Friday, July 25, 2008

Allergies

For many years I have suffered with allergies, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, itchy ears, scratchy throat, runny or stuffy nose, poor sleep, upset tummy and maybe a few more symptoms. This spring was really difficult as the meds I was using didn't seem to alleviate the symptoms. So right after school ended for the year I had an appointment to see if I could get better/stronger meds. I also asked to be seen by the allergist to
1. actually know what I am allergic to.
2. confirm what I myself narrowed down
3. find out what can be done to make my life a bit more comfortable

So today I had an appointment with the allergist. How interesting it was to sit down discuss what and how I have been feeling and having the DR. decide to do the skin prick test on me.
Using both arms they use prick the skin and touch the open area with a bit of the allergens. You then get to wait for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remember - during this time you can't scratch your arms!!

Pretty quickly I could feel my arms itch and burn. "DON'T SCRATCH" I yelled to myself in my head. Ugh it was torture. While reading a magazine to try and pass the time I would occasionally look down at my arms, the right side itching and getting puffy where they applied the allergens.
The left side was also having reactions but not nearly as strong as the right side. The nurse then told me she put all the "outside" allergens on the right and the "indoor" allergens on the left.
Outdoor allergens - grasses, trees, some weeds. Indoor allergen - cats/dogs, molds, dust mites.
Well - good news is I was right on on what I thought I am allergic to. The bad news - I am right about what I am allergic to.

So - what is the next step? Start getting allergy shots for about 8 months or so. The way I understand it is the doctor will mix up a serum of the allergens and in small amounts give them to me to help build up a resistance. As time goes by the dosage will increase and hopefully my resistance to these triggers will go down. Hopefully when next spring and summer comes I won't have to use as much medications as I currently do or for as long as I do.

Most of the welts from my test this morning were gone in about 3 hours. There was the welt form the cat dander that still lingers on me left arm. I can't remember what they put on my upper right arm but that area is still welted and occasionally itchy. Hopefully by morning it will be gone.

Just another fun way to spend a summer morning.
Later!!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Looking Back Some


I have been looking at some of the pictures that we collected from moving my mother-in-law out of her apartment this past spring.


There are so many, from all eras of her life. Almost all of them have no markings or details listed on the back. Seeing her as a little girl, beautiful young woman, mom, and wonderful grandma. I find myself wanting to know more about the events that happened in her life. I am in the process of having her look at them with me, writing whose in the picture, the year taken and what was happening at the time. So many places and people to have stuffed in boxes for 81 years.


One of the highlights of this experience has been seeing her as a grandma to my 2 kids. Seeing the joy on her face as see met each one. Helping me remember the times we came down from Bothell to Corvallis to visit her and A's sister.




Enjoying the times we went on day trips or just hung out in her "yard". Ok since I have known her she has lived in two apartments with little grassy area. But we always made it work.
I loved the trips to the coast and the forest.



I have enjoyed looking at my kids when they were little. So innocent, fun, and captivating. How they would love have fun with the silliest little things.
I have spent almost 24 years taking pictures and 10 years scrapbooking times in my children's lives. I love the joy it gives my to finish another book for them.
I know at times they hate that I "always" have a camera with me. But it helps me feel a part of their lives. Capturing moments that would otherwise be lost. There were a few years during elementary school that I did put the camera down and not take pics, but now I don't have those pics, those moments in time are lost and gone forever.
So remember T & N, your mom loves you with all her heart and wants to be there for all the fun, important, and even ordinary times of your lives. You will thank me one day, I promise.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Newbie Post

Well here I am - My first Blogger post.
I am hoping to share a bit about me, my life and some of my favorite pics.

Things I will share right now:
--> I am in my 50's, yes I said it out loud.
--> I have been married 26 years, yes married only once, lol.
--> I have two wonderful, wonderful children. I am so proud of them. They are the best that I could have asked for in my life.
--> I have 2 favorite hobbies right now, scrapbooking and photography.
--> I have a great boss, but miss the building I was working at before. The staff there is superior. Their current new admin (KJ) has them in a tizzy.

I hope you will stop by often. Check out my posts and even the pics I will post.

All the best to you,