re: Have you ever had an allergy test?

I had it done as a kid. 36 different shots in my back. Said I was allergic to apples, bananas, strawberries and johnson grass. I grew out of all except johnson grass

Yes, stuck me 30x in rows of 6 for stinging insects. Fun stuff.

I have done it. It’s not very pleasant, honestly.

Personally I wouldn’t do the testing unless you’re willing to do the weekly allergy shots.

Twice. They press multiple pads with about 6 little pins of different allergens on your back. Not a big deal. It really doesnt hurt.. Since I was slightly allergic to half the things I began itching after about 5 minutes. I dont do allergy shots and it was too many to do an elimination diet. Allergic to onions, garlic, tomato, and a bunch of other stuff I still eat. No anaphylaxis and no real symptoms besides the test being positive.

I had the full ~60 panel of “back pricks” once when I was a young kid and again sometime in college, which came back negative for everything. The latter time they were convinced I had some sort of allergy so shortly thereafter they did the higher dose panel where they give you actual shots of ~14 things. It was 14 full shots, in the forearms IIRC.

Before we started, I told them that one time during a high school physical I passed out after getting a shot. Only time it had happened, but just to be aware. She checked in every few shots and I was doing fine, until about the 10th shot when I said I was okay but apparently my face was green. She flipped the chair back to let me lie down for a bit, then finished up. Still no positives.

I don’t have a fear of needles and have been completely fine the other myriad times I’ve had shots or blood work done throughout my life. I don’t know why that happened those two times, but I always feel the need to preface with that bit of info any time they stick a needle in me.

Told me I’m allergic to everything I already knew I was allergic to

Cats pollen and bananas.

Bananas just make my throat itch a bit so I still eat them

Cats and pollen frick me up though.

Yea. I'm on allergy shots now and they have made a big difference. My allergies aren't even that bad compared to some. I think after a few years I can allegedly stop the allergy shots and be good to go.

Took me forever to figure out but I was getting vertigo and dizziness, and it turns out it was allergies. Since I have gotten on the shots I'm good to go.

ETA: One of my big allergies is some of the molds and it is a little disconcerting to see what I assume is mold floating in one of the vials I draw my shots from.

ETA 2: If you move, or even change practices sometimes, they will want to redo the allergy test before they give you any shots. I moved from Houston back to SELA and the drs here wanted to redo my tests before they started mixing vials. So just keep that in mind as well.

I had one about 25 years ago and they did each prick manually with essentially an acupuncture needle. That's not the bad part. The bad part is that you can't scratch it, and you've got the sit there for 15 minutes with your back 10/10 itching if you're allergic to anything, or everything like I was

The worst part isn't the test though, it's the weekly shots that follow if you need them

I just had it done myself. The testing causes mild discomfort and itching, but your allergist should provide you an antihistamine and apply an anti-itch cream afterwards. You will fine feel by the time you step out the door.