64 Pricks

Stop yourself...clear your dirty head...then let me proceed with this very wholesome post.

You may or may not know that Turbo has this reoccurring problem with hives. A couple years back after a big day of drinking and shenanigans at Germanfest he broke out with them for the first time. We had no idea what they were from, not a clue why they were there, no inkling of what triggered them. (I suggested too much beer, fun, and assholery, but it turns out I was mistaken as he has had many occasions since that involved all three without a 'breakout'. Damn, really thought I had him there...)

They have remained a mystery to us since then. With no way to identify the triggers, he has become a slave to them, popping Claritin, Benadryl, and any other OTC med that provides relief.

We have speculated on the many different possibilities and all of the things that seem to provoke a huge flare up. However, we never find a pattern. They never seem to follow anything in particular.

So, he finally went to an allergist. Our own doc recommended her after he has tried with no avail on many many visits to diagnose the problem.

After 64 injections of various allergens, we found two that Turbo is allergic to...

Dust mites and DOGS.

Now, I know I can be more diligent about the mites. I looked them up, know where they are, know I will now be purchasing bed covers and washing all pillows and linens in hot water at least once a week(there goes my Thursdays). Maybe now he will even let me get a swanky Dyson to vacuum the floors...

But the dog? We've always had dogs. He's always had dogs.

There is no way we're ditching our pooch, and thankfully Turbo told the allergist that was not an option right away. But he now has to watch his interactions with Otis and other pups. Has to limit the amount of time playing with him, should avoid rolling around the floor with him.

Terrible news for a guy and his big black dog.

Looks like we'll be heading out for some Zyrtec.