question about allergies- for pet lovers out there

[autumnn]

Hi All-

First off I apologize for starting another thread asking a question.

Well, what I thought was success with FreshKote actually turned out not to be. A few days later I could not tolerate it- like all other drops I tried!
Anyway, as a lot of us encounter- the fall after feeling well for a little while is so tough.
I have a question for you veterans and pet lovers. Though I had dry eyes temporarily before I got dogs and was symptom free for many months after getting them- my symptoms are terrible (in one eye) again and have been for over 2 years.....many around me who see me suffer suggest it could be allergies to the dogs and I am trying to figure this out without losing them- they are my only threads to sanity and when I am holed in the house with this terrible condition they are what keeps me living. That said- if it was determined that they are a big culprit in this they would stay in the family and together- my dad would take them.

Here is my situation:
-diagnosed with MGD- specifically little oil made from glands
-terrible left eye- ok right eye
-I dont notice itching except with certain drops and after occasional terrible dry spells
-eye doc says that it is not allergies and I see no benefit from Pataday but I do seem to benefit from allergy pills like zyrtec (not sure though)
-no sneezing, no itchy skin or throat etc but I have had chronic congestion and allergies since I was a child
-dogs sleep in my bed (terrible I know but I have been so depressed and I love to have their snuggles).....

Gosh, any help/ideas would be so great....sorry for always asking questions.

Autumnn

[kitty]

Maybe you should see an allergist to definitively rule out pet dander, as well as dust and other things that could be causing you symptoms? If you are allergic to your dog, I have heard of meds and other treatments like desensitization shots to help you cope with your symptoms while keeping your fur kids.

[Silverlady]

Removing dander

You can also bathe your dogs more often. That cuts down the dog dander. But there is a simple test that can be done to see if you are allergic to dogs or cats. See an allergist.

Billye

[autumnn]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I am going to definitely see an allergist. I am hoping that it isnt because one eye is fine- wouldnt both be bad if it was allergies? I cant imagine not having my dogs, this is already so depressing. I am going to buy anti dander shampoo and keep up the Zyrtec..
thanks again.

[jenny2008]

Hi there
I got bad allergies from time to time esp w/ the ups and downs of temps in Southern Indiana-one day its 60 the next almost 90.. anyway, I had friends tell me to get rid of my cats--well I have had them for 8 years and my sjogrens and allergies didnt get bad until last year. Today I noticed at work my allergies were horrible-eyes red and raw-some of the windows were open in the office which didn't help and it is an old building. I do have an air purifier there-not sure if it helps..

anyway-when i came home tonight to my kitties i feel better-eyes aren't red at all anymore.. so for me its outdoor stuff and just dirt in old buidlings... I am most comfortable at home w/ the cats or at my sisters w/ her pomeranian.... Just cause you have bad allergies dont assume you have to get rid of your pets! I am so glad I didnt' ...

[Jen72]

Keep in mind that Zyrtec is an antihistamine therefore, very drying. I have similar issues and cant take claritin or anything, my allergist gave me samples of singulair (non-antihistamine) and nasal sprays. Try an air purifier and keep the dogs out of your room to see if there is a change. I am going to have a skin test next time at the allergist to find out for sure, then allergy shots (non-drying to the eye). See a good specialist, I wish that I would have done it sooner. good luck