After another random outbreak of rash and bumps last week (they happen at random times without any obvious precedent), I finally bit the bullet and scheduled to have an allergy test. Fears were rampant leading up to the test – what if it was the dog (our biggest fear, random as this is)? What if I was as allergic to foods as the youngest and didn’t know it?
Suffice it to say, the dog is safe. Cats, on the other hand, are not destined to be residents in our home after all (tested positive), which I might have guessed when an officemate brought his cats in and I reacted, but the test was good to confirm that. On the surprising (but not really) list – shellfish are out. I’ve always avoided scallops in particular, but this confirmed anecdotal memories that they didn’t sit well by ruling the entire class out. Tree pollen? Ditto. I like many humans am allergic to trees attempting to procreate. Damned tree conspiracy sex fiends.
The somewhat surprising reaction, and just in time for spring cleaning (if only winter would loosen its grasp long enough for us to air out) is that I’m extremely allergic to dust mites. Dust mites?!? Really??? That seems like such an insane allergy to me, but the giant welts that still pepper my shoulder testify.
And last week’s reaction? Unclassified. No shellfish, cats, or other known sources involved. Bah. But at least the dog is safe.
Related articles
- Allergies Are Everywhere (well.blogs.nytimes.com)
- Winning The War on Dust (builddirect.com)
