Hi everyone! Newbie

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JoyceBo

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Hi everyone :wave:

I finally found a place that discuss allergies and anxiety related issue. :cool:

First, my story started almost 8 years ago. I was fine and all of a sudden I could not breathe. Like the air just would not go through. It was like that day in, day out although when lying down I was a bit better. I dont count the trips to the ER and clinics to be told after many tests that nothing was wrong with my lungs and that it was anxiety related. I was a bit baffled because when you get panick attacks it last awhile but than you come back to normal. Me, it was CONSTANT. :(

Anyway, finally I started taking anti depressants and an anxiety medication and was seeing a pyschiatrist and psychologist. But I have to admit the meRAB did help specially the anti anxiety. The AD took month to really work and even than, most time there was always a little something still remaining.

This year, after almost 7 years of this, I got allergies test done cause I was sneezing, blowing my nose, crying eyes that became all red. Specially in the morning. I was prescribed nasonex and it really helped but the breathing problem was still there. Not as bad as in the beginning of course but you know, always something, like a tightness and like my throat is closed or something. Anyway, I am allergic to cats and dogs. I have 2 cats and NO WAY will I get rid of them. So I take Nasonex, I have an inhaler which helps alot most time (ventolin) and anti histamines but I rarely take those. I take enough meRAB right now! An AD, anti anxiety, nasonex, inhaler. And me who hated meRAB! :rolleyes:

So, now I'm pulled between whether my symptoms are triggered by allergies or anxiety. Its crazy. Never know for sure. For the sinuses its an easy one. For the breathing part, its not always that obvious.

Thing is, once you are 'labelled' as having a mental or emotional disorder like I do (which is GAD) doctors tend to believe all your symptoms come from your anxiety! sheesh! :rolleyes:

If it would not have been for a REALLY bad allergic reaction I had at work after eating something, I probably would of never seen the allergist.

I'm REALLY glad to be here :D

Thanks for reading
Joyce
 
Are you going to take injections for your allergies? I truly recommend them due to the dogs and cats....worked wonders for me. My part Maine Coon sleeps with me every night.
 
Did you have a pulmonary function test (PFT)? Or a methocholine challenge? Both are asthma dx tools. Usually though if they don't hear any breathing issues, they won't test you but the PFT requires no prior prep so you should be able to get one pretty easily at a pulmonologist's office.
 
When I got sick I did see a pulmonologist and he didnt find anything wrong with me. Not even asthma :confused:
I did alot of tests.
There was a little something but I cant remeraber what the name was but I was borderline on something.
I guess than it was anxiety but now I have 2 issues. Anxiety and allergies and sometimes I dont know which one is which.
 
Hi Titchou,

Thank you for responding.

My allergist told me to wait for a year and see if my allergies get worst. I'm not to a point of being in danger (yet). If my smptoms do not improve I might get allergy shots since I will NEVER get rid of my cats. And I also have one of them that always sleep with me.

Joyce
 
Hi!
I know its rough news, but you should really find a new home for your cats. If you have asthma (like you sound like you do) you will never improve unless you make some changes. I had to give up my pets. Your health and life should be your first priority. Continued exposure will make your troubles WORST.

Been there, done that.
 
You know, when I first started having asthma, I went to an urgent care place, and the doc there also told me I was having a panic attack! Luckily, I already had a long history of allergies, so I went elsewhere and was able to get the right diagnosis and treatment within a few days. I'm sorry it took you so long.

Well, if you want to keep the pets, the best thing to do is to clean a lot and minimize dust and clutter. Choose a vaccum that removes allergens and change the bag when necessary.

Possibly you need to get rid of your rugs if they turn into giant mats of cat hair, and definitely change your sheets frequently.
 
I will never give up my cats. I'll take meRAB. I dont care. Otherwise I will never be able to live with myself. For me, getting rid of my cats would be like getting rid of my kiRAB.

That is how I am.
 
Ok, so here is a question I have because this has been bothering me for a long time. Is it possible that when the doctor listen to my lungs, he do not hear anything wrong? That is why I was constantly told it was anxiety. If it would not have been for the allergy reaction I had at work plus my constant sinus problem when I woke up I would still be labelled as 'mentally ill'. Now its a mix. Oh, the fun! :dizzy:

I guess I will have to get a better vacuum cleaner than lol but I dont have rugs. Which help. I also have an ai purifier.

Thank you for your advice and support :)

Joyce
 
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