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Walks of Life

Living with allergies

6/1/2022

Sniffle, sneeze, cough — repeat. As warmer temperatures finally roll around, not everyone is celebrating. Many Iowans suffer an onslaught of symptoms in reaction to pollen, grass, dust, dander and other allergens. For some who suffer from food and drug allergies, the consequences can be not only bothersome, but fatal. ♦


KAY THOMAS

Omnipresent maple trees

As Kay Thomas turned the corner into her 30s, she discovered an allergy to boxelder trees. Since these trees are part of the maple family, she must consider herself allergic to all maple trees.

Thomas didn’t think much of it until one day, when she was on a road trip.

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“As soon as we parked, and before I could even get out of the car, my eyes started watering, and I started gagging, there was so much drainage in my throat. I couldn’t even talk,” she remembers.

Thomas has a maple tree in her front yard, which may explain why she’s sick all the time, she admits. The neighbors all have maple trees as well. 

Relief comes via her chiropractor and a daily antihistamine. For now, her best bet, she says, is simply prevention.

But no matter what, Thomas still lives in Iowa, a state loaded with maple trees. A change of address isn’t in the works. Yet. 

“At some point, when I retire, I will probably research what states have the least amount of maple trees and potentially move,” she says. 

Source: Urbandale Living May 2022; by Darren Tromblay


LIZZY VELEZ

Allergic to cleaning

Lizzy Velez had an allergy-free childhood. In her 20s, she developed what she thought were seasonal allergies. 

“It wasn’t until about four years ago, at 33, that I saw an allergist, and it was discovered I am allergic to dust mites and cats, but not anything outdoors,” she says. “The doctor told me that I was allergic to my house — and especially to cleaning.”

While it might seem like an easy solution to get rid of the cats, Velez says her family is very attached to the felines.

So, instead, she keeps her clothes in drawers away from cat hair and dander.

“My laundry has to be folded and put away immediately after taking it out of the dryer,” Velez explains. “If I let it sit in the basket for a day or so, I have to re-wash everything.”

Sadly, she also can’t pet or touch her beloved cats. But there’s a bright side.

“I have a really good excuse to have my kids sweep, vacuum and do laundry,” she says. “Mom’s allergic to it. Doctor said so.”

Source: Norwalk Living May 2022; by Lindsey Giardino


KEVIN TURNER

Shots combat seasonal suffering

The cycle of seasonal allergies has gone on for most of Kevin Turner’s life. 

“I’m allergic to every grass and tree native to Iowa, along with dogs, cats — you name it,” he says.

He gets allergy shots about every three weeks and waits 30 minutes for a reaction. So far, it seems to work. 

“I’ve got four more years of shots. I’ll test again to see where we’re at,” he says. “It’s a big time and expense commitment.” 

As he was used to sneezing up to 500 times a day, Turner says his son, who also has allergies, can tell his dad is getting better. 

“My 9-year-old can see a difference,” he says. “He told me, ‘Dad, I think I’m going to do allergy shots.’ ”

Turner says he wishes he’d tried the treatment when he was younger. 

“Don’t wait,” he suggests. “If the process of getting relief is through shots, hurry up and do it. Your body doesn’t become immune. I felt relief after the first year. I wish I would have done it a long time ago.” 

Source: Jordan Creek Living May 2022; by Jackie Wilson


LAUREN NACHMAN

Celiac disease

Lauren Nachman grew up with a tree nut allergy. That was easy compared to her most recent diagnosis of celiac disease, which is technically not an allergy.

“Unlike allergies, there is nothing that can relieve this stress on my body if I’m ‘glutened,’ ” she says.

A big misconception is that it is just a food allergy. 

“In reality, the symptoms and damage can be much more long-term. I also struggle with communicating the severity, as ‘gluten-free’ is also viewed as a fad or voluntary diet,” she explains. “I have to be very careful to communicate that I’m gluten-free for medical reasons and not voluntarily.”

She’s worked with a dietitian to figure out what foods she can eat. She’s grateful when restaurants and food manufacturers disclose gluten in their products.

“I appreciate how people and restaurants acknowledge gluten allergies,” she says. “I tried every gluten-free noodle, looking for one that doesn’t fall apart. It’s been fun trying to find replacements for recipes.”

Source: North Polk Living May 2022; by Jackie Wilson

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