Making It Official: Getting A Diagnosis Part 4

In my last post I covered what the actual testing with a scratch test entails. In this post I will advise what you can expect after the test.

When the test is complete the nurse comes back and uses a measuring device to determine the radius of the “test stick”, it's likely that it will be swollen slightly, this allows the Dr. to gauge what the ‘norm’ is for a non-reaction vs. a reaction, the nurse then measures every other stick site. This takes only a few minutes, they write it down in the appropriate box for evaluation from the Allergist.

Then, at least in our office the most wonderful thing happens! (Prior to me saying this, please Please, PLEASE understand that I do NOT like medicine! I prefer, and believe strongly in alternative treatments- but this is the one time when I have no guilt, or concerns about using medicines.) The nurse pulls out a steroid topical (or if you prefer, they’ll likely replace it with an anti-itch ointment) ointment and slathers my daughters back. I can physically see the nervousness drain from her face, and she is finally at peace. It is the part I focus on when she’s crying for me to scratch her back ten minutes prior. My advice: don’t argue with the nurse, if they are offering the steroid, let them use it because it is the only thing that will stop the itching AND the swelling that takes place.
　
Once the tests have been documented, the Dr. will come back and consult with you on what allergies are occurring. Oftentimes, they will give you follow up information, such as where to find food unexpectedly lurking, and other names for some ingredients that you may have tested positive for. IF there is a positive result, depending on the severity, and the allergen they may suggest a prescription, one of which could be an Epi-Pen prescription. Get these filled IMMEDIATELY!

If you have been given an Epi-Pen, there is no time to waste, and you can’t afford to “pass go” .. go straight to your pharmacy and wait, but don’t go home without that pen.

It literally is the difference between life and death. I’ve seen it, and I can tell you that the time it takes to go from zero to mach-ten on the allergy scale is not nearly as long as you’d think-- and it can happen in a matter of minutes. Epi-Pens save lives! There is the likelihood that if you tested positive they will want to see you within a year again for more testing, and to see what if any changes have occurred.

If you have tested positive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and honestly lost in how to best "tackle" the issue of changing your lifestyle- in both areas of Environmental and Food allergies. Please know this is normal, and try to remember that you received what you came to the Dr. for. It was a winning situation in the end- you had concerns of allergies, because of symptoms you had, you took tests, and you got a result that says you're allergic- and you are leaving the office with an idea of what you need to change in your life. That is a successful visit! Take slow, easy steps, and realize that this is going to make life better in the long run! Its a change of life, not a diet, or "vacation" -- allergies are a lifestyle, and you are making a lifestyle change. Be proud that you found a place to give you a diagnosis, and be confident that you'll find support you need to make it easier to adjust.

For info on how to get some of the stickers above click here: