Allergy Shots and Springtime

Jay got his first allergy shots on Tuesday. He got shots for dogs and cats on his right arm, and trees and dust mites on his left. His right arm is fine; his left arm is not. It's actually so swollen, hot, and itchy that it kept him awake until 3:00 this morning. Two days after receiving the shot, the swelling has not gone down at all.

I called the allergist today, and the nurse recommended tying an ice-filled bag around his arm, giving him B-dryl (which we've been doing), using hydrocortisone cream, and giving ibuprofen. She was going to ask the doctor about possibly increasing his dose of regular allergy meds, and also about taking something on the day he receives his weekly shots. She didn't get back to me.

Needless to say, Jay is not thrilled to get another shot next Tuesday. I just hope the swelling goes down before then.

Meanwhile, spring is here and it's warmer than usual. For the most part, we're keeping the windows closed because tree pollen is very high and grasses have started, too. All four kids are responding with sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny noses.

Let the fun begin!