ALLERGY TESTING TAKE 3...
Ever feel stuck?  I do or at least I did.  We have been trying (test by test) to discover why I have such a tendency to develop sinus infections.  And why those infections linger so.  They seem to return just a matter of weeks after completing an antibiotic.  I had allergy testing done at 2.5 years, but all areas tested were negative.  The allergist shared that often times little people do not have the antibodies to show a reaction and suggested we repeat the testing at age 4.  Here we are for part 2 of the age 4 testing.  Part 1 was inconclusive; nothing reacted not even the histamine control.  I was recently sick with strep turned Scarlet Fever so I had taken many doses of Benedryl to help with the swelling in my lymph nodes.  The allergist said 4-5 days off of those medications would be plenty and so on day 6 we went in for part 1.  Now the doctor was wondering if my body took longer to rid itself of the drugs or if I was just not showing any allergies.  We made an appointment for round 2 the next month.  This time the testing would be down both my arms and the allergen would be inserted under my skin rather than a scratch test like the previous 2 sessions.  Mom numbed my arms with prescription cream and joked that this is what my tattoo arms would look like later in life.  The thought of my tattoos was enough to keep me happy; I played along.  We were off to see the allergist.  When I saw the tray of needles I was scared.  I had tiny tears fill my eyes as I shook in moms arms.  Mom had to remind me that I was not going to feel the needles because of the cream.  She prayed that was true.  The nurse seemed to be using dull needles as every prick left a hole and every hole produced a drop of blood.  Mom was in shock.  She was not prepared for this and even more frustrated when the test revealed nothing.  We were hoping for a quick fix.  Something to eliminate from my diet or environment that would lead to a healthier me.  She was even more upset after my arms were wiped clean and revealed 30 plus small, blue bruises.  We left feeling even more confused.  The next step would be a scan of my sinuses and another trip to the ENT.  Both the ENT and the allergist had be certain my test would reveal several severe allergies.  We were anxious to hear what they would say next.