It is with reluctance and deep sadness that I admit I have officially joined the countless ranks of allergy-sufferers. Has anyone else experienced the phenomenon of developing seasonal allergies in your twenties? (Before I turned 25, I would’ve given my exact age, but now that I’m 26, I’m in the “in your twenties” group...what’s up with that?) My mom did, but I naively thought I would be exempt. I was wrong.
After suffering from a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a phlegmy cough for weeks, I recently brought up the issue to my doctor, fearing the worst (hospital admission, countless infection/virus tests, etc.). Her first question: “Do you have allergies?” Allergy-free my whole life yet plagued by a variety of much more sinister/rare diseases, I never even considered the possibility that my symptoms could be the result of something as relatively harmless as allergies! After taking a mild antibiotic to rule out any possible infection and experiencing no change, I started an allergy med instead. I’m quickly becoming adept at this whole allergy business; Claritin and Zyrtec haven’t helped, so now I’m on to Allegra and Mucinex. Wish me luck!
But these allergies are proving to be a much bigger annoyance than I anticipated. The worst part by far is my lack of taste as a result of the congestion. I’m choosing artichoke and corn over vanilla ice cream and milk chocolate, simply because I can taste them more! Though I love vegetables, for those of you familiar with my infamous sweet tooth, you know how serious that is. And I’m sure I’ll shock/disgust some of you with this confession, but tonight I ate a bag of “Loaded Chili & Cheese” Ruffles. Yeah, I didn’t know they existed either, but they were awesome because I could totally taste them! I’ll (hopefully) never say this again, but tonight, thank God for salt and MSG :).
After suffering from a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a phlegmy cough for weeks, I recently brought up the issue to my doctor, fearing the worst (hospital admission, countless infection/virus tests, etc.). Her first question: “Do you have allergies?” Allergy-free my whole life yet plagued by a variety of much more sinister/rare diseases, I never even considered the possibility that my symptoms could be the result of something as relatively harmless as allergies! After taking a mild antibiotic to rule out any possible infection and experiencing no change, I started an allergy med instead. I’m quickly becoming adept at this whole allergy business; Claritin and Zyrtec haven’t helped, so now I’m on to Allegra and Mucinex. Wish me luck!
But these allergies are proving to be a much bigger annoyance than I anticipated. The worst part by far is my lack of taste as a result of the congestion. I’m choosing artichoke and corn over vanilla ice cream and milk chocolate, simply because I can taste them more! Though I love vegetables, for those of you familiar with my infamous sweet tooth, you know how serious that is. And I’m sure I’ll shock/disgust some of you with this confession, but tonight I ate a bag of “Loaded Chili & Cheese” Ruffles. Yeah, I didn’t know they existed either, but they were awesome because I could totally taste them! I’ll (hopefully) never say this again, but tonight, thank God for salt and MSG :).
I developed allergies when I was 17 and working outside as a lifeguard. I'm glad most of the people could swim well because some days I couldn't concentrate on anything besides rubbing my itchy eyes, sneezing, and blowing my nose. My mother had insisted that I somehow gave myself allergies (she's a big mind/body connection type of person) because I wanted attention at age 17. And this past year, she, at 58 years old developed allergies! I bit my tongue and didn't ask if she had given herself allergies to get attention at age 58! :-P
ReplyDelete-Adrienne
That is hilarious/bizarre :). I don't think I could bite my tongue for that one.
ReplyDeleteHey Becky! Julie (Van Driest) Holmes here. I didn't develop allergies until I was 23. Grew up in WI surrounded by everything outdoorsy - no allergies, got them when I moved to San Francisco. BEST THING EVER: Flonase. Flonase has saved me for years!! And I take Zyrtec D - helps a ton with the congestions. And lots of hot steamy showers. It's great to hear that you have freedom and have been recovering so amazingly. Prayers and positive attitude - very inspirational!!
ReplyDeletehahaha, welcome to the group. :) i love the allergra/flonase combo, but i know everyone reacts differently to each allergy med. prob because i've never known differently, i never considered the connection between allergies and my taste preferences. i will have to pay attention to that now...
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