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Posted 10/11/2011 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone:

I would be interested to know how many of you have allergy and asthma issues. I've had both from very young on. I  can't be around mold, animal dander, and cigarette smoke. It makes my fibro, allergy symptoms, and asthma much worse. How I describe it, when I'm exposed to these things I feel as if I've been run over by a truck. It's difficult to have to tell people I can't come to their places if they have pets or if they smoke. Some don't understand at all and feel offended.

Thanks!

Posted 10/11/2011 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have almost the same problem.

My mother in law invites us over at least once every month to play cards on a Saturday evening. The only thing is, her house is very closed in, filled with smoke and she has several dogs and cats running around that are not properly house trained or flea free. I cannot stand the smell, the clutter and the general "uncleanness" of the house. It seems to get worse as the years go on. It took awhile but I had noticed that I would be "sick" the day after an evening spent there and this is another reason I do not want to be there.

I do not know how to tell her that her dirty, smoke filled house is the reason we cannot come over. So, we keep making excuses. In the summer we go over more often but sit outside. This appeases her for awhile. Do I tell her the truth??
Posted 10/11/2011 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
I've had seasonal allergies as long as I can remember...hayfever...right now the ragweed pollen is high here. Mold spores will aggravate my sinuses and bring on nasty headaches.

My fatigue level is higher when the allergies are in full swing, Living down South, early Spring I'm bombarded with pollen from all the flowering trees.
The trees are beautiful and worth the sneezing and watering eyes.

I keep hoping I will outgrow these allergies, but at 59 I don't know if it will happen.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 10/11/2011 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
I've had allergies since I was a child and asthma since I was a young adult. I have to avoid houses with animals (especially cats) and smoke. I can't even sit beside someone who recently smoked. Candles are a no-no for me, too.

My city went smoke free (in public places) a few years ago. It is so nice to be able to go to restaurants again. As far as friends and family go, I would be such a coughing, wheezing mess, I'm sure they wouldn't want me around if they have pets or smoke indoors. I just decline invitations and tell them why (I do sometimes suggest an alternative, like meeting for lunch at a later date at a restaurant). If they get offended, I just try not to worry about it.

Hugs - Austen
Posted 10/11/2011 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Mscrowbar, can you tell her that you've recently developed cat allergies and can't visit anymore? Would it be possible to have her over to your house? I've found that people get less upset if I offer an alternative, showing that it's not the company, it's the environment. I would just mention the cats/dogs and not the uncleanliness, lol. That might go over better. And even if she puts the animals outside while you are there, if they've been in the house, it most likely won't make a difference to your symptoms.
Posted 10/11/2011 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, allergies and asthma diagnosed at age 6. Currently taking allergy shots which seem to be helping things...
Posted 10/11/2011 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have allergies, but my husband is very sensitive. My friend has cats and he step inside the doorway for only minutes. He then had an asthma attack. He apologize and had to wait in the car for a few. It woke me up how dangerious it can be. I would let my family members know in a heart beat. Those attacks can be life threatening. My friend was a nurse so she understood.
Posted 10/11/2011 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
It's so nice to hear that I'm not alone in this. Mscrowbar, yes you need to tell her. Tell her how bad you feel about this but your health and well-being should come before her feelings. I like the idea of an alternative. I have asked people I've had to refuse over to my place.

Allergy shots didn't help me or inhalers or antihistimes. The only things that have helped me are staying away from what hurts me and supplements. I up my vitamin C when I feel cold symptoms coming on and I somewhat strengthen my immune system with the rest.

Thanks again!
Posted 10/11/2011 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
I seem to feel sick around mold, perfume, cigarette smoke, candles. I am just sensitive (or maybe other people aren't sensitive enough! lol).
Posted 10/11/2011 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sensitive to those too, applevenus. I'm sensitive to sounds too, certain music, etc. Sensitive should be my middle name.
Posted 10/12/2011 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I've had asthma since childhood, but it is more or less under control, usually with a daily steroid puffer. My worse offenders are upper respiratory infections - it will trigger asthma and will usually escalate to poorly controlled attack.

I'm mildly allergic to cats, but have developed a tolerance to my two (I just have to be careful about petting other people's cats). I am only allergic to dog's saliva, but it doesn't trigger asthma. Thank goodness as we have found ourselves with THREE dogs. Wild Kingdom in my house. My pets are my solace. We were just fine with my two darling King Charles Cavalier spaniels, who have been with me since I came down with ME/CFS/FM, but a friend was in crisis and we took on her puppy (and my kids have fallen in love with him....sigh).

Back to the topic though, I have seasonal allergies and do poorly with most of the elements in my garden, despite long gloves.

No chemical sensitivities so far (fingers crossed ever so tight) and I haven't been around smokers in a while, so I don't know if that would cause a problem (I used to be a smoker, quit 12 years ago) these days.
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