Looking for Answers :: Blood Test Results

I got the test results from the blood work I had done last week on Friday afternoon to a mixture of relief and disappointment. They all came back negative. So we're back to square one, with no answers yet.

I was told that I'm not allergic to eggs, hay, straw, and chickens (the latter three, they tested for in spite of the fact that I told them I never spend time in the coop or gathering eggs (the kids are in charge of that) but they knew I had chickens so tested anyway). Also told I'm not allergic to nuts, including almonds, peanuts, walnuts and coconuts.

The house dust came back positive but I already knew that one! I get all sick and miserable when house dust starts flying and have my whole life. And that's not the issue since that normally just causes a super itchy, runny nose and sneezing with itchy watery eyes. My hands get a little itchy and sometimes a little red from it, too, but it stops as soon as I wash them. {Which would make one wonder why I wasn't better about keeping my house dusted!}

So... Where to go from here...?

Allergist, Dermatologist, and Naturopath appointments are all in my future. Two of which I have yet to make but plan to soon. (I was going to make them last week but wanted to wait for the blood work.)

I was reminded, when I shared the news on Facebook on Friday, that blood work isn't always accurate in testing for allergies, not to mention the fact that I'd taken that generic form of Benadryl (an antihistamine) five hours prior to the blood work. And, of course, there is still a long list of foods that we can continue to test for, as well as, chemicals and environmental stuff.

It's all a bit overwhelming and that's where an allergist might come in handy. I'm not able to get into the Dermatologist until the end of the month, as I mentioned in my last post, but one of my friends recommended one that I may be able to see sooner. So I plan to look into that, too.

I can't see waiting another month with this discomfort... It flared up again on my neck, hands, and forearms Friday night in spite of the generic Claritin. It never reached that unbearable point but it was inflamed and pretty uncomfortable that night. Thankfully it felt better by Saturday afternoon - just a little uncomfortable but it was no longer inflamed (at the time). I'm just so reluctant to take the super powerful steroids I was prescribed last week because I'm nursing. (And Mark also feels I should stop nursing if I decide to take them.) I'm putting it off as long as I can in the hopes of avoiding them - but it helps to know they're there. (Albeit only a temporary fix.)

From what I can tell, so far, I may have to alternate every couple of days between types of antihistamines because they seem to lose their efficacy every three days as my body gets used to them. Although, in continuation of the oddity of it all, I was able to go most of the weekend without them. I only took one generic Benadryl each night (a relatively small dose) and it helped because it was only slightly uncomfortable at the time of taking it and I didn't need anymore during the day.

I get that guilty feeling when I start feeling too emotional about it or too overwhelmed because so many people around me are dealing with far worse. (And, I've been more emotional and overwhelmed, at times, than I've even let on here...) It's a complicated thing, these emotions and feelings. I just keep praying we'll have answers soon. The unknown in any situation can feel more difficult than when you actually have answers and know what you're dealing with... Answers can be overwhelming, too, but in so many cases I keep reminding myself, they're not. And it helps you to know how to progress. What to do from here. And how to treat something.

I feel frustrated because I don't know if I should stop eating something, avoid something I'm using, or if it's something completely out of my hands (like something environmental). It could be anything right now! But Mark reminds me it can't last forever. {Three months only feels like forever...}

{On Aria: Polka dot elephant romper from Target. {No longer available. I just checked.} A rare 'unthrifted' outfit. One of her Christmas gifts from Mark and me. I couldn't pass it up because of the colors (I love the neon pink stripes contrasting with the blue and white polka dots!) and the fact it had an elephant on it. Teething necklace from Amberizon. Moccasins from Kaboogie. I'm planning to share my thoughts on teething necklaces one of these days and why I now recommend them.}

Comments

[Julie M]

That sounds really frustrating, Jennifer. I'm sorry. Unresolved medical issues are unnerving. Good you're so in tune with your body and it seems like you've got a couple leads on people that can hopefully help, which is great. Hang in there in there and hope you find answers.

xo

[Krista]

Remember when you are feeling overwhelmed that you are entitled to your emotions!

Looking forward to the teething necklace post- I just bought one for my babe, and no one who sees it has ever heard of them before.