Sorry it has been so long since I posted, its just hard to get myself to write sometimes.
Its ragweed season now and I am extremely allergic to it. Most years I at least have some good days, but this year my allergies have been really bad constantly since ragweed started. I haven't been able to do much at all, and I'll be a bit delayed in getting all my stuff done for school. I haven't been out much but I tried to go to a BBQ yesterday, and again today for the holiday, but it ending up being a bad idea. My allergies were just so intense, and I really embarrassed myself, and got a few mean comments.
Because my allergies have been so bad and I haven't been able to do much, I even more than usual would like to chat with anyone to break up the boredom. Yahoo, Skype, or e-mail is best. I am also trying to use FB chat a bit.
Here is some Q+A:
Q: Have you ever noticed if your allergies have led you to develop any habits or certain movements, actions that other people wouldn't do? Like in order to prevent embarrassment or to help yourself deal with allergies.
A: The big ones are carrying around lots of tissues, and running off to the bathroom often. A few others: sitting in the back of class/movie/etc, or near a door. Sit often with a hand casually over my nose and mouth. That's all I can think of right now. There probably are others I just don't realize.
Q: You said that if necessary friends/family will explain to others about your allergies if you can't at the moment. What do they say, how do the people respond, and do you add anything on when you are later able?
A: Usually just something like 'she has bad allergies'. People usually don't say too much in response other than 'oh, ok' sometimes someone might act concerned or feel sorry for me, or sometimes people will say 'are you sure she isn't sick?'. I don't say anything. I find it embarrassing to talk about my allergies at all face to face so I try not to do it at all.
Q: How did your allergies affect your job choice? If you didn't have them would have gone to a different job? How will they affect things after you get your phD?
A: I really am not sure. I never thought about it. I always had an interest and skill in biology, so I probably would be doing something in the field no matter what. Maybe without allergies I might have thought about being a vet or doing outdoor research. I am not sure how it will affect things after I graduate, but it has been affecting things so far, so I bet it will keep affecting me. I know I wont be able to do any thing directly with working with animals. I hate when I have to wear a mask when my allergies are bothering me, but I'll just have to keep dealing with that. Otherwise, I guess it will depend on the specific situation of any job offer/job I try to get.
Q: How often do you get an attack in front of people? What do people unfamiliar with you say about your symptoms?
A: It happens often, much more than I'd like. Most are kind of surprised, some show some concern, a few act grossed out and a few can be kinda rude.
Q: Have you ever sneezed on someone and what happened?
A: Yes. Luckily its only ever been someone I was dating, and maybe a really close friend a few times. Not much happened. Some have found it funny, or not a big deal. One girl I dated was pretty mean about it, but that was a bad relationship in general.
Q: You've said that people (and roomates) have been either mean or uncaring/ not understanding in the past- can you go into more detail? What do people say usually when they see your allergies? And how do you respond when people are not helpful or are rude?
A: That first one is a long response because there have been a few of them and there is probably many details to talk about. I'd be able to answer that better in a chat, as a back-and-forth chat helps me recall more details and to organize my thoughts better. I'd be happy to have a chat with you about it. The second question I kind of answered above in two other questions. I usually don't respond at all, as it will just make me more embarrassed. I'll just try to leave/end the situation as fast as I can.
As usual, I'd love feedback on my post/answers. Thanks!
