Very close to kidney failure and my allergies are driving me mad

[Jayjayca]

Hello, does any one know if it is safe to get the allergy shots with pkd? My allergies are so bad right now and I've been taking Claritin every day but it's not helping much. I've heard the shots are much more effective but not sure if it's safe. Any info would be great. Thanks!!

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Jayjayca, Sorry you are struggling with your allergies, it must be very uncomfortable. Have you spoken with your health professional and do you have a specialist nurse for chronic kidney disease in Canada? As the medical health professional knows your condition they are in a better place to advise you as this is a specific medical question.

We can help to support you emotionally but I am afraid not medically. Has anyone suggested diversion therapy to you before?, it certainly works for pain management.

I know this will also sound strange but have you tried calamine lotion? I have hives and skin irritation occasionally and it helps then.

However we do wish to know how you get on, so please do keep in touch with us all.

Best wishes from across the world,

MAS Nurse and Moderator.

[Jayjayca in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thank you MAS_Nurse for responding. I do have a specialist here in Canada. I don't see him until April 30th. I will gir sure ask him. At this point I'm willing to try anything. I have trouble sleeping sometimes because my nose is so stuffy a d my eyes get so itchy. I will keep you posted when I hear more.

[curleytop1 in reply to Jayjayca]

Hello Jayjayca,

Sorry to read about your struggles with your allergies, but I hope the following information will be of help to you:-

For my itchy eyes I use eye drops prescribed by my General Practitioner - Sodium Cromoglicate 2% w/v - I use them intermittently, when my eyes are really sore. They are at their worst when I have eaten foods containing a lot of gluten - bread, pasta, pastry etc., so I try to limit these and eat things which are naturally gluten-free such as rice or corn based foods.

For my sometimes stuffy nose (like you, bedtimes can be problematic) I use Beclometasone Dipropionate 50mcg nasal spray. If the stuffiness is not too bad, I find a small amount of Vick's Vapour Rub, smeared just inside the nostrils, does the trick.

I have been using these remedies for many years, long before being diagnosed with CKD, but please consult your specialist about these suggestions as I have no medical training and we all respond differently to any medications. Good luck and it would be very interesting to hear what your specialist advises - Curleytop1.