart near her university. Now that was convenient. And jesq, I pray the testing shows how to help you best. Allergies are definitely awful!
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Post by christine58 on May 3, 2015 13:23:55 GMT
Yes, it is OTC now, but there do not seem to be any generics in the stores yet. I am annoyed because I am paying more now than when it was prescription. I've been using the generic for several years and now my mail order pharmacy will not fill it, generic or otherwise. Exactly! All 5 of us have been on Flonase for years. It is now more expensive to buy it at Wal-Mart OTC. Oh dear. It works amazing for us. Though it came in handy last week when DD#2 ran out. I didn't have to worry about getting a new prescrip. I sent her to her local Wal-Mart near her university. Now that was convenient. And jesq, I pray the testing shows how to help you best. Allergies are definitely awful! Check for coupons...I've yet to pay full price...
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Post by Patter on May 3, 2015 14:41:38 GMT
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on May 3, 2015 15:28:43 GMT
I'm confused, you guys can't get the prescription fluticasone? I'm still getting mine at the pharmacy (Meijer), and it costs me about $9 with my prescription plan. OTC Flonase, as I've seen, is about $18.
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SweetieBsMom
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Post by SweetieBsMom on May 3, 2015 15:43:19 GMT
I had to go back to my allergist about three years ago due to numerous sinus issues/infections. Best thing he ever gave me was a script for flonase. I use it every day faithfully..2-3 times a day during the height of ragweed season. Good luck. Flonase.....big fan at the height of allergy season. I use Allegra, Flonase and Zatidor (eye drops)
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Post by Princess Amy on May 3, 2015 19:38:34 GMT
I'm confused, you guys can't get the prescription fluticasone? I'm still getting mine at the pharmacy (Meijer), and it costs me about $9 with my prescription plan. OTC Flonase, as I've seen, is about $18. I received a letter from my insurance company last week. They stated since the nasal spray was now available OTC, they would no longer cover the prescription cost.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
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Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on May 3, 2015 20:00:03 GMT
I can totally relate to your allergy misery. One thing that helps me a ton is doing nasal irrigation with the NeilMed Sinus Rince system. I find it MUCH easier than a NetiPot. The relief is significant. I do it about three times a day when my allergies are at their worst. Maybe it would help you too. Hope you find some relief. I have been having a really hard time with allergies this year and my allergist recommend the sinus rinse. I hate doing it but I do twice a day and it makes a huge difference. I was also scheduled for allergy testing last week and was told to discontinue antihistamines . I use Veramyst, which is a nose spray, but not an antihistamine so I could have continued that. Unfortunately, I now have mono and I had to cancel my testing. I was prescribed the Veramyst because I was having issues with runny eyes and this works so much better than the Flonase I was taking for eyes. Lisa D.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by ddly on May 3, 2015 20:01:43 GMT
I'm confused, you guys can't get the prescription fluticasone? I'm still getting mine at the pharmacy (Meijer), and it costs me about $9 with my prescription plan. OTC Flonase, as I've seen, is about $18. My Insurance company still pays for generic Flonase. Last time I had it, filled about a month ago, it was under two dollars. Lisa D.
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