Wednesday, April 18, 2007

On suffering...

Oh that title looks dire! But, actually, it's not. I learned good news at the allergist, yesterday: I'm only allergic to one thing. And I learned bad news: that thing is alternaria. As Wikipedia is quick to point out, this damned mold is everywhere...and in California, where we don't get snow at this elevation, it's around all year long. Well, that helps clear up why the winters can be so yucky for me too.

I am being sent for a CT scan of my sinuses, also, as there is a condition that is linked to alternaria that he wants to rule out. Yes, let's rule it out. Unfortunately, the doctor didn't immediately jump up and down saying that they have this wonderful shot/pill/spray that will rid you of your symptoms. Blech!

And on to my ankles. I did something to them and they swelled during the hike and are tender and swollen. S has been asking me if I think they are well enough to go. I don't think they are, but I hate disappointing people or being the cause of plans being cancelled or changed. So I keep waiting and wrapping and putting them up and icing and taking NSAIDs. Double Blech!

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Addendum: So I forgot to ask whether there was an imune therapy for the allergies. I did get permission (and a new prescription) to increase the dose of my Flonase. I will check in with the allergist again in a couple of weeks and find out about what can be done.

As for the hike that I'm talking about - this is a camping trip to Pt Reyes National Seashore. It involves a 3 mile hike in to the camp, then setting up the tent and wandering around. Then Friday, we would get up early and hike a couple of miles (without packs) on the beach to get to the secret beach. Saturday morning we would hike back out, again about 3 miles. That's why I'm a bit concerned about whether they can handle it...

5 comments:

Jessica said...

Oh no! To both ankles?!? Could it be your boots (the way they fit)? Be careful.... Also I'm glad that your allergy mystery is (somewhat) solved.

HistoryGeek said...

Hammer - There is some boot involvement, I think, but I really think that I just overdid it with the hike. The boots felt wonderful for the first mile & 1/2 or so, then the right ankle started to hurt. I think, generally, these boots fit me pretty well, it's just that this is the first time I've taken such a long hike in boots (and with a pack...).

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear about your ailments - so what, if anything, can be done about this allergy? you be careful with those ankles ok? how far is the hike and how long are you going?
(from your jewish mom) ;)

P'tit-Loup said...

I'm no doc, but I think that part of my immunotherapy is for alternaria and other fungus/molds. There may be hope for you. As for the ankles, maybe you need to focus on less flexion of the ankles while you hike? Sort of like wrists in tennis. Hope it does not bother you too much. And maybe as you hike more, it will abate and you will have stronger ankles in the end.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about everything going on. Hopefully they'll find a viable and effective treatment for your allergies.

I hope your ankles heal. But though you hate disappointing others, if your ankles aren't better you shouldn't go. You can reschedule a camping trip, but it won't do you any good if you damage your ankles worse now...