Updating, Weird Things, and Q+A

Just finished my first week at my research job.  I'm very happy.  Both to finally be finished with school, and to be able to start doing good stuff!

As I mentioned before, my congestion is always very bad.  I usually can not sniffle or blow my nose because of it.  In the winters however, I have times where my congestion is low enough that I can do those thing.  I'll tend to blow my nose way too much, which causes irritation, but its just so nice to be able to do it.  The other thing I do sometimes might be a bit gross.  Sometimes when I'm alone, I'll look in the mirror when I have snot hanging out of my nostrils.  I'll sniffle and most of it will come back up into my nostrils.  It will come back out eventually and I'll sniffle it up again, etc.  I just like that I am able to sniffle it back up like that.  Sorry if that's silly or gross.

Here is a bit of Q to A again:

Q: Is going to the dentist ever problematic?
A:  Luckily I have very good teeth.  I go once a year (or 2) or so for a check-up/cleaning and that's about it.  I of course do it outside of pollen season, and before I pick a dentist, I hang out in the waiting room/office for a while to see if anything starts to bother my allergies.

Q: Are there any foods you're allergic to? Are the symptoms the same as with scents and plants? 
A:  I'm allergic to dairy.  It makes my asthma much worse.  Asthma used to be a really big problem, but once we found the dairy issue, now its not a problem except sometimes when I'm sick.  I'll just get wheezy when my allergies are bad.  I can eat small amounts without a problem, but more than a mouthful of ice cream, or a few sips of milk, and then its a problem.  Other than that, I don't think so.  Some fruits and nuts might make my mouth a bit itchy at times, but I don't know if its a consistent thing.

Q:  Would you say your sneezes are loud or soft?
A:  On the softer side of normal I think.  If I sneezed just once or twice, it probably wouldn't be too noticeable

Q: You said in this post scents are causing you a reaction. Are these perfumes and colognes or candles and other things? 
A: Yes, those things.  I think pretty much any strong scent, but definitely perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, scented candles, etc.

Q: How do you get rid of dust in your home? Do you suck it up and clean it or does Allison do it?
A: She has a dust allergy too, but not as bad as mine.  We both tend to do it.

Q: I was wondering if things have changed for you in terms of mornings. A long time ago you wrote those were the worst, that you had to set aside a lot of time in the morning for your allergies. Is it still like that, every day since then? Do you ever find yourself needing to sleep over somewhere else where this gets extra difficult for you in the morning? 

A: Yes, its still pretty bad in the mornings.  When my allergies are bad and I'm having problems sleeping in general because of how bad they are, I'll try to sleep in another room as not keep waking up Allison.

Q: Why do you think the shower makes you sneeze? I was surprised to read that since typically flushing with water helps allergies. 

A: I have no idea.  Maybe the heat of the shower?

Q: How is your new job and the people there? 

A: Its only been one week so far, but I am enjoying it.

Q: You often say that you want to run away to a bathroom when you're having a sneezing fit in public. Wouldn't people also head you in there? I know plenty of people that would feel awkward with someone constantly sneezing in the stall next to them. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, I'm just wondering.

A: Its easier for me not to think about other people hearing me if I don't see them.  Its all the looking at me, focusing on me, etc.  that is the worst part.

I hope that answers the questions well.  As always, feel free to comment, or contact me directly.  I use skype the most now, but e-mailing works too.  I think both are sneezykate@hotmail.com

Finally a Post and a bit of Q+A

Sorry it has been so long.  Things got crazy between the internship, and school happening again, etc.  As a quick summary for the internship - my allergies were making me miserable and I was having all sorts of problems and people having issues.  One of the people in charge realized how bad it was for me, so he was able to get me moved to something where I am not around animals at all, so I am doing better there now, and much less embarrassing.  Out of control allergies in a mask really sucks!

Ragweed season is still making me pretty miserable overall though.  I have a little bit of Q to A, so here we go:

Q:  Have you gotten any more information about what you will be doing? From what you do know about the job what do you think will be the biggest obstacle regarding your allergies?
A: I guess the above answered that. 

Q: Has your job started Kate? How has it been?
A: Also, see above, lol.

Q: I was just wondering how you cope when you start sneezing in a situation where it is difficult to leave - have you ever had a bad experience for example at a wedding, during an exam, on a plane etc?
A: Yes, its happened a number of times over the years.  Mainly I just have to sit there and let it happen.  Sometimes all the sneezing is disruptive to others, and I usually get very embarrassed.  It hasn't happened often, but occasionally for one reason or another I can't keep my snot totally under control and it grosses out other people.  That's the worst.

Q: I'm wondering, if maybe you're a little a too embarassed about your allergies? I don't doubt that some people are terrible and unreasonable and just don't behave like adults, but I feel like you're a little too sheepish by it? If you could say something like " I can't control it, you're being an ass." And act less embarrassed, people would mock you less? I almost feel like because you act so meek about it, people feel more like they can mock you for something you can't control.
A: Not really sure how to reply to this.  I'm embarrassed by them, that's just how it is.  And they ARE pretty embarrassing!  Its also hard to reply much when I'm in the middle of an allergy attack, etc.

Q: I"m wondering how your parents reacted to this, and if they were supportive? I know they don't have allergies, but it can't be easy to watch your happy, athletic, popular kid's life suddenly decline due to remarkably severe allergies. I'd imagine it depressed them, too.

A: They have been pretty ok about it.  Concerned and all that.  They took me to lots of doctors and lots of tests over the years. 


I hope the answers were interesting.  I want to note that with the new way yahoo chat is, its hard to tell if someone is online or not.  I am still using it, so feel free to say hi there.  I am also on skype (just type chat, no video or voice), so you can message me on there too also at sneezykate.  E-mail works too, but I tend to like chat better.  As always, please give me feedback and more questions!

Sorry it has been so long, and a Q+A

It has been a really long time, and I am sorry it took so long.  I was kinda busy with school, I was sick a few times, time got away from me, and I kept putting off posting. 

Over the winter I have had a few colds, 2 turned into sinus infections, and one was a sinus infection, strep throat, and pneumonia.  That then got my asthma a bit bothersome for a while.  I'm all recovered now though.

The weather has been fluctuating a lot between cold and warm and I bet that has something to do with it.  My allergies have also been more bothersome than usual for winters.  Someone said the temp fluctuations might be making mold more of an issue.  It hasn't been severe, but just more allergic than usual.

I have a number of questions, so I will get right to them:

Q: When you are talking to someone and you have to start sneezing, do you say anything to them? Like, "I have to sneeze.." or do you just start sneezing without saying anything? And do you just walk to the bathroom or do you tell them you are leaving? 
A:  I don't say anything when I am going to sneeze.  I'll often just walk off, especially if its people I know.  Otherwise I'll say something like "I'll be back in a bit"  or "I have to go to the bathroom"

Q: Do you have time to get out a tissue or do you just sneeze into your elbow and get a tissue later?
A:  Luckily I usually have time to get out tissues before I start sneezing.  Its not much time, but I have practice getting tissues quickly.  If its bad enough that I don't have time, I am often staying at home/away from people anyway.  My sneezes can be pretty snotty, so I put a lot of effort into making sure no one sees that.  Its very embarrassing the few times I am not able to get a tissue out in time.

Q:  You've mentioned doctor's visits before- do you still go regularly to an allergist? What kind of things specifically do they do to examine you, and you've mentioned they use you as a patients for students to learn from- can you give more detail?
A:  Yes I still do.  Now its mainly just checking in, seeing how things are going, trying out different meds, etc.  I am a pretty unique case I guess, so they sometimes bring in students or other docs to look at me, ask questions, do exams, etc.  Its kind of boring and embarrassing at the same time.  Its the same questions and the same stuff over and over again - they talk about my case, they ask me a lot of questions, and they observe and examine me.  Its embarrassing because I have all these people interested in my allergies and watching them in me, and I can't run off and hide.  Exam-wise, its a lot of looking up my nose (which gets problematic) and in my ear and in my throat, etc. 

Q:  Have you ever spoken to family or friends about how they feel about your allergies and how it affects them? How do they feel? 
A:  Not really.  I don't like talking about my allergies in real life.  I'm not really sure how they feel.  I guess kind of concerned, but it seems they are used to how I am.

Q:  What's your worst nightmare relating to your allergies?
A:  Two I guess - that they will keep getting worse and worse and I won't be able to do anything ever.  And having really long allergy attacks that won't ever stop in public and be unable to talk/tell people what is going on or get away from lots of people staring at me while it happens. 

Q:  Is there anything you're concerned or worried about relating to them in the future?
A: Mainly them getting worse, and just more of what is already been happening - being embarrassed by them, them interfering in things, making me miss stuff, etc. 

Q:  Have you ever tried that herbal, powdery stuff called Chhinkni to help clear your stuffy nose? It's supposed to help clear your sinuses but usually makes you sneeze a little first. Supposed to smell like eucalyptus or Vicks. 
A:  I have heard of he stuff, but I have no interest.  It apparently makes you sneeze a lot, and I already sneeze a lot.  Sneezing doesn't help clear my nose.  My nose isn't all stuffed up from snot, although I do get very snotty, its stuffed up because the nasal passages are smaller than they should be, and they get swollen shut easily.

Q:  Have you ever spoken to family or friends about how they feel about your allergies? Like have you talked to them about whether it bothers them, for example?
A:  Oh, this is a repeat of one above, just check out that answer :)  I will add that my family and my good friends don't seem bothered by my allergies.  Many people have been bothered by them, but not anyone who is a close friend.

Q:  Would love to chat when you're homebound and bored! You mentioned yahoo and fb chats- what are your names for each?
A:  Absolutely!  I always would like that.  On skype and yahoo I am sneezykate (in skype you might need to use sneezykate@hotmail.com).  I am not on FB too much though.


I am sorry if some answers are short.  I like to fully answer the questions, but sometimes I can't think of much to say.  Let me know if you have any follow-ups.

As usual, please keep the feedback and questions and ideas coming!  And as I mentioned in the last answer, feel free to contact me!

People reading my blog, and some Q+A

First, I wanted to say sorry I have not been online much in the last few weeks.  I was a bit busy with stuff, but the main reason is that my allergies have been horrible.  I haven't been able to sleep well, and I haven't been able to do much.  Also, I can't believe how snotty my nose has been getting, its out of control :(.  I hate being so congested and so snotty at the same time.

I wanted to post about something I found a bit weird.  Now, I know there are some people who 'like' sneezing, and I do not have an issue with that.  What is weird to me is that sometimes people say 'oh, you have to watch out for those people, they might harass you and be mean to you', etc.  I have to say, in my online experience, they have been some of the nicest people I have had conversations with.  I have no issue with what preferences people have, we are all weird in some way.  As long as you don't force something onto someone else/as long as they have a choice, I have no issues with anything people 'like'. 

I have to say that I have been treated pretty badly online at times by 'normal' people (actually its always been a guy).  Some guys have been very rude and insulting to me:  just meeting me online and making horrible assumptions or trying to order me to do stuff/tell them things, etc, and acting downright mean.  I block all those people right away.  I have never had a problem like that with someone who 'likes' sneezing, so I just wanted to get it out there that people in general shouldn't be pre-judged.

All that being said, I have always hopped that this blog would help me run into people who have allergies as bad as mine so that I have someone to chat to that really understands.  I ran into someone once, but she didn't have much interest in chatting, she just wanted me to join her in some kind of plan she had.

I do have a few questions to answer:

Q: Have you ever been at a restaurant and when the person comes to take your order are unable to tell them what you want because of sneezing?
A: I don't think that has ever happened.  If my allergies are that bad, I am probably not going to be out.  I have had times where I have had to finish a sneezing fit before I could give an order.

Q: Have you ever been told you're disrupting a class with allergies?
A: so many times. It was a bigger problem in high school.  In college I could sit near and exit and just leave most times I needed to.  I have actually had to take some tests in a different room than the rest of the class.  Besides being called disruptive, many times some students have laughed at me because of my sneezing fits, which just made t more embarrassing for me.  Sometimes the whole class would be focused on my sneezing fit...ugh!

Q: Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night from sneezing and do your allergies ever wake Allison up too?
A: It happens often when my allergies are bad.  I have woken her up too.  When my allergies are bad, that's why I tend to try to sleep in another room so I do not disturb her too much.

Q: You've said that some people are rude or not sympathetic at all- on the other hand, are people ever too pitying? What's that like?
A:   In some ways it might be worse, cause I can't be mad at them because they are trying to be nice.  The worst is when they try to be helpful but make things worse.  The main issue is that its much more attention than I want, and that's embarrassing.

As usual, please keep the questions coming, and feel free to IM or e-mail to say hi and chat.  I could use the company when I am like this.

Short dream and Q+A

Wow, its been so long again since I have posted.  I really want to post more, its just that I can't think of much and I keep putting it off.  I had a dream two nights ago that had a part to do with allergies, and I have a question to answer, so here we go!

I know I was having a few dreams, but this one part I remembered.  For some reason, my nostrils were huge, like 2 or 3 inches wide.  They were full of snot and I was having a hard time keeping it from gushing out, as all I had was a small tissue.  I was in a big house and I kept going from room to room to find a place to blow my nose before everything gushed out.  Every room I went into had people in them and I was too embarrassed to blow my nose in front of anyone.

Ok, that's all of the dream I remember.  Here is the very short Q+A:

Q: Do you remember how long is your longest sneezing fit? After having these huge attacks, how do you feel? 
A: Oh I have had some be very very long.  Its not common, but its gone into the hundreds at least.  After any long attack, not even in the hundreds I feel totally wiped out/exhausted, and sometimes my muscles can feel sore.  I have even passed out from sneezing so much, if the fit won't let me get air in.  That tends to make the fit stop though, lol.

Thanks for the few of you who keep reading.  Please ask me questions/give me ideas for posts, and feel free to say hi if I am online.

Seeing snot

Since I don't have any questions to answer, and I have been kinda busy lately, I am just going to post something quickly.

I can get pretty paranoid about people seeing my nose being snotty.  I make a large effort effort when I am around others, or if others can possibly see me, in hiding any snottiness.  When I am alone, its not much of a big deal to me, but I hate for anyone else to see it.  I am usually not able to blow my nose so my sneezes can get pretty snotty and sometimes my nose can run really badly.

I always use tissues when I sneeze because of that and I often wipe my nose and I often check in a mirror to make sure nothing can be seen.  I have been told that using a hankie would be better, but i don't see how it would be.  I use a tissue and when its used, I can grab others.  With a hankie, I think I'd snot it up kinda quickly, then it wouldn't be of any more help.

Trees have started pollinating and I'm certainly feeling it.  Allergies have been starting to get bad.

Give me some stuff to answer or at least make some comments please!


PS.  Nothing to do with allergies, but its something I just thought about recently.  In cartoons, many female superheroes or with powers that can fly tend to wear skirts.  That makes no sense to me.  Its a pretty silly idea to wear a skirt when you can fly!

Q+A with my ENT

I have been seeing doctors for a long time.  I used to have a regular doc, an ENT, and allergist, a pulmonologist, and a gyn.  I never saw the regular doc much.  The allergist and ENT I would see often.  I also used to see the pulmonologist often for asthma, until we discovered my dairy allergy.  After I stopped dairy my asthma got much better and now as long as I avoid dairy my asthma isn't a problem.  Now I just get kinda wheezy when my allergies are bad.  The gyn I used to see more but nothing helped my cycle without messing me up in other ways so now I only see a gyn rarely for exams.

Now here in NY I am only seeing an ENT and an allergist.  I tend not to ask many questions when I have appointments.  I usually just want them to be over and I am a bit too shy and embarrassed to ask much.  Also, most visits they have students or other docs in to look at me, poke and prod, etc since I seem to be such an interesting case they want to share and that also makes me not be in the mood to ask questions.  This week however at my ENT visit this week, there was no other docs or students and I felt really at ease for some reason so i asked him questions and so I wanted to share a bit of how that went in a Q+A type format.

Q: Why is it that sometimes my allergies affect my nose more and other times my sinuses and how come unless my allergies are bad, my eyes aren't as bothered and same with my ears? 

A: Your nose and sinuses are affected more because for you, once an allergen gets in there it has a hard time getting out, partly because of your excessive congestion and sneezes that aren't very forceful.  Sometimes your sinuses are more sensitive/irritated and sometimes your nose is, and that is what leads to you feeling your allergies more in your nose or your sinuses at any given time.  For your eyes, its easier for the allergens to leave, so its often not as much of a problem.  Eyes and ears tend to get more affected when allergies are worse because nose, sinuses, ears, eyes, etc are all pretty much connected so when the mucus membranes in one area get very irritated, it tends to spread.  One reason why your eyes can tear up so much is that when your allergies are bad the tube leading from your eyes to your nose swells shut and the tears have no where to go.

Q: Why do my allergies last longer than other peoples'? 

A: A few reasons.  One is that your body creates an allergic response with histamines and other chemicals than other patients I have seen, to even a small amount of allergen, and that's also why your reactions are so intense.  Another reason is again the extreme congestion and non-forceful sneezes keeping the allergens in place longer.  Also, the simple physical irritation of the mucus membranes makes them more sensitive to repeated allergens and your gets irritated very easily.

Q: How come I don't cough much and my throat doesn't bother me that much? 

A: Usually, a runny nose tends to run forward out the nose in kids and out the back of the nose in adults.  That's why you see more snotty noses in kids, and in adults its more of a post nasal drip, which also irritates the throat more and causes coughing.  Besides the insides of your nasal passages being smaller in diameter than they should be, they are also closer in shape to a child's structure so most of the mucus comes out the front and not the back.

Q: How can my nose sometimes make so much snot?

A: The main way all mucus membranes respond to an allergen is by swelling, leaking fluid, and irritation (and yea I (Kate) understand that...I have had allergic reaction on other mucus membranes too, which is a hassle!).  A major reason you nose seems to make so much snot is just the fact that most of it comes out the front of your nose instead of going down the back.  When I look in your nose, it is hard to make out much because everything inside is so swollen and when mucus membranes are swollen up against each other it tends to cause more mucus production.  Your nose does build up some mucus, which is why when you bend forward it comes out faster.  The front areas of your nostrils are often filled up with mucus, which is why we need to clean out that area before we can look into your nose.  Your mucus membranes are often creating mucus at a very fast rate. 

I also asked him why the front areas of my nostrils were always filled up with mucus and he told me since I am not able to blow my nose and I don't squeeze or pinch my nose (cause that would send me into sneezing fits), the mucus that builds up there tends to stay there more than it otherwise would.

Those were my main questions.  I think I might have asked one or 2 more.  If I remember then I will post them.