Immunologist

What is an immunologist? What do they do? What can you expect from a referal to see them?

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Sorry Plumie, I just know that they study immunology, but what that actually entails, or what you get from a referral to them, I've no idea. Because of my allergy to steroids I've seen almost every form of medical being, but never yet an immunologist.

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think could be to do with seeing if your amunity is triggerd by something and along with asthma needs checkingout.

could be wrong but may be woody would know,he sees good for advise xxx

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try these,

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Hi Plumie

It depends on what you have been referred to an immunologist for as they deal with all kinds of conditions linked to the immune system. Many people see them for allergies. I've been seeing a consultant immunologist since 2006 for my allergies and chronic idiopathic urticaria / anaphylaxis. From what I remember, at my first appointment they took my history and asked about my symptoms, my hospital admissions and what medication I was taking. I was then sent to have blood taken for allergy RAST tests and I also had to give a urine sample. My anti-histamines were increased until we got the results back as I was quite symptomatic on the day.

I used to see the consultant every 6 months but now I see him every 2-4 weeks as I've had lots of admissions this year and we're trying different allergy treatment options. The nurses and consultants at the allergy clinic are fantastic and I always feel relieved as I meet lots of people my own age with allergies, where as when I go to resp clinic I'm usually the youngest by far.

I hope this has helped a little bit. My brain is a bit fuzzy at the moment as I'm full of a cold and sleep deprived. Where have you been referred? I see the immunology team in Leeds at St James'. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Lucy

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Urticaria

Sparkly fairy, i noticed you mentioned you have urticaria. did the immunologist work out what was causing it?

Ive had dermographic urticaria for 3 years now, and so far no-one has tried to suggest a cause. I did see a dermatologist about 2 years ago and he changed my antihistomenes to a new combination and sent me away. im in the process of being re-refered at the moment and hoping this time round they migt be a little more helpful. Am wondering wether i should have asked to go to a immunologist instead as im worried i might have an autoimmune condition causing most of my health problems...

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Hi selfheal

Unfortunately they haven't managed to identify the cause of my urticaria but we've explored many options from restricted diets, different combinations of anti-histamines and currently I'm trying cyclosporin. My immunologist is in the process of applying for Xolair for me as although I've been turned down for it for my asthma, there have been some interesting results with chronic urticaria patients and he feels it may be of benefit to me. I'd certainly recommend seeing an immunologist if you have problems with urticaria. I've found mine to be much more helpful than the dermatologist I saw a couple of years ago.

Regards

Lucy

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I see a dermocologist and i find her amazingly useful, it is just the fact that the allergies are upseting my stomach and asthma more, altho it is possible they could be affecting my execma too. I am just trying all options, as that is what my GP suggested, you do not know until you have tried whether you are on correct lines or not.

Although saying that i did pay private to see a dermocologist so i got very good care and she kindly moved me on to NHS 4 years later so i didnt hvae to pay and she still is fantastic!

So i personally would recommed trying all options till you get an answer what works for one doesnt always work for all.

Thank you for replies they have been really helpful!

Plumie