she who has been pricked by many needles

The verdict is in!

I finally met with an allergy specialist today who confirmed what I was fearing the most. First I was pricked on the left arm with 30 little plastic points containing various allergens. After about 5 minutes the column devoted to many different types of grasses was aflame with large welts. Explains the constant dripping of my nose from about April to June every single year.

Exhibit A

The other puffy spots awards were given to Exhibit B - Ragweed, which is why I am not particularly fond of indian summers - when these golden plumes rear their ugly heads and release what my body mistakenly assumes to be toxic....

And finally, the ubiquitous arachnid that snuggles you to sleep every single night: Exhibit C, the dust mite. Take a gander at this guy. Funny that the organism whose feces is trying to suffocate me while I sleep is a cousin to the you-know-whats that send me into phobic seisures should I see a photograph of one.... you know what I'm talking about... I dare not mention the "S" word.

UCK! So NASTY!

But the spot designated for cat dander! It was no where NEAR swelling! I prematurely squeeled with glee and sent out some text messages. The nurse told me to wait... that they had to do an actual INJECTION of the allergens with no reaction just to be sure.... and sure enough, it turned red :(

I give you: Exhibit C & D, my sweet little fluffy children.... how could these precious creatures be the cause of nightly asthma attacks... they are so innocent, and they only want to be loved :(

Rest assured, my new allergist is wonderful and is willing to help me continue sharing my life and my apartment with these two sweet angels. I didn't even have to bring in a photo of them!!! She did say that the absolute best option would be to remove the pets from my home, but she knew I would not do that. I think my general practioner may have warned her of my crazy-cat-lady-ness. In fact, Exhibit C is sleeping right here on the desk.

And oh yes we are going to do something about those pesky bugs in my bed.