Figuring out allergies. SA similar to IL. Disappointment for me.

[autiger92]

Originally Posted by SA08

Hi all, okay I know this probably would not have a hope of working for those with super serious allergies ...
A couple years ago my aunt told me to have a spoonfull of LOCALLY produced honey every day to help with allergies I'd been having where I live now (in the Pine Barrons of NJ). It really seemed to help a LOT after a few weeks.
Have any of you heard of this or tried it in SA?

We just bought some at a farmers market in Leon Springs--I think that's where it was. Right across from Rudy's BBQ. There were 2 different sellers that had it that day. We got some that came from Helotes. We are going to try it. I have my doubts though. Seems like your digestive tract would destroy the pollens and other stuff that is supposed to help w/ the allergies.

fyi--The honey has to be raw/unprocessed. I've actually read that it shouldn't even be strained. Mine is raw, but I think it was strained.

[benandgrace]

Re: Hi. I'm curious about a post you made on the topic of sinus surgery.
"Hi!

My daughter had her surgery in Aug '07. We were actually living in Birmingham, Al at the time. We just moved here in Feb.

We initially saw an allergy specialist for skin testing and to set up immunotherapy. He ordered an MRI of her sinuses since she had been treated for so many sinus infections. Based on what he saw on the MRI (infected sinus and enlarged adenoids), he referred us to an ENT.

During the surgery, she had her adenoids removed and a "sinus lavage". Basically, the ENT washed out her sinuses. It definitely helped her. Her enlarged adenoids were preventing her sinuses from draining properly, so she had chronic infections. Her allergies were what was causing her sinuses to need to drain in the first place, so we started immunotherapy before the surgery was scheduled. I wouldn't do the sinus lavage w/out also doing immunotherapy for allergies. The allergy shots have definitely helped to keep her sinuses clear. But even if she gets a cold or flu or mild hay fever, we shouldn't end up w/ chronic sinus infections again because her enlarged adenoids are gone. She hasn't had to be on antiobiotics or oral allergy meds since! I do give her an occasional Zyrtec since we've moved here. I'm afraid she's getting sensitized to the oaks around here--she's had a little bit of hay fever this spring.

If you are considering surgery, I would definitely get more than one opinion. We were first referred to a pediatric ENT. He told me that my daughter had an "abnormality" in her sinuses. He proposed a very invasive sinus surgery (along w/ adenoidectomy) that would take 2-3 hours! It involved doing an ethmoidectomy--which is a tedious procedure and carries more risks. Her recovery would have been more difficult. She would have been required to irrigate her sinuses(flush saline solution all the way up into her sinuses) everyday for 2 weeks afterward.

I was very leary of putting my daughter through such an ordeal, so I got a recommendation for a second opinion. We saw an regular ENT (treats adults too). He told me my daughter did NOT have any abnormality. He was much more conservative--suggesting the lavage and adenoidectomy. It was a quick procedure--about 30 minutes, and an easy recovery. MUCH less risk. Like I said--she's been much improved ever since.

My opinion:

See an allergy specialist for skin testing and allergy shots if you haven't already.

Get at least 2 opinions from ENTs before scheduling any surgery. I was really shocked at the difference in opinions between the 2 doctors.

Hope this helps! I'd be happy to answer any other ?s you might have."

[Bo]

Originally Posted by benandgrace

hey bowie, i'm already on the allergy shots here in IL. I have a few more shots before I start the once every 15 days mainenance shot. How long does it usually take for these shots to start making a difference and how did it take for yours?

I have non-allergic congestion most of the year, even with the shots. For me, the difference on shots is that I don't get so much additional congestion that I end up with a sinus infection. I have not had a single sinus infection since going on shots 2 years ago.

[benandgrace]

Originally Posted by Bowie

I have non-allergic congestion most of the year, even with the shots. For me, the difference on shots is that I don't get so much additional congestion that I end up with a sinus infection. I have not had a single sinus infection since going on shots 2 years ago.

'


So do you have a week amune system that causes you to have consistent colds or what is the problem? If so, is there any medical help available? In addition to my allergies and sinus trouble, I think I was born with an immune system abnormality. That's what my mom told me anyway. I haven't looked into it yet.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by benandgrace

So do you have a week amune system that causes you to have consistent colds or what is the problem? If so, is there any medical help available? In addition to my allergies and sinus trouble, I think I was born with an immune system abnormality. That's what my mom told me anyway. I haven't looked into it yet.

It's never been determined why I have the non-allergic congestion. I can keep it under control with Mucinex products, as long as the allergies don't push it into an infection.

[majormadmax]

Just came out today...

Allergies cost Americans $11 billion: survey (broken link)

Cheers! M2

[jim priour]

i have had the balloon therapy, shots, but no lavage. Who does the lavage?