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I am a recent patient of Autoimmune Therapies. I visited the clinic in the first week of November. It will be a few weeks before I likely see any results, and I will post them as they happen.
Here is an overview of my health conditions:
Asthma:
Starting around 6 yrs old I have had severe asthma. I endured years of breathing through a metaphorical coffee straw. I had constant sinusitis and bronchitis. On many occasions I would be bedridden for weeks at a time to the point that upon recovery I could not walk from muscle atrophy. My lungs were physically malformed from taking shallow breaths (upper chest was visibly convex). I would use up an entire asthma inhaler in a few nights. No other medication provided any help. Nebulizers were not available for home use. In my 20's the asthma lessened to the point where I now consider it an inconvenience. I still carry an inhaler. I currently only have asthma attacks from allergens, but nothing life threatening. I've grown used to the wheezing and shortness of breath. Because of my lung problems I have a greater than average fear of catching colds and the flu.
Starting around 6 yrs old I have had severe asthma. I endured years of breathing through a metaphorical coffee straw. I had constant sinusitis and bronchitis. On many occasions I would be bedridden for weeks at a time to the point that upon recovery I could not walk from muscle atrophy. My lungs were physically malformed from taking shallow breaths (upper chest was visibly convex). I would use up an entire asthma inhaler in a few nights. No other medication provided any help. Nebulizers were not available for home use. In my 20's the asthma lessened to the point where I now consider it an inconvenience. I still carry an inhaler. I currently only have asthma attacks from allergens, but nothing life threatening. I've grown used to the wheezing and shortness of breath. Because of my lung problems I have a greater than average fear of catching colds and the flu.
Airborne Allergies:
I have allergies to grass, trees, mold, cats, dogs, dust mites, weeds and all the other typical things. My many allergy symptoms come and go. Runny nose, constant sinus congestion, burning eyes, swollen eyes, watery eyes, itchy throat, itchy ear canals, sore throat, sneezing, post nasal drip, itchy skin, contact dermatitis, hives, and (the worse for me and the most consistent) varying levels of fatigue and ill feeling. Sometimes the fatigue is so severe I am forced to sleep from exhaustion. Allergy testing showed I was allergic to most of that which I was tested. Some allergens (or possibly the quantity of allergens) effect my energy level while others (like ragweed and cats) cause sinus congestion. If I go in nature and brush up against plants my arms will itch and develop red marks. If I roll around in grass I develop hives. For the past 4 years my allergies have progressively worsened to a full time, year round problem. Allergies is the main condition in which I seek relief.
I have allergies to grass, trees, mold, cats, dogs, dust mites, weeds and all the other typical things. My many allergy symptoms come and go. Runny nose, constant sinus congestion, burning eyes, swollen eyes, watery eyes, itchy throat, itchy ear canals, sore throat, sneezing, post nasal drip, itchy skin, contact dermatitis, hives, and (the worse for me and the most consistent) varying levels of fatigue and ill feeling. Sometimes the fatigue is so severe I am forced to sleep from exhaustion. Allergy testing showed I was allergic to most of that which I was tested. Some allergens (or possibly the quantity of allergens) effect my energy level while others (like ragweed and cats) cause sinus congestion. If I go in nature and brush up against plants my arms will itch and develop red marks. If I roll around in grass I develop hives. For the past 4 years my allergies have progressively worsened to a full time, year round problem. Allergies is the main condition in which I seek relief.
Food Allergies:
I had allergy testing for basic foods, but there are many foods that they do not test for that effect me. Some may not actually be allergies, but food intolerances. Red #40 food coloring (red drinks) for instance gives me asthma. I am allergic to many raw vegetables which cause an itchy throat and swollen lips. Some foods and frozen foods cause fatigue. I recently became allergic to shellfish and developed hives for the first time. Large quantities of dairy cause abdominal discomfort. I don't know every food in which I am allergic. I avoid processed foods in order to minimize my symptoms.
I had allergy testing for basic foods, but there are many foods that they do not test for that effect me. Some may not actually be allergies, but food intolerances. Red #40 food coloring (red drinks) for instance gives me asthma. I am allergic to many raw vegetables which cause an itchy throat and swollen lips. Some foods and frozen foods cause fatigue. I recently became allergic to shellfish and developed hives for the first time. Large quantities of dairy cause abdominal discomfort. I don't know every food in which I am allergic. I avoid processed foods in order to minimize my symptoms.
Gastrological:
I have episodic intestinal problems such as pain, bloating, gas and upset stomach that is possibly related to food allergies or intolerances. I never have diarrhea so I don't think I have Chrons or IBS.
I have episodic intestinal problems such as pain, bloating, gas and upset stomach that is possibly related to food allergies or intolerances. I never have diarrhea so I don't think I have Chrons or IBS.
What I have previously tried:
I have gone to many extremes to control my allergies with no luck. This includes removing carpet, using anti-dust mite bedding, cleaning air ducts, HEPA filters over air ducts, buying an expensive air purifier which I used to pressurize my house. When I realized that I could not control the allergens, I started researching places to move. Unfortunately most cities in the USA plant many of the same types of plants. There is really no escaping allergies unless the move is geographically extreme. I have tried many allergy medications, but they all cause me fatigue. I have tried Butterbur and other herbs with no benefit. I tried allergy shots for a while years ago. I had considered RUSH and SLIT immunotherapy, but saw the limitation in that they only treat a small portion of potential allergens and take years to see results, if any. I have altered/ restricted my diet numerous times. Essentially nothing I did provided any relief. The only relief I see is from sporadic weather changes and changes in my geographic location. I was actually relatively allergy free in San Diego area during the stay for the treatment.
After Inoculation:
The most I felt while the bandage was on was a slight tickle. After I removed the bandage (on forearm), there was a very subtle rash with two dots on a vein. For a couple days when I rubbed it, it began to itch. I no longer have any rash, itching or other symptoms. I had a tickle in my lower throat, coughed a few times and experienced some unusual bloating, gas and mild abdominal strangeness, but it is hard to know for sure if it was related to the inoculation.
Staying in San Diego:
I mostly stayed in San Diego instead of Tijuana during my visit to the clinic. I used public transportation to get around. I would be happy to provide any tips if someone is planning a visit to the clinic and wants to stay in San Diego.
- Kevin
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