I wanted to share some crazy but interesting news. I have been sneezing, wheezing, and having to rub my eyes alot lately. I usually have some seasonal allergies, so I thought they just kicked in super early this year. So, I decided to go to the doctor to get some tests done to determine what I really am allergic to. Enough guessing, I needed some answers.
The Doc suggested I get an allergy test, which consisted of having 4 viles of blood taken from me. I used to have blood tests done regularly, so I thought it would be no big deal. Somehow, I have now become a wimp with needles. It could be because the nurse kept moving, shaking the needle with each tube she switched. Ouch, that did hurt in a weird way, it actually made me queasy. Anyway, I was so glad that I would have answers…. The tests came back 8 days ago and instead of talking to me over the phone as the Doc usually does when I have blood test taken, she insisted I come in as this would be a lengthy talk. Yikes!
A week ago, I went in to talk to the Doc. She was very serious and very stern in saying “you need to take better care of yourself.” I was like “what? I do.” She was shocked with how bad my tests came back. I clearly have asthma, I am allergic to trees (oak, cedar, you name it), grass, weeds, pollen, dust mites, wheat, rye, barley, cats, and dogs! YIKES! Luckily though, I am only moderately allergic to dogs. As long as Belle is bathed regularly and we clean our house weekly, I am ok. PHEW! Reid was so funny about this one….he was like “oh no, you’ll have to move out.” HAHA! Seriously, he and Belle are inseparable! Well, all 3 of us are 
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Oh and the Doc also said that my poor bod was not getting the necessary oxygen to all my muscles, thus the soreness always!! So glad there was a reason for alot of symptoms. Although I can’t complain as I have been having great training and racing sessions these past couple of months. I am excited to see what all these changes will bring to my body in teh future!! So far, I have already seen some cool changes with a week of keeping my allergies under control and starting my new diet. I ran faster than I have run in a long time on an easy Sunday run, averaging 7.19/mile for the whole 14 miler and today on the track I was running a couple seconds faster. Cool stuff, I am happy with everything these days ) More good stuff to come…
) More good stuff to come…
22 Comment(s)
Maggs said:
So glad you are only a little allergic to dogs. I’m going next week to have allergy tests done via the blood drawing method. They did the prick/scratch thing last year and said I wasn’t allergic to anything, which I find hard to believe. This year I haven’t been able to control the asthma. What kind of diet are you starting?
Katy P said:
You are going to be on fire with all of these changes! Wow!!
Molly said:
How scary! I hope all the changes you and your doctor make will have a huge impact and you’ll be feeling great again!
Samantha said:
stay healthy E!
Meredith said:
hmmm…so very curious!!?! I just had the whole prick/scratch thing done recently, and you and I are TWINS!! I swear, anything that grows from the ground with leaves I am ALLERGIC to….as well as little pooches and kitties!!:( how did you get the blood drawn instead of the skin test?!!? I think I want that too!!
And what’s the secret diet..???? anything involving food elimination??? I didn’t have any “food” allergies per se, but I am curious that I may have intolerance to things….ok, well keep me in the loop!!
Bruce Stewart (ブルース・スチュワート) said:
Take care. It’s never nice to get “news” from the doctor, but they at least might save you more trouble later on. Try not to be too busy and things will hopefully be a little better!
Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach said:
WOW – I’m SO HAPPY that you’ve got this figured out!!! What a difference it will make in your training, every day life, AND racing. I’m curious about the dietary changes – what are those like? I started sneezing towards the end of my track session earlier today… I was hit in the face with a TON of pollen – I think my body is still adjusting to the particles and stuff out here in CA… NOT a good feeling! Happy that all 3 of you guys will be able to adjust!
Nice run – woo hoo!
ADC said:
Wow, that is a lot of allergies. But I am glad that it’s all discovered now and you can really look after yourself in a way that is best to deal with these things. Reid is funny!
Kim said:
Glad you got the tests done! Who knew you could be allergic to that much stuff! I’m not sure how you fix that? You can’t not go outside! Good thing about the dog allergy though..that was a close one! Hooray for improvement! Keep up the awesome training!
Laura said:
I had an allergy test done a few years ago and the doc told me I was so allergic to flowering trees and plants I should move. To Colorado. I should have gotten a doctors note to get a transfer!
Hope you have good luck with this!
ShirleyPerly said:
Oh my! But at least now you know what you’re dealing with and can go from there. I’m sure you will somehow make this a positive and be even stronger for it. We’re rooting for you!!
Benson said:
Wow, the bad news, good news post.
Great to hear you got tested and getting things figured out.
Nice running too.
Be well(er).
GoBigGreen said:
Glad you got it figured out…I think it is pretty common for people to be allergic to dust ragweed pollen trees and grass. At least that is how in the midwest we define “hay fever.” The cat dander and dog dander is, as you know, controllable with good grooming of your kids and no way in the world you can move out:)! HA!
Keep us posted and glad you are feeling better!
Sarah said:
So interesting what we can find out and have those ‘ah-ha’ moments where it’s like “oh, THAT explains a LOT!”
I’m glad you figured that stuff out and I hope it only gets better – you’ve had a GREAT couple of months so it will be awesome to see what things might improve even more!
X-Country2 said:
The wheat allergy would do me in. Add bananas to the list, and I’d starve to death.
Charisa said:
Awesome you figured some stuff out. And so glad if you clean you are ok w/ the dog!!
Damie said:
E- that is so interesting. I have had major probs for the past 4 years and Dave is begging me to go to the doctor. Are you taking any meds or just precautions for your allergies?
Chloe said:
That is so scary when the dr ‘calls you in’. Kind of like going to the principals’ office
With the allergies under control – you’ll be FLYING!! Glad you are feeling better!
alfie said:
Allergies totally suck!!! I can relate, because I usually have really bad seasonal hay fever. Well, it’s always better to know…right? At least you can keep the your dog!!! Don’t lab’s make the best pets…their awesome!
-cheers
jessithompson said:
WOW – that’s a lot of news to take in at one time. So glad to hear that the changes are making you feel better!!!
Anne and Leigh said:
WOW! I guess it is good to find out what you are allergic too. I have bad allergy “attacks” (that is what I call them, because they come and go) daily, and I have been tested over and over, and they say I am not allergic to anything. So I just gave up, and live with it. I am glad you can get some answers and some relief!
However, I do change my diet, and test that to see, and lately I have been much better with my latest decisions.
-Anne
Cara said:
You are so fast! Sorry about your allergies but at least you now can keep them under control. You will be rockin’ even more soon. I love how we all can relate to your life. Your blog is the best.