[runnergirl]

I will be seeing a new allergy & asthma specialist on wednesday, even with all my allergy and asthma meds things are still pretty rough. What I want to know is, if anyone has gotten allergy shots with their SLE and how they did?

I will let the dr. know my medical history, but I'm really hoping for the shots to try to give me some relief.

 

[cath]

Hi Frono,

I'm sure your doctor will be able to advise you what is best for you to do.

I have several allergies including anaphylaxis to bee venom. Before my lupus diagnosis an immunologist was quite keen to give me shots to treat the allergy. I didn't have them. Later when I was having loads of lupus problems but not yet diagnosed I saw an allergist to rule in or out a mast cell disease. She said quite plainly to me not to have allergy shots because it would make my immunological problems (ie lupus) worse.

So, I've not had the shots, on medical advice.

Don't take this as a blanket rule though - that is just my experience from one professional.

All the best,

X C X

 

[runnergirl]

Thanks for the reply Cath. So what do you do for your allergies? My eyes were almost swollen shut despite the meds I'm on and I coughed until I threw up, I'm really desperate for relief.

 

[cath]

Hi Frono,

This isn't an alternative for most I know and only co-incidence for me - my allergies are 95% better for living in Europe instead of Australia. So the constant exposure to dry dust and golden wattle etc was a big trigger. Appart from the castanya flowers I don't think I'm allergic to other european plants.

I also have urticarial vsculitis, so take an antihistamine every day (and have done so for 4 years now). With pred I don't need anything else, and without pred ventolin and occasionally beclomethazone are enough. So I guess I'm fortunate.

I also carry an epi pen, but haven't needed to use it yet.

So, I guess that doesn't help you since your symptoms are so much worse. Discuss it with your doctor. Don't let my experience put you off altogether.

All the best,

X C X

 

[Karly1964]

I have sle and get three allergy shots, although because of several reasons I have not gotten them recently, they don't contain any steroids which is what My rheumatologist was concerned about, I am in the US. But different doctors have different ideas. I need to do something because I am miserable as well. Karly

 

[writeright72]

Allery Shots

I started receiving allergy injections this past January after being diagnosed with numerous food and environmental allergies. I had an appointment with a rheumatologist at the time, but I didn't yet know that I had lupus. Well, anyway, I was getting the allergy shots for 2 months and wasn't feeling better. In fact I was feeling worse. After 2 months of allergy shots I found out that I had lupus, which explained why I wasn't getting any relief from injections. The last time I went for a shot I was given a newly increased dosage of my allergens, and I had a horrible reaction. I itched contantly, my head felt swollen, I had extreme brain fog, confusion, tearfulness, and a horrible migraine.

Needless to say I stopped the allergy shots after that. The lupus causes my body to overeact to everything, food, drinks, scents, etc, etc, so the shots obviously weren't a good thing for me, even though the allergist said: "the injections will make your lupus improve." Yeah, right! :wink2: Everyone's body is different, so they could work great for you. Good luck!


Stacy

 

[acard]

I had allergy shots in my 20's, but this was before lupus. I am having problems this Spring already and was contemplating what to do. Right now I just use a nasal inhaler-Nasonex and then antihystamines. If I use my inhaler twice a day then I do better.

My daughter takes Zrytec and does well with it. I just am trying to avoid any more oral meds seeing on how I am on a gazillion as it is.

Keep us posted as to what you find out.

Cath-I think about where I could move to-to avoid my allergies, but I seem to find new allergies each time I move. Maybe Europe is the place


Hugs,
Becca

 

[greenhaggis]

Cetirizine and swollen hands!

I've just been advised by my Immunologist to take the above Cetirizine (non-sedating antihistamin) for swollen/red painfull hands!!

My hands do react to heat but also when I use them alot (any housework, excercise, pushing a pram etc) they still swell.

I am confused as to why the Immunologist seems to be treating swelling as some form of heat allergy (if one even exists)!

ANY IDEAS!

Love Lesley

 

[Christine UK]

Hi ladies...i suufer with a very sensitive nose....anything gets up it i sneeze !

I always have to use antihistines for about 9 months of the years.

Lesley i use Cetirizine too.

The hot hands i get amazing really as i have severe raynauds ! no joking aside my hands and feet get really hot and painful with inflammation..and they swell too,i am surprised your rheumy didnt mention that could possible be your problem.

 

[Clare.T]

The official take on allergy shots for people with lupus is advice against allergy shots. The WHO proclaimed this a number of years ago. I have read several reports of people's lupus apparently being triggered or flared by them. On the other hand a former member of this forum had them against her rheumy's advice ( brave woman) and really benefited.

Good Luck Tiercy.

Clare

 

[runnergirl]

went to allergist

Just thought I would let you know how my appt. went today.

We decided to switch allergy meds to Xyzol (sp) and astelin. We decided it was the best course. I guess after you have been on the same allergy med for a long time your system gets too used to it.

I was wheezing beyond belief so he put me on pred (YUK) for a week.

So I'm holding out for now and hoping for the best and just hoping that my body just didn't like the zyrtec anymore.

Thanks for everyones input.

I hope everyone else that living in places where the pollen is in bloom is doing okay!

 

[astraeu]

Allergy Shots and Lupus SLE

I have received allergy shots for mites, housedust, mold, trees, grasses and weeds for about 25 years in CO and CA. Still get cronic sinusitis. I am truly thinking of going off allergy shots as a trial run and see what happens. My Rheumatologist (have Lupus SLE since 1994) advises stay on the allergy shots since I am so allergic to the area of CA I live in (not near the ocean) and in the valley. Confused with this illness. Thanks.