I would like to wish you all a happy Independence Day. Let us remember this day for what it really is, the celebration of independence from British rule. By all means please have fun, parties and fireworks. Just spare a moment to remember what we are partying about and remind our kids too.
It it a bittersweet time for me because as an American I celebrate this date for my country and thank the many men who put their lives on the line to achieve this. It is also the day my beloved dog Laddie died after 11 years of devotion. I remember the sound of fireworks outside as Laddie started to act strange and then died in my arms from what seemed like a heart attack.
I call today Independence Day because I feel it has a dual meaning. Allergies to my dog had been getting worse yet I could not even bear the thought of parting with him. So I used technology to attempt to keep the allergies at bay. Air purifiers, allergen neutralizing sprays, dust mite covers, central vacuum and no carpets were amongst the techniques I used and for the most part it worked. However, it was getting worse and being a long haired breed (Sheltie) that shed as well as hated water and baths, it was an uphill battle. It is my belief Laddie wanted to give me independence.
I believe that the experience has helped me learn how to help others cope. I did find that there were ways to handle the allergies to my dog.
Today -two years later I can tolerate dogs, (cats and other pets) for short periods, but if I am not careful and they lick my hands then I touch my face I invariably start to swell up or itch. Breathing is also difficult if there isn't enough ventilation or air purification.
I am researching less allergenic dog breeds. Just like grass, pollen etc. which people vary in sensitivity to depending on the species, there are some dog breeds that potentially I may be able to tolerate.
So have a Independence Day and believe if there is a will there is a way!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy Independence Day
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4 comments:
My daughter has a Maltese (they have such a bubbly personality), which she said is a breed that doesn't shed and is better for allergy sufferers. However, neither she nor I are allergic to dogs, so I can't confirm this. Here's a site with info on them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_(dog)
I also read your personal story, and have suffered myself from MCS, for the past 22 yrs. It started one winter, with the disabling headaches, and I saw every ENT in Topeka, KS (where I live). They all wanted to do sinus surgery, but I knew it wasn't normal sinus pain. In the spring I realized I was no longer sneezing (my usual allergy response in the spring, summer, and fall), and thought the headaches may be due to allergies. Went through 8 yrs of allergy shots, from 2 different allergists, with no relief. The last allergist referred me to the Menninger's migrane headache treatment program and/or to an ENT (who thought outside the box)at KUmed center in nearby Kansas City. I went to the KUmed center ENT and was so lucky to find him (he has since retired), as he had a stepson with MCS and had a personal agenda towards finding a treatment for MCS. In addition to his ENT surgical practice, he had just received additional education in allergy treatment, and after seeing me he started an allergy clinic in the ENT dept. First off he had me start using a nasal spray mist made of alkalol and water (to moisten my totally dry mucous membranes, which he said were causing the headache pain), as often as I needed it (which initially was almost every 15 minutes). I found immediate (temporary) relief from the headache (for the 1st time in 8 years) after using the alkalol/water spray mist. I received more detailed (titrated?)allergy testing and also was tested (with skin tests) for many foods. They found I was allergic to many more things than previously were found by the other allergists, plus some food allergies were found. I was given a larger quantity of concentrated antigens in my allergy shots, and avoided the foods to which I was allergic. I finally found relief from the headaches (without the constant use of the alkalol mixture), as long as I was in my chemical/allergy proofed home. But I was still unable to tolerate the chemicals in the world outside of my home. This doctor then had me do the yeast/sugar free diet, along with taking nystatin. Within 2 years of doing the diet, I was able to tolerate the world again...perfumes, car fumes, etc. no longer bothered me. This great doctor retired and was replaced by another ENT/allergy doctor that he had personally trained. This new doctor took me off the nystatin, and I remained well, as long as I maintained my allergy shots every other week in the spring, summer, and fall, and once a month in the winter. Unfortunately he eventually took me off the shots one winter (and didn't test me first, like the good doctor would have). The next spring I started coughing and couldn't stop...ended up on a codeine cough suppressant around the clock. I realized the MCS had returned, but with a different symptom. I had the doctor test me again, and I was super allergic again. Started the shots from scratch again, went off the allergy foods again, and started the yeast/sugar free diet and taking the nystatin again. I'm finally not coughing in my own home and only have to take the codeine when going out into the world. I'm feeling a little better every day, and am hopeful the MCS will get under control again, and the coughing reactions will subside.
The reason I'm writing is to ask if you ever tried the alkalol/water spray mist treatment to attempt to alleviate your headache symptoms? I had previously found very temporary (a couple of minutes) relief from using a saline nasal cleaning mixture that a previous allergist had recommended. The alkalol is a mucous solvent and cleaner (made of plant oils)and is sold over the counter in KS drug stores. I call it turpentine for my nose!:) The doctor had me mix it with distilled water...1/2 alkalol, 1/2 distilled water, in a nasal pump spray mist bottle, and use it as often as necessary. I found it lasted about 15 min. at first, when my mucous membranes were so fried. I later used it often when around nasal irritants like perfumes, etc. I found the bottles online at this website:
http://www.msm-msm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=5490472.9670*QU1bf8&product=Miscellaneous&user4=Nasal%20Sprayer
Allergy is a desease that allways irritaing us,Oh that ugly headache!!
David as far as a non allergenic dog, I have a bichon. They are happy smiley dogs. The first time I saw one I was walking along the grand canyon and saw two of the happiest looking dogs on leashes I have ever seen. I stopped and asked the owners what they were. That was 6 years ago. I finally got my Bichon two years ago and she is a love. A dog that loves to be around people but can survive alone. Hardly barks and does not shed. YEAHHHH. I will never own another breed. Big plus she does not contribute to my allergies. If you are ever around Delaware you are welcome to test it out on your self by stopping in and meeting Sheba.
Best regards,
Robin
Thank you for all your comments.
Robin - I agree that Bichon's are cute. For now I am a little gun shy of getting any non-allergenic dog until I get specific testing of my reaction to the dog I am interested in.
Sue - yes we are in agreement there!
Kristi - thanks for your detailed account. To answer your question about the spray, I get similar relief by using the Grossan Hydropulse or the newer Sinupulse nasal irrigator and the saline solutions that are recommended with the units. They help clear out stuff that I may have breathed in when I'm out. Unfortunately not all my migraines are sinus related as I can tell from the location of the pain. However the irrigation does help remove lingering substances that may be prolonging my migraine.
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