Going to an allergist, on Friday...need advice

[mysweetpeasWil&Wes]

Wil has an appt with an allergist on Friday...What should I expect?? It's a 2.5 hour appt where they test him for all types of allergies, I think. I'm worried......but I want to know what to watch out for of course. I'm hoping it's nothing. But from his recent swelling, I don't want to take anymore chances.

[lisar]

Well I know when they told me that I might have to take Lexi I dont some research on it. They will probably be poking him with needles to see which one he is allergic to. Each needle will have something diffrent in it. And the ones that he has an allergic reaction to will be the ones he is allergic to. I opted out for this seems how the nasal spray is doing what it is supposed to. I didnt want to put her thru that unless I absolutley had to. Good luck and I hope everything goes fine. But the dr's there may be diffrent than here.

[boyohboyohboy]

HI, Jake just had an appt with an allergist and we just loved her. when we went in they did a regular check up like at the ped, listen to the heart and lungs look in the ears and mouth, all that same stuff, then the nurse came in and took a long stick that had 5 tiny ( I mean tiny needles in it) and they push it into his back but its such a superficial stick that jake didnt even know it was done. and then she wrote on his back with a m arker to know which one was the control, and almost immediately the ones that he was allergic to, just turn into little raised dots, he didnt act itchy but she said some kids find it itches...

he played around in the room the entire time, he never experienced one min of pain or discomfort. he even had a severe reaction to the peanut test and it still wasnt that big a deal for him. and we have been back twice now.

i think what takes so long is talking about family history and talking about what kinds of things have happened or you have noticed with different foods.

did your son have a reaction to a certain food?

do you have an epi pen?

if you want to ask any more questions please feel free to pm me any time.

[DansMom]

Stacy's description is exactly what I would expect. At Daniel's first appointment, they did the scratch tests on his forearm, so that's another possibility. Yes, the "needle" is really just enough of a point to scratch the skin so the liquid underneath (saline mixed with the allergen) will produce a welt if positive. They measure the size of the welt to determine the extent of the allergy. If they get a negative, they will probably then take a blood test to be sure. If they get a high positive---a large welt, they will administer Benedryl to counteract any systemic reaction that might get triggered.

[redchief]

Most allergists don't use needles at all anymore, except to rule out some really odd specific allergies. Expect a full examination by the doctor. He'll likely order an immediate (especially if you've been told to expect a 2+ hour visit) scratch grid test. What they do is take an area, usually on the back, and grid it out with washable marker. Then they use plastic scratchers to scratch the skin with common allergens. Reactive areas are positive for allergy(s). The area may be itchy or sensitive for the remainder of the day, but should start to dissipate soon after they wash the area (they'll do that at the doctor's office). After examining the results the doctor will discuss a plan of management with you. This may be as simple as removal of the allergen(s) from the environment, to medications like antihistamines and decongestants, to allergy shots and or inhalation medications (usually only prescribed for asthmatics, but sometimes for severe allergies). If a severe insect or food allergy is suspected or confirmed an Epi-Pen might be prescribed, but you would probably already know if that is needed. Good luck!

[luvbug00]

Myas tests were differant from all the above. she was pricked with what looked like thumb tacks with no needle. and had the physical. she did cry form the tests because of her severe reaction to burch trees. it stung she said. but other then that he sould be ok. better your find out now then when he has an attack. Good luck!

[mysweetpeasWil&Wes]

Thanks everyone! I feel bad that I didn't ask more questions and researched it more...but this gives me a good idea of what to expect. My sister had told me about the epi-pens (since she has one for her daughter). I may try and request one even if his reaction during the tests are not that severe. Better to be safe then sorry.

By the way, we don't know what food made him have a reaction. But he ate some raisins on the 24th that had been mixed with strange nuts, like filberts and brazil nuts. His lips swelled out like a fish immediately after, so we figure it's that! Very scary!

I will keep you all posted...thanks