No More Hounds in the Kitchen?
by Rachel Tayse • September 8, 2011 • Family • 6 Comments
You may have noticed that posting has been light the last few weeks. I have had a sinus headache to end all headaches that leaves me with little energy to do anything but sleep.
After many meetings with my Ear Nose, and Throat doctor, he referred me to an allergist. Today I suffered through nearly four hours of the arcane prick tests to determine that I’m allergic to dust mites and dogs.
So the blog is not going away, but the hounds and I are renegotiating terms. Little Hawise will no longer be allowed to sneak into our bedroom and might be bathed more often. Big dog Devie is going to have to give up her couch soon for a washable bed.
Posting may continue to be uninspired or few and far between as we tackle a few home improvement projects that should ease my allergies – removing carpet upstairs and the basement drop ceiling. I’m trying out some medicines too.
Hopefully soon I will feel like my usual self again. In the meantime, thanks for your patience!
One thing my allergist told me (yes, I’m in the club, too) is that you have to put dust covers on your pillow, and preferably the mattress, too. His comment was “I can’t help you if you are putting your face into what you are allergic to for 8 hours a day”.
I haven’t been tested, but when I was young and volunteered for the humane society I had issues. I can tell that I have issues with pet hair.
We don’t allow them to stay on the couch. Your clothes will thank you. A scat mat – it’s a battery powered mat with electrodes to give a mild shock, works well. Otherwise when you are not there, they will be on the furniture. That or making them just stay out of the room.
Buy a furminator. I am allergic to dogs as well and this has saved my life. I can’t actually do it because of my allergies, but my boyfriend does and the shedding and dander are exponentially better. I can not recommend it enough.
I am allergic to cats and dogs as well. Allegra works if you can’t take it anymore (best drug I’ve found and doesn’t make you tired). Keeping the animals out of the bed is huge as well – at least you get a break while you are sleeping. I’m sorry that you have joined the club.
I have had cats since I was about 7 and only found out I was allergic when I was in my mid-20s on a business trip. I woke up every morning in the hotel and noticed (eventually) how well I could breathe. Yet I STILL didn’t fully realize I was allergic until my dad’s allergies worsened to the point he had to wear a mask around my cats. It finally clicked. We had to put the cats’ food and supplies downstairs. They still wander about the house during the day, but don’t sleep on top of my face as often. And, when my allergies get terrible, I send them downstairs for the day.
Pingback: Natural and Preventative Family Wellness {Sponsored} | Hounds In The Kitchen