What is immunotherapy? A program of regular injections of increasing amounts of extracts of allergens to which you are sensitive. When sufficient relief of your allergy symptoms cannot be achieved with environmental controls and medications, immunotherapy can reduce your sensitivities. Immunotherapy helps your immune system build protective antibodies to the various allergens for which you are being treated.
In summary, lots of shots. Given how many things I'm allergic to, I will have to have two vials created for each treatment (i.e., multiply the shots below x 2).
Gradual Increase: Weekly injections of ever-increasing doses until I reach my max dose (takes 6-12 months)
Maintenance Level: Weekly injections of my max dose for one full year
Gradual Decrease: Injections every other week for six months. Then injections every three weeks for six months. Then injections every fourth week for six months.
If my math is right, that's a minimum of three years of treatment. My arm is sore just thinking about it. My wallet is too.
On the bright side, Dr. D said that I'm a good candidate for administering my own injections. If I'm doing well after the first 6-7 weeks, they'll allow me to do my own shots at home. So, my husband will have permission from my doctor to stab me regularly.
No comments:
Post a Comment