Just Discovered My Son and I Have Dog/Cat Allergies

Mschelseamac - posted on 10/28/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

Every since I had my Son I've been getting colds and flus more often. Continuously I've been congested and had itchy eyes. I figured it was just a cold hanging on. To hopefully be able to sleep virtually every night I've needed breath right strips, the vicks vaporizer, and a humidifier. In the morning I still woke up congested.



On September 12 we left for B.C. for 10 days. For those 10 days it was like a miracle! I didn't need to use any of my "sleep aids" the entire time! But the night we got back BLAMMO couldn't breath again. I also noticed that my 1 1/2 year old Son was stuffy again and really rubbing his eyes.



The only difference between home and B.C. is 2 cats and a dog.



I tried to brush it off but it's only gotten worse for both of us. Finally I got reffered to get tested for allergies. Sure enough today I found out since my pregnancy I have developed allergies to grass, dogs and cats. The allergist said even with the symptoms I had in the office I would require a perscripion allergy medication and sinus spray. He said I could also try 2 years of allergy shots to try and lesson the allergy, though that wasn't guarunteed to work.



While there he did an assesment of my Son and what his symptoms were. Even without doing the allergy test he said if I had the allergy is was 40% likely my Son would, and with the symptoms I explained it was almost a certain thing.



SO one of the harder decision in my life had to be made, the pets must go.



If it was just me with these issues I would probably try the medication and treatment. However I do not one my 1 1/2 year old constantly on medication day after day so he can breath right at night and not have itchy eyes.



So now I'm looking for homes for my 5yr old dog and 4yr old cat. I am hoping that will reduce the allergins enough that my 10yr old cat with health issues can remain with us. Upon posting my bad news and the fact I was looking for new homes for the 2 animals on Facebook I was instantly slammed with people telling me allergies are no reason to get rid of pets. Stories about how they have allergies and still have cats or dogs, about their parents who let them have pets and were on medications for allergies.



My big thing is none of them have chidlren. I used to foster animals and was that idealistic. I think at one point during my pregnancy I announced I would never give up my pets they were here first and my child would just have to deal with it. WOW how your mind changes when you're watching your baby rubbing his eyes desperate for relief.



So really I just need to vent and hear the opinions of some Mom's.



Sorry for the longness but I needed to get that out.