Thursday, April 16, 2015

The trouble with allergies

Last week, I had another allergy test at the allergist's office.  We went over both tests, as I had one the week before.  These are the no so comfortable tests where hey poke your back 60 time with different allergens--- I had it done twice, once for environmental items and another for food allergies.


The bad news:  I tested positive for dust mites and mold.  Our yard is wooded, so both of these might be in the air/house.  Who isn't allergic to dust mites and mold?  That's what I want to know.


The badder news:  I tested allergic to the following foods:  wheat, chocolate, almonds, peanuts (the smallest reaction), carrots, spinach, cauliflower, tuna, lamb, and pork. Oh- and potatoes and sweet potatoes, too! I make bread and/or some baked good almost daily.  I eat chocolate, bread, almonds, peanuts, carrots, potatoes, and pork almost daily, too.  I eat spinach, tuna, cauliflower a few times a week.  This sucks! 


What's worse: The past 7 days I have eliminated (at the advice of the allergist) all the items I am allergic to.  It has been really rough, and I am not happy. 
Before you say, "There is a lot of stuff that they make gluten free now", beware my wrath:  Most gluten free items contain potato (starch) and/or almond/nut flour, both of which I can't have. 


Going through withdrawal is awful.  I am having a hard time typing, as I am noticing now.  I have a sudden sinus issue that popped up a few days ago, complete with a gross, clumpy brown mucus.  I am constipated, but sometimes I have to go quite often.  I'm tired.  We are in day 7 and I still have some of my rash on my arms, near my shoulders and on my chest.  I know my skin is dry and flaky, so I am cutting some slack on that, but everything is so weird right now. I believe this all stemmed as a result of all the chemo and drugs, as it started about 6 weeks after I finished taking all my chemo pills.  I am not surprised if it takes longer to go through withdrawal, as my immune system is a bit slow and over sensitive lately. 


I am praying this is temporary and at some point I can go back to my favorites.  Poor BD is getting tired of our new diet.  He is also working hard to eat the rest of the offending products in the fridge so I'm not tempted.   I think he is sick of ham and all the shredded cheese (yes, potato starch a plenty) he has to eat. 

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Update on Frank the Dog

Most of you know how much I love animals and especially my best friend, Frank the Dog.  Frank had pancreatitis in March, and I thought I post a quick update on him.
Frank has been doing better.  He is off meds, and now he eats a prescription dog food. 
I've limited his treats to just Milk Bones.  I break them in half, he really doesn't need a whole treat 3xs a day.  Once a week I make him some rice with chicken or chicken broth...which he loves.  It lasts most of the week, as I add it to his food for a special treat.
Frank is still enjoying carrots, both raw and cooked.  He gets a baby carrot almost every day...he loves them so much!


We've also been walking more with the better weather.  Walking is so good for the dogs-- great exercise.  However, there has been an outbreak with the doggie flu lately in our area, so I haven't been taking him to the dog park, just to be on the safe side.  Even though you have to provide vaccinations to get entry, you never know when people are bringing other pets or if their records have expired and their card is still working to get in the park.  I am not ready to deal with another illness for frank, especially with hay fever season coming soon.  Last summer, Frank was on Benedryl most of the summer and some days had to stay inside.  His little puggle nose just couldn't take it!
Well, that's the update on Frank.  He's doing better and I'm so happy about it!