What are you doing right now? (5)

[Rocket Spud]

^ That the allergy test?

Best of luck (let us know how it goes)

[I Love My Cats]

Originally Posted by Rocket Spud

^ That the allergy test?

Best of luck (let us know how it goes)

Yup it was. It was actually really interesting!

I didn't know what to make of it at first. There were no needles or anything - just a machine thing, lots of tiny glass vials, me holding a metal cylinder-shaped thing attached to a wire which was attached to the machine, and my other hand resting on a cushion with the woman using a funny pen thing attached to a lead/the machine and pressing it against my middle finger.

(She had to leave the room at one point, so I took some sneaky pics on my phone!)



Anyway, the first thing that came up was that I had an allergy to kiwi fruit. I was a bit dubious about that, as I don't eat kiwi fruit often and hadn't noticed any issues with it. However, as the test went on, I was quite astounded at what was coming up.

I'd suspected I might have a wheat intolerance as I can often feel a bit yucky after eating bread and pizza, but that came back clear. However, I came back as allergic to dairy stuff - cow's milk, sheep's milk, cow's cheese, butter and lactose, so those problems actually seem to be coming from the products I'm using on the bread/dough.

I was found to be sensitive to cigarette smoke and gas fumes, which I kinda knew anyway as both trigger my asthma.

Then all the suspected ones came up - Hay, Mixed Grass, and Mixed Pollen - also the house dust mite, which explains why the symptoms I get also continue through the night. I'd already suspected about the dust mites, so I have a new mattress, mattress protectors, new duvet, new pillows and pillow protectors.

Then 2 came up that I hadn't even thought about. Horse hair came up and I instantly had a flashback to me desperately persevering with horse riding lessons when I was about 8/9, despite my eyes puffing up and streaming during the lessons. I didn't even consider that as an allergy at the time. My mum always told me off for patting the horse and touching my eyes, thinking that I had put infection near to my eyes. No matter how careful I was, I still ended up with my eyes weeping and sore.

The other one that came up was sheep's wool, and I'd always felt that woollen jumpers were quite scratchy so it sort-of made sense. However, she also told me that Lanolin comes from sheep's wool and is used in many skin creams and that I should avoid this. I remembered after that when I first started having skin flare ups, I'd been using Boots Derma Care Emollient Cream, but my skin seemed to get worse, rather than better. I've just checked online and yep, there's Lanolin in it!

The woman was really nice and I actually felt quite positive after I left there. I'm actually now thinking about trying acupuncture as a way of managing both allergy symptoms and stress, as she's a registered practitioner.

The appointment cost me £85, which is a lot of money to me, but I feel it's been well worth it for the consultation I got and the clarity that its brought. I don't really understand how the test works, and felt a bit too anxious to ask her, but I do feel the results are accurate.

[Rocket Spud]

Money well spent!

Did she conclude the assessment with some sort of summary? Obviously, the onus is on you now on how you're going to manage live afterwards but i just wondered whether she gave you a general bit of advice as to how to go about things.

I guess bringing up those memories makes it all the more conclusive - better than being utterly baffled like the kiwi one! It doesn't sound like you'd have to make too many adjustments, but minimizing exposure to those certain things will add up and, hopefully, make life much easier.

[T]

Just renewed my yearly subscription to R2 rock n reel music mag

[Olly.]

Originally Posted by Mrs I Love My Cats

Yup it was. It was actually really interesting!

I didn't know what to make of it at first. There were no needles or anything - just a machine thing, lots of tiny glass vials, me holding a metal cylinder-shaped thing attached to a wire which was attached to the machine, and my other hand resting on a cushion with the woman using a funny pen thing attached to a lead/the machine and pressing it against my middle finger.

(She had to leave the room at one point, so I took some sneaky pics on my phone!)



Anyway, the first thing that came up was that I had an allergy to kiwi fruit. I was a bit dubious about that, as I don't eat kiwi fruit often and hadn't noticed any issues with it. However, as the test went on, I was quite astounded at what was coming up.

I'd suspected I might have a wheat intolerance as I can often feel a bit yucky after eating bread and pizza, but that came back clear. However, I came back as allergic to dairy stuff - cow's milk, sheep's milk, cow's cheese, butter and lactose, so those problems actually seem to be coming from the products I'm using on the bread/dough.

I was found to be sensitive to cigarette smoke and gas fumes, which I kinda knew anyway as both trigger my asthma.

Then all the suspected ones came up - Hay, Mixed Grass, and Mixed Pollen - also the house dust mite, which explains why the symptoms I get also continue through the night. I'd already suspected about the dust mites, so I have a new mattress, mattress protectors, new duvet, new pillows and pillow protectors.

Then 2 came up that I hadn't even thought about. Horse hair came up and I instantly had a flashback to me desperately persevering with horse riding lessons when I was about 8/9, despite my eyes puffing up and streaming during the lessons. I didn't even consider that as an allergy at the time. My mum always told me off for patting the horse and touching my eyes, thinking that I had put infection near to my eyes. No matter how careful I was, I still ended up with my eyes weeping and sore.

The other one that came up was sheep's wool, and I'd always felt that woollen jumpers were quite scratchy so it sort-of made sense. However, she also told me that Lanolin comes from sheep's wool and is used in many skin creams and that I should avoid this. I remembered after that when I first started having skin flare ups, I'd been using Boots Derma Care Emollient Cream, but my skin seemed to get worse, rather than better. I've just checked online and yep, there's Lanolin in it!

The woman was really nice and I actually felt quite positive after I left there. I'm actually now thinking about trying acupuncture as a way of managing both allergy symptoms and stress, as she's a registered practitioner.

The appointment cost me £85, which is a lot of money to me, but I feel it's been well worth it for the consultation I got and the clarity that its brought. I don't really understand how the test works, and felt a bit too anxious to ask her, but I do feel the results are accurate.

I had one of these a few years ago, though it didn't throw up as many as that. I've got terrible problems with house dust mite allergy as well, living in an old house doesn't help either. I'll often wake up with a streaming nose, itchy and watery eyes, catarrh, sneezing, sometimes even a headache and its very annoying cause it has prevented me from wearing contact lenses for a while now. One thing I've been trying is this, which is a bit odd and makes you look like rudolph the red nosed reindeer, but it is supposed to work after a while of using it, so I'm hoping it will improve my symptoms. Have you tried any of things for allergies out of interest?

[I Love My Cats]

Originally Posted by Rocket Spud

Money well spent!

Did she conclude the assessment with some sort of summary? Obviously, the onus is on you now on how you're going to manage live afterwards but i just wondered whether she gave you a general bit of advice as to how to go about things.

I guess bringing up those memories makes it all the more conclusive - better than being utterly baffled like the kiwi one! It doesn't sound like you'd have to make too many adjustments, but minimizing exposure to those certain things will add up and, hopefully, make life much easier.

She gave me a couple of paper summaries, highlighting the areas which came up in the tests, so that I could take them away. That's how I can remember exactly what came up as my memory is terrible!

She gave me quite a bit of verbal advice on foods, including non-dairy products to try, like tofu, soya milk and rice milk. She also told me about a number of specialist cheese shops in Glasgow, which can provide some products that are either non-dairy, or are produced from other sources (don't think I'd need to go that far though!). She told me to also ask at health food shops about non-dairy alternatives, in particular sweet stuff because milk chocolate will be problematic (so gutted ). However, she's also told me that there are loads of websites with non-dairy recipes to use, which will cost nothing to look at and then try out.

I bought a few bits and bobs on the way home - some dairy free spreading cheese from Tesco, and some tofu, but I wanted some pesto sauce/spread to go with the tofu in sandwiches and I couldn't find anything. I'm actually feeling quite positive about it all, because I've been feeling so rubbish for so long that this will hopefully help me to make all the right changes, instead of just one or two, which might not have as much of an impact.

Originally Posted by Olly.

I had one of these a few years ago, though it didn't throw up as many as that. I've got terrible problems with house dust mite allergy as well, living in an old house doesn't help either. I'll often wake up with a streaming nose, itchy and watery eyes, catarrh, sneezing, sometimes even a headache and its very annoying cause it has prevented me from wearing contact lenses for a while now. One thing I've been trying is this, which is a bit odd and makes you look like rudolph the red nosed reindeer, but it is supposed to work after a while of using it, so I'm hoping it will improve my symptoms. Have you tried any of things for allergies out of interest?

Prior to the tests, I was taking a barrage of anti-histamines and pain killers daily, with limited effect. I was also prescribed a steroid nasal spray, but that caused my nose to bleed. Lately, I've also tried nasal irrigation, which BFG recommended. I wouldn't say it's made a huge difference, but my nose is certainly more comfortable for a good few hours after using it. I've recently bought an air purifier for the bedroom too, but haven't noticed a massive difference from using it.

I've not seen the thing that you're currently trying. How have you found it so far? Personally, what works best for me when my nose starts streaming during the night is to create a 'nasal tampon' (i'm gonna patent that term!), by folding a sheet of loo roll twice, then rolling it and shoving it up my nostril(s). Unfortunately, that then means I have to breathe through my mouth and Mr ILMC is none too pleased, but it's the best way to quickly stop the sneezing and streaming nose!

This woman gave me a lot of good advice, but BFG also gave me some good pieces of advice recently for free One of the things the woman suggested today is to buy double the amount of pillows you need and then after 3 days put the pillows you're using in a sealed binbag and put the binbag in your freezer for 3 days, then alternate the pillows. This helps to kill any dust mites in them. I can't really do this cos I have a tiny freezer though. She also said that it's better to ''start afresh' with new bedding and to get a new mattress, mattress protectors, pillows and pillow protectors, and to wash bedding and protective covers at 60 degrees, rather than 40. She said not to hang out washing on days where the pollen count is high, cos that's another problem I have to contend with and that brings pollen into the house (as I said, BFG already told me that for free!). She also advised that I hoover the bedroom with a good anti-allergy hoover, which I already have, as brushing the laminate won't remove as much dust and will just move it around.

I'm considering going back to her for acupuncture as she's an experienced practitioner in this and it's supposed to help to reduce symptoms naturally in difficult months (i.e. when pollen is highest). I've been interested in giving something like acupuncture a go, so I might give it a bash and see what happens.

[Generation Erm]

i'm using a segment of kitchen roll like a beer mat like the americans give you in their bars

[Akira]

Reading a "Notice to Appear in Court". It's from the "Court of Germany" and it's in the form of an email, so it must be real. I'm sure they'll explain everything when I get there. Guess I'll have to renew my passport.

[T]

Watching Glastonbury on the red button wishes he was back there..... nice to see Arcade Fire headlining on a friday night

[thaigreen]

In a wetherspoons drinking. Feel abit weird. Need a hug.

[Olly.]

Originally Posted by Mrs I Love My Cats

Prior to the tests, I was taking a barrage of anti-histamines and pain killers daily, with limited effect. I was also prescribed a steroid nasal spray, but that caused my nose to bleed. Lately, I've also tried nasal irrigation, which BFG recommended. I wouldn't say it's made a huge difference, but my nose is certainly more comfortable for a good few hours after using it. I've recently bought an air purifier for the bedroom too, but haven't noticed a massive difference from using it.

I've not seen the thing that you're currently trying. How have you found it so far? Personally, what works best for me when my nose starts streaming during the night is to create a 'nasal tampon' (i'm gonna patent that term!), by folding a sheet of loo roll twice, then rolling it and shoving it up my nostril(s). Unfortunately, that then means I have to breathe through my mouth and Mr ILMC is none too pleased, but it's the best way to quickly stop the sneezing and streaming nose!

This woman gave me a lot of good advice, but BFG also gave me some good pieces of advice recently for free One of the things the woman suggested today is to buy double the amount of pillows you need and then after 3 days put the pillows you're using in a sealed binbag and put the binbag in your freezer for 3 days, then alternate the pillows. This helps to kill any dust mites in them. I can't really do this cos I have a tiny freezer though. She also said that it's better to ''start afresh' with new bedding and to get a new mattress, mattress protectors, pillows and pillow protectors, and to wash bedding and protective covers at 60 degrees, rather than 40. She said not to hang out washing on days where the pollen count is high, cos that's another problem I have to contend with and that brings pollen into the house (as I said, BFG already told me that for free!). She also advised that I hoover the bedroom with a good anti-allergy hoover, which I already have, as brushing the laminate won't remove as much dust and will just move it around.

I'm considering going back to her for acupuncture as she's an experienced practitioner in this and it's supposed to help to reduce symptoms naturally in difficult months (i.e. when pollen is highest). I've been interested in giving something like acupuncture a go, so I might give it a bash and see what happens.

Well it apparently can take up to 6 months to work, so I haven't really seen any effects yet, but it has plenty of good user reviews, so certainly worth a try I think. Will let you know if I see any effects. My sister does that with tissues as well and can often be seen wondering around the house with tissues stuck up her nose lol, personally I'm not too keen on doing that though, but needless to say I get through boxes of tissues very quickly!

I've got an air purifier as well, but I don't see many effects, I put it on every night, but more because it makes a nice hum that covers the silence and the ringing in my ears. And I really should make more of an effort to sort it out like changing pillows and stuff, but I guess I've just put up (or tried to put up) with it for all this time. Will have to try some of those things then, cause it would be lovely to have just the odd day here and there without too many allergy symptoms.

Good luck with the acupuncture if you do go, I've heard many good things about acupuncture.

Originally Posted by T

Watching Glastonbury on the red button wishes he was back there..... nice to see Arcade Fire headlining on a friday night

They were soooooo good Hope I'll go back one day too.

[Olly.]

Watching Mogwai on the Glastonbury website stream, have only listened to a few of their albums, but they're really good, an entirely instrumental rock band!

[redcard]

Trying to arrange some driving lessons for when I'm on leave

[anxiouslondoner]

Listening to the band playing at Crystal Palace festival in the park over the road, and considering wandering over there to see what's going on.

[Pandapop]

Watching Dumb and Dumber

[Olly.]

Watching Kasabian at Glastonbury, such an awesome band

[goldenjuniper]

watching an episode of eastenders from 1989

edit: watching one from 1985 now

[Appear]

Cooking dinner late as I started making my bed at seven, got bored half way through so layed on it for what was meant to be a few minutes' reflection on my progess thus far, but instead fell asleep.

[Z.]

Eating a Goodfella's pizza and drinking Dr. Pepper immediately after eating a McDonald's.
Why do I do this to myself?

[Z.]

^ Do it! You know you won't regret it.

[northstar]

Restoring my iPhone from a backup and watching TV...

[Concept]

Drinking Earl Grey and eating cold pizza.

[Kevin Hodge]

realising why my ass is so sore

[northstar]

Originally Posted by Kevin Hodge

realising why my ass is so sore

And why would this be...?

I am sat on my bed watching Kath & Kim, playing iPhone games and texting.

[Clayman]

Originally Posted by northstar

And why would this be...?

I am sat on my bed watching Kath & Kim, playing iPhone games and texting.

I love Kath & Kim! Do you need a throigh for your carch?

[Rocket Spud]

Lmao

Dads just told me off for farting!

[northstar]

Originally Posted by Clayman

I love Kath & Kim! Do you need a throigh for your carch?

Hahahahaha, noice!

[Appear]

Marv'ling at the buxom trees above my bonce.

[FuturePerfect]

Attempting to do the umpteen jobs my boss has given me today while he adds new ones to the list :'( ARGH SPREADSHEETS

[Caribou]

Originally Posted by Appear

Marv'ling at the buxom trees above my bonce.

Where be that, your garden?