u/BBSNBPMM

I have been on allergy shots for 3 years. I had skin testing done prior to getting on the shots. I have so many allergies that I have to get a shot in both arms. The last 2 years my allergies to the things I know I’m allergic to have worsened considerably. These are the things I’m getting the shots for. It’s greatly impacted my life negatively.

The last year has been awful in particular. I can’t tolerate anything I used to be able to before. For example, fragrance on my skin would cause issues, but I could be around it without issue. Now I can’t be around it at all without extreme discomfort. Same thing with dust and other things as well. My body is freaking out.

My allergist recommended skin testing again and made no mention that for some, allergy shots can worsen symptoms. I had to learn that lovely information by doing my own research. I am highly sensitive and my doctors believe I have an autoimmune condition, but they have not been able to pinpoint what it is for sure.

I said no to the skin testing because since my last shot, I’ve been in a massive flare and I would have to stop taking antihistamines which is simply not possible right now. I’m barely getting through as it is.

My allergist ordered blood work instead for environmental and food. I got the testing done and I was absolutely shocked when it all came back negative. Several of those things listed I’m reacting to right now as I type this. These things blew up when I got skin testing done. I know for a fact these allergies are legit. I’m living it unfortunately.

I did some research and apparently blood work for allergies is highly unreliable from what I’ve read. Just another thing my allergist didn’t discuss with me when she ordered them. I am to the point now where I am no longer comfortable getting allergy shots or seeing this doctor anymore. My allergies are raging and my immune system has had enough. Has anyone else had this experience?

Hi everyone, did Xolair help your fragrance allergies? I am experiencing throat burning, sinus itching and swelling, itchy eyes, and if exposure is too long my inner ears feel full and swollen leading to dizziness. I am considering going on Xolair. I have an appointment with my allergist in a couple of days. If it has not helped you, please let me know what did if anything. Fragrance can’t be avoided in this world and I’m in desperate need of help. Thank you.

Hi everyone, I believe I may have MCAS. I have all of the common symptoms and it’s greatly affecting my quality of life. My allergist did a blood test for it, but it came back negative and then I feel like he gave up. I did some research and from what I understand sometimes a blood test is not helpful for diagnosing MCAS. I would love to read about your experiences. Maybe I went to the wrong specialist? Is there a different kind of doctor I should see? Different testing? Thank you so much.

Anyone recommend a fragrance free deodorant that controls odor? I prefer deodorant that doesn’t leave white marks. I just tried Almay unscented clear gel and it does keep me dry, but there is zero odor control. I live in a very hot and humid climate right now which doesn’t make things any better. Please help.

Hi everyone, I am really struggling and confused and need some guidance. I have been on allergy shots for about 3 1/2 to 4 years. I have been getting monthly shots for about a year now give or take. I have a lot of allergies and I have to get one shot in each arm. I was never able to make it to the full dose because of how bad the reaction site would get and how long the itching would last so I’ve been kept a little below that. Over the last couple of years they even had to drop me a little bit more.

When I first started allergy shots my allergies were really not that bad. It was livable and really didn’t affect me too much but now it’s night and day. My allergies are so much worse than they were before. I won’t go into full detail because it would be like reading a novel, but at first it seemed to help and make a difference, but now it is deeply affecting my quality of life in a negative way. Allergies that I didn’t even really know that I had are now completely intolerable. Before I started the shots I didn’t even know I had a cat allergy and I didn’t even know I had a fragrance allergy. Those are just some examples. Now I have to completely avoid fragrance at all costs. It destroys my throat, my nose, my eyes, and now I’m having reactions to cats as well. I have an allergy to dust mites and I didn’t even know that and now I can’t even dust without a mask on and I have to blast my HEPA filters in the room I was in dusting before I can even go back in the room.

I have an appointment with my allergist to discuss these things at the beginning of next week. I’ve also been tested for a variety of immune conditions for over 10 years because of my health issues. I also have fibromyalgia and I am hyper sensitive to medications and supplements that most people can tolerate without issue. I feel like my entire immune system is freaking out and it’s genuinely terrifying. I’m afraid the doctor is just gonna tell me to keep taking the shots and not help me because that’s how they make their money. I read about injections that block whatever it is in your body that causes allergies and it sounds promising, but I wonder if I would just have horrific side effects like I do to most things. I can’t take steroids at all and things like Flonase gave me wild side effects. I am getting to the point where I am running out of options. I feel very isolated in my life and my allergies are now affecting my family, and my quality of life is diminishing. I really don’t know what else to do and I don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel at this point. Has anyone else experienced this? Wtf is happening to me? I’m a 36 year old female and I’ve been around my all of a sudden allergies my whole life with zero issue and I’ve been using fragrance my entire life. I feel like I don’t even know my body anymore and it’s really scary. Thanks for reading.