Last week I had my NHS appointment with an immunologist in order to have a skin prick test. I was quite pleased in that I had a good 40 minutes with the Dr, and I had 2 positive results.
I tested positive for histamine (the control), dust mite (excreta I assume) and grass pollen. I did not react to tree pollens or mold. The test did not cover things like rubber, nickel etc - I understand a dermatologist would need to do a patch test for those.
I had a good chat with the Dr, who was my age and had eye problems himself. He had struggled with red eyes which had started to affect his vision and he was well aware of suffering etc. He'd tried steroid drops etc, and had found the sodium chl...gominate (or whatever it is) not to be helpful for him due to it's BAK content. He got a preservative free version (or BAK free anyway) and he found that was sorting his problem. I intend to try them too, though I'm far from positive that my problems are allergy related.
He prescribed me an anti histamine (which I'm aware might make dryness worse, though hopefully only temporarily if so), and a nasal spray. Only been doing it a few days so far, and though I don't have high hopes of success, I'm glad to at least by trying something.
All in all quite pleased with the visit if only to have a Doctor who I felt was on my side and could understand a little of the life affecting nature of DES. DES has been getting me more down than usual lately, so reminding myself of this visit by posting about it is good. It's also good to show those who come into contact with the NHS that there are good people about there.
I tested positive for histamine (the control), dust mite (excreta I assume) and grass pollen. I did not react to tree pollens or mold. The test did not cover things like rubber, nickel etc - I understand a dermatologist would need to do a patch test for those.
I had a good chat with the Dr, who was my age and had eye problems himself. He had struggled with red eyes which had started to affect his vision and he was well aware of suffering etc. He'd tried steroid drops etc, and had found the sodium chl...gominate (or whatever it is) not to be helpful for him due to it's BAK content. He got a preservative free version (or BAK free anyway) and he found that was sorting his problem. I intend to try them too, though I'm far from positive that my problems are allergy related.
He prescribed me an anti histamine (which I'm aware might make dryness worse, though hopefully only temporarily if so), and a nasal spray. Only been doing it a few days so far, and though I don't have high hopes of success, I'm glad to at least by trying something.
All in all quite pleased with the visit if only to have a Doctor who I felt was on my side and could understand a little of the life affecting nature of DES. DES has been getting me more down than usual lately, so reminding myself of this visit by posting about it is good. It's also good to show those who come into contact with the NHS that there are good people about there.
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