I'm wondering what peoples' experiences getting these have been. Gotten better, worse? Do the shots have toxic things in them, like preservatives of some kind that could build up in the system? Does a weird immune system not respond well? Thanks so much?
Blackkbird
Posted by Blackbird (Member # 23679) on :
Thanks so much needed an exclamation point, not a question mark!!!
Posted by Wolfed Out (Member # 23727) on :
Blackbird,
I'm taking allergy shots. I have been taking them for a little over 3 months, but I took them as a kid at 7 years old to 16.
I don't remember ever feeling bad from allergies as a kid -- most likely because I was on them at a young age. So, I was just taking a maintenance dose that went from every two weeks to once a month.
At 16, I decided I didn't need them anymore. I could live with the little allergies that didn't improve (mostly cats and dogs).
However, I believe having Lyme disease disrupted my immune system and caused a relapse in allergies. I also developed allergies to molds, so I need Immunotherapy for molds and a change in my diet to stay healthy.
Overall, they've benefited me well through my life. If I did not have Lyme disease, I would have possibly pursued other treatment options (e.g. nasal sprays, zyrtec, allegra, etc...) It's not enough for me, because I have problems with those medications and don't see enough benefit. However, I also have a deviated septum and "chronic sinusitis" caused by my co-infections.
I'm still taking the shots; mainly for the molds. I generally feel well from allergies.
Allergy Immunotherapy is taking a small dose of what you're allergic to, and injecting it directly into your body. So that your immune system can build immunity to the allergen. I don't know how they make the serum, but my understanding is that it's just the allergens they're injecting.
For me, it's the only solution I have. I think it's great, but again I might pursue other options if I could.
Posted by Amy C (Member # 19297) on :
I would try to find out what is in them if I were you. My son took then for a few years when we didn't know he had lyme. He happens to be more sick then my other son who didn't get them. (Both have lyme)
So could that have made him worse? I don't know? If there are toxins in them then I would guess yes.
Posted by Wolfed Out (Member # 23727) on :
There is nothing in the shots that would make someone with Lyme sicker. I made it a point to ask that question upon being informed of my diagnosis.
I was, and still am taking the shots through my treatment. Neither my LLMD or allergist seem to be concerned about them interacting.
Amy, I believe it's just coincidence your son who takes allergy shots is sicker. However, if your son has bad allergies, that would just add to the suffering he already feels daily.
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
My son is on allergy shots now - just starting.
We asked his LLMD about this - concerned about heavy metals etc - and LLMD was not concerned about allergy shots - she actually encouraged them.
Amy, my guess - from having a child with severe allergies - is that your son who's gotten shots (and must have more severe allergies) has a different immune system - severe allergies are considered an auto-immune disorder - therefore his body is less equipped to deal with Lyme and co's.
If you learn more though, I'd love to hear about it!
Posted by Blackbird (Member # 23679) on :
Thank you for all the responses! My body is so sensitive to everything (since getting Lyme) that I get concerned about any little thing that could be present in a shot or pill. My allergies are also pretty awful, though, so if there's nothing in the shots I think I'm going to go ahead and take them. I really appreciate peoples' thoughts!
Posted by Wolfed Out (Member # 23727) on :
Hey, cactus.
"severe allergies are considered an auto-immune disorder - therefore his body is less equipped to deal with Lyme and co's."
Actually, the mainstream school of thought behind allergies is that the immune system is TOO GOOD; like it is in hyper-drive trying to eliminate things that are not dangerous.
And, if it's a testament to the immune system... I'm only a couple months into treatment, and responding well.
Blackbird, I hope it works out!
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Wolfed Out - yes, I know the research on allergies well.
Auto-immune does not preclude "hyper-drive" in fact, that is a part of it.
According to my child's board-certified, well respected allergist and our LLMD.
If Amy C's child who has allergies is responding differently to Lyme than her other child - it seems a likely possibility that it is because their immune systems are so different.
Although that is only my thought as a parent of a child with both Lyme and allergies.
Posted by Amy C (Member # 19297) on :
I am sorry but I wouldn't trust just one doctor saying there is nothing bad in them. I am sure many doctors would say that about all vaccines that contain a ton of toxins.
Maybe you can ask to see the package insert?
Anyways, here is what I was told by a doctor who studies vaccines called Dr Tennpenny. I am not saying she is right, as she is only one doctor, but it may be worth looking into if you are concerned.
(This is taken from the book ImmunoFacts Vaccines and Immunologic Drugs 2004) Thimerosal, Phenol and HSA(human serum albumin) are 3 that were mention as being in some allergy shots and I am told are toxic.
I can copy the entire posting if you want. It is very long and a lot of medical terminology.