Allergy shots??

[Bella]

After a 5-month long recurring/chronic sinus infection, my doc sent me to an allergist, to see if he could figure out why my sinuses just wouldn't clear up. Turns out, I have a TON of allergies (who knew?). mostly to a variety of grass and trees and now he's suggesting allergy shots.

Anyone have experience with them? Pros? Cons? Did it make a difference?

TIA,
-Cindy

[idnurse41]

Hi Cindy-I try my best to not give out medical advice, etc. on here, but-I've seen ALOT of people/children who've had excellent results from allergy injections. They made an overall fantastic improvment in how they've felt.
The pros are-of course, feeling better, less allergy symptoms, etc. etc.
The cons may be: frequent injections, frequent visits to dermatologist office (for injections) until you or someone you know/trust to give them to you.
Good luck!

[Bella]

Pamela, thanks for the reply . . all the information has been a bit overwhelming, just trying to sort it all out, and I appreciate your opinion :)

-Cindy

[carrbowl]

Cindy, When I lived in west Texas, I took 4 allergy shots a week. I had a constant sinus infection for 8 months and finally went on shots. I didnt' know how bad I was until it was clear. The best thing I ever did. I then moved to Dallas and now on to Houston, and don't have to be on shots. So it really depends on what your allergic to, and how your body is reacting to life, but I would definitely give it a try...

The other thing you might try...when one of my kids was little, he kept getting sinus infections, a doc told us to take him swimming and let the chlorinated water get up in his sinuses and clean them out. All that chlorinated water would irriatate the sinuses an d clean the infection out. Worked wonders on him, not sure how well it would work on an adult, but it sure would be easy and cheap to try.

[LoungeLizard]

It's expensive - even if you have insurance. Shots can be several a week for a while, then couple a month, then...you never quite "finish".

It's helped my son a lot and my wife some. He was able to reach the "maintenance" level, she never could so has to go more frequently.

I discussed it with the doctor and the success rate decreases with age - so I opted for Claritin/Zyrtec instead!

[starkitty]

They helped me immensely. I was practically bubble girl - I couldn't even be in direct sunlight without adverse reaction. I had weekly allergy shots from 1st - 7th grade. It took a while for me to get to "normal" but now I practically have no allergies.

[Murph]

Miracle, a miracle. I went from two sinus infections A MONTH! to two a year! Well worth it, and no more sinus meds. I use a Netti pot once a day, and once a week allergy injections. Do it, just do it.

[Bella]

Thanks everyone . .. it helps so much hearing from the "been there, done that" crowd, rather than just going by non-personal info on the net. My hubby and I talked about it more this morning, and it looks like I'll be going forward.

And Jesus, since we've already met our deductible for the year, it will cost me about $5.10 per shot for the rest of the year (a bearable cost considering the over $1K we've spent so far on antibiotics, x-rays, CT scan, and doc visits in the last 5 months on this alone) . . hopefully by Jan of 09 I'll be at least bi-weekly.

-Cindy