I had allergy shots for 2-3 years when I was a kid, maybe ages 10-12, then again for a couple years in my twenties.
My youth was absolutely a miserable allergy-ridden time. I think the shots helped quite a bit, over time, but it’s hard to know exactly where to attribute all the credit. I think I eventually simply ‘outgrew’ some of the allergies that bothered my the most. I’m in my late 30’s now and don’t have many problems with them, very few, in fact, except late fall is my worst time.
For me, the most important goal with the shots was to reduce the worst allergies and, thus, the likelihood that I would have a bad reaction. I was stung my a honeybee when I was about 5 and had an anaphylactic response. But for the adrenaline in the emergency kit that my father had, I probably would have died. Not a fun thing to experience. So treating the bee allergy was obviously the most important. I also accept that I can never be around horses when they are being groomed and, despite their cute fuzziness, can never ever touch a rabbit. (I can ride horses though, which doesn’t always seem fair to the person who has kindly done the grooming for me.)
Some important things they tell you to do, which are easy to let slide, include washing your pillow and bed linens regularly. Since you spend the plurality of your time in bed, that is supposed to make a real difference in the quality of life for allergy sufferers. You might also try a HEPA filter in your bedroom or office or dorm room or whatever.
Whatever you do, it is important to treat them and to take it seriously–allergies can get worse, like you might develop chronic asthma, which is harder still to deal with and get over. Definitely not something to play around with or take lightly.
For me, Claritin was a miracle drug when it was introduced–very effective, but without the overpowering sleepyness and lethergy that was the standard accompaniment to the antihistamines available some years ago: ornade and benadryl always threw me for a loop.
When you’re able, try moving to another part of the country–you may get a couple years of no big problems before your body gets wise to the trick you’ve played on it and decides to develop allergies to the new environment.
And, sorry, no cats if you’re allergic to them. And no dogs, except soft-coated wheaten terriers, portugese water dogs, poodles, and something else I’ve forgotten, maybe chihuahuas?–those breeds tend to be ‘hypoallergenic’, not shedding and not having the dander that allergy sufferers suffer from.
Lastly, periodically remind yourself that many people do outgrow their allergies, for one reason or another or for no discernable reason. And the shots probably will, over time, help build up your long-term immunity.
And while I’m passing on all this unsolicited advice—DON’T SMOKE, don’t let your friends smoke in your presence, and avoid too many smoky bars and the like. Smoking is probably the most effective way to exacerbate your existing allergies, develop new ones, give you asthma, and negate the benefits of your shots [this rant was not sponsored by the Phillip Morris Co or any other big tobacco conglomerates]
Sorry for this too-long post.
Anyway, you know what they say about advice: 'tis more blessed to receive than to give.
Good luck.
