phooey- bad day at the allergist

Sorry your son had such a hard time with the testing. but, it is good news that his dad saw it.

Hopefully the numbers will continue to go down for next years testing.

If I remember correctly, you are from the Lehigh Valley area like me (we go to Shampain)...I might have remembered incorrectly.

Anyway, my 5 year old (no food allergies but major mold, tree, dog, cat allergies) started shots about 6 months ago, and his allergies have improved DRAMATICALLY! I also started shots over a year ago and noticed such extreme changes. I plan to start my soon to be 3 year old daughter with the same allergies (+ peanut and egg) next March after her birthday.

Although it is a pain to drive to the allergist twice a week for the first few months, it is totally worth it. Last year, my kids were in sinc with eachother during allergy season, and this year, my little one suffered immensely while my older son had light allergies. Amazing!

that is great to hear! Yes, we are in the lehigh valley and see Dr. Shampain as well. Brad will start his shots the week after Christmas- Everyone I have talked to has had a positive experience with the outcome of allergy shots so I am hopeful it will work for him . He started much earlier this season and had trouble from June all the way til the end of October ( all that mild weather!) He is really into sports, so I hope by fending it off this year he won't have to worry about his asthma so much during t-ball and soccer next year. We are about 20 minutes from Dr. Shampains office , so it isn't TOO bad, but I am sure it will get old quick! How long did your son have to go that often and what is at now? Dr. S told us Brad will ultimately get down to once every 6 weeks or so. I am worried too about reactions to the shot- has your son had any trouble with that? thanks again for all the input! jen

He started during the summer...I think around June. He went twice a week for about 3 months or so and he is currently going once a week. When he finishes the current vial he will go one every two weeks for a very short time until he ultimately is on a once a month schedule like me. I did the "cluster" program where you go once a week for a few months but you need to stay for a while and they inject you every 20 minutes for 4 rounds of shots. It accelerates the process but it's tough. I think they do this for children now too but I think it would be horrible for a child to go through it.

My son has done wonderfully with hardly any hives on his arm, although he had an itchy lump a few times. It is much worse when the outside allergens are worse.

Although it is a pain in the butt to go, especially the first few months, you will be thrilled you did it.

Good luck with everything!!