Kerri Powers: blog

Got into Boston a little early yesterday for my appointment with the allergy Specialist, Dr. Wilson. Perused the gift shop at Massachusetts General Hospital and found a couple of cute and unusual things. I was a little anxious about the visit as up to this point every "Specialist" I have been to has informed me that basically my days as an avid athlete would pretty much have to come to an end.

Of course, deep down, I haven't believed that for a second. In the words of my 88 year old client, ... "fooey."

I got into the exam room and Dr. Wilson discussed all the necessary items and variables. I sat quietly bobbing my left leg with hands folded over my lap. When he finished with his questions, the words rushed out of me without thought; "so, what's the deal, am I done with being an athlete? Will I ever be able to resume the activities I love?

He looked over at me rather seriously through his wire-rims, briefly touched his salt and pepper goatee and said, "I don't believe you are done, no, and I have had people with this disorder actually run marathons." 

My heart started to race and I wanted to leap out of my chair and onto his lap, covering him with big, wet Irish Setter kisses (I didn't so relax). "Are you serious?"  I said. "We just have to get the right amount of antihistamines into you and timing is essential. No eating anything at all 4 hours prior to a workout and you will have to take more pills than what you are used to. Let's see how that goes and you will have to be gradual and very careful in your approach to exercise."

He then informed me I wasn't to exercise alone and always within a controlled environment for safety sake. Once I was finished gleaming and gurgling like an idiot, he half-smiled (I think) and informed me I was going in for all food and then environmental allergy testing.

Oh the joy of being pricked and prodded. 

I could barely contain my excitement.

Sure enough it was discovered I am allergic to dogs (so upset about this one), ragweed, dust mites (big time), birch and maple trees, and one more that I can't recall. Only one of these poses a real problem (dog) as I love animals and can't cuddle my dog enough when I go to visit with her.

So ... I have to pick up my prescription and gulp down 6-8 pills a day then pray they will be effective enough for me to resume on-land exercise (aquatics and water is still out of the question for the time being). I am thinking good thoughts and feel great about the visit ... finally found a doctor that listened and actually knew a little more about Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis and Cholinergic Urticaria (I can't pronounce it either - don't even bother).

Can't wait to get back to getting my body movin' n' groovin' ...