I bet insurance won't cover this... :\

We're in Canada. As long as you've got proof on paper that you need treatment, you can get treatment... It might take a while, but you'll get it eventually.

Allergy shots are now considered a part of the standard medical treatement of allergies, and are covered by many insurances. You still have to pay the co-pay though.

I took them not quite 20 years ago and they were covered by my parents insurance, so they aren't too terribly new or questionable. Though I personally wonder if thats what switched my reactions from environmental grass to ingested grass. :P

This website explains the different antibodies and how allergy shots work:

http://www.frot.co.nz/dietnet/basics/gluten.htm#types

Claire

Oh good! Glad to hear insurance might cover it. I'll get into the doctor pronto and get a referral.

I just got word that my contract is over where I was working so I might be unemployed for awhile.

I have been on allergy shots for 40 years, and they have been covered except for the co-pay. They have definitely helped for my multi-allergies. I had an anaphylactic type reaction to deer fly bite 3 years ago - hives all over body within 30 minutes of bite and ended up in ER. Even with Deet on, still got bit again this year, but the swelling was only about 50-cent size, and only lasted 3-4 days. Have been on separate allergy shot for that for the past 3 years so both allergist and I were pleased.

I had hoped for a decrease in my IgE antibody level now that I have been GF for 17 months, but that level is still elevated, even though my anti-gliadin IgA is now in the normal range.

Good luck.

Marilyn

Marilyn, so you have to take them for life? How often? Thanks! Good to hear this.

Nancy,

No most people only have to take them for a few years, usually less than 5. Generally you start out on a once a week basis, at the smaller doses, and then gradually build up to what is a maintenance dose and the frequency varies with the symptoms. I usually get a shot every week or 10 days during ragweed season, but back down to once a month during the winter months on the weeds, molds bottle, but continue with the dust mite one every couple of weeks year around. I also do all the other environmental suggestions for the dust mites, pillow covers, mattress covers, bare floor, etc. My allergies are better since I have been GF.

Hope this helps,

Marilyn

I am fortunate because I have someone who can give them to me at the house, versus having to go to the doctor's office each time. I had to go to his office for several years until I quit having such large local reactions.

I have had adult onset allergies too. After testing I was told that I'm severely allergic to grass, trees, ragweed, alfalfa, weeds, dust, mold (even mold type food cause problems like cheese, mushrooms), cats, dogs, alternaria, penicillium, etc. Along with medication allergies like morphine, demerol, darvocet, vikadon, ultram, tramadol, sulfates and sulfa. Still waiting for food allergy testing but not sure if I really want to know.

I had allergy shots twice a week. Loved how much they help but so inconvenient for me with work and home life. I know take Nasacort AQ and Singulair daily - not as effective as the shots but it does help.

My insurance covered the shots. I had to pay my co-pay for the office visit each time.