Seeking help

[lking4lite]

I just moved to New Orleans in February. I had been sick in December/ January and took steroids and antibiotics before moving. I began smoking cigarettes and moved into a place where I could definately tell that I was allergic to cats and dogs in the environment. I began taking Zyrtec for my allergies. On March 13th I got sick. I got dizzy and nauseated, throwing up, skin flushed, sensations of having a fever without temperature, thick clear mucous, bright light sensitivity, sensitivity to loud sounds, rib muscles pulling, sensitivity to cold, pain in upper left abdomen, sharp chest pains, and tremors. A week later I went into emergency thinking I was having a heart attack. Everything seemed normal with my heart and I was discharged. Symptoms continued with an added random sensation that would start on my left side and rushing into head. Next week pain in abdomen and constipation became worse. It felt like a ball of fecal matter was painfully building in my upper left abdomen, feces became thin and stringy. I tried Milk of Mag and Mag Citrate (prescribed) to no avail (seemed to elevate symptoms). I finally tried water enemas till the painful mass moved and I had a bowel movement. By that time my feces turned from brown to a light yellow/ pale color and thin. That month I lost 20 lbs and have continued to lose an extra 10 lbs from then till now- July 2008.
I went to an ENT and had a cat scan of sinus cavity. Showing sinusitis and allergies, Allergy testing showed allergic to Tobacco smoke and cats/ dogs.
CBC blood test came out normal.
Awaiting scheduling of abdominal ultrasound
Awaiting scheduling of Neurological MRI

I would like to know if an allergic reaction could cause feces to turn pale and cause all the above symptoms to last for months? Also I have quit smoking and moved from prior address and am away from cats but still have one dog. But my symptoms are still present. I am hoping someone may understand this situation I am going through and throw me some encouraging words and helpful tips I might ask my PCP.

Thank you

[tdk451]

Have you checked for diabetes?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

How are you?

Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. Symptoms of allergy include itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rashes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and wheezing.

Dog allergens also attach to a dog’s fur, which carries the allergens about. The allergen attaches to carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and clothes.

Diagnosis of allergy can be done by skin ***** tests and patch tests. In this a little amount of allergen is injected into the skin of the forearm by a doctor. The skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Confirmatory diagnosis is by blood tests (RAST).

Use reputable allergy avoidance products throughout your home. Wash your hands after having contact with your pet. Keep pets out of the bedroom and avoid using carpeting, draperies and upholstered furniture in your home since allergens will collect there. Also wash and brush your pet each week.

You can take antihistaminics like benadryl and Claritin. Corticosteroids and topical nasal steroids are also helpful in relieving the symptoms. More severe cases require oral corticosteroids and immunotherapy.

Take care and pls do keep posting.

[lking4lite]

I have also been constantly experiencing a loud ringing in my ears with the above symptoms. Thanks for the assistance.