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Sorry folks, but there’s not much new to report around the UDH house this Tuesday. It’s not that I don’t have a few things in the works, but I just haven’t found myself taking pictures of anything lately – especially of me thanks to the insufferable allergies that I’m plagued with each spring.
For those of you who don’t live in Atlanta, perhaps you aren’t familiar with the way pollen affects this “modern city of the south”. Every year, as spring brings its beauty and color, Atlanta is coated with a fresh layer of yellow powder. And when I say coated, I mean painted with the stuff.
For example, here is what it looked like when we hosed off the driveway last weekend:
Say it with me now, blech. Unless I guess, if you’re a bee, then you’re probably pretty happy with this.
You are familiar with the pollen count, right? The pollen count is a measurement of the number of grains of pollen per cubic meter of air. Obviously, the higher the pollen count, the more of it there is in the air, and consequently, the more I suffer. And around here, it makes the daily news. A pollen count of 1500 or more is considered “very high”, and Atlanta regularly clocks in at ‘what the @##%$?’ levels.
Take today, for example. The pollen count is at 1377 according to this site. And there was a thunderstorm last night, which means that this is actually low compared to what it’s like when it doesn’t rain.
As a result, I can usually be found each spring with swollen, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and if I’m lucky, sneezing like crazy. Why lucky? If you’re not an allergy sufferer, you may not understand – but part of the misery comes from being THISclose to sneezing, then not, and all of that stuffiness and heightened-itchy-nose feeling just stays inside your head. Mis. Er. A. Ble.
Eventually, my eyes will stop swelling to baseball size and my throat will allow solid food again. I just have to force myself to stay inside and load up on the allergy meds (by the way, does anyone else find themselves switching each year to a different one because their bodies get used to it?). But until the pollen subsides, I might as well paint myself green.
Aw I feel for you. I thought we had it bad in Lexington, KY til I did a little interwebz research. Ours is only 530! I think I'd be bleeding out of my eyes if we had that much pollen!! Poor you.
I totally hear you! I lived in Augusta, GA for a few years and I was miserable. After a few episodes of sinus infections and bronchitis and trying EVERY single allergy pill known to man, I begged and pleaded to be sent to an allergist. We are now in KY, where sadly it got even worse, but I finally got to my allergist. Big surprise I was allergic to basically everything they tested me for and I currently take 3 allergy meds a day. Yes, 3 a day. It makes a huge difference. Each pill counteracts certain allergens and when combined give people like you and me a better chance. If I were to only take one I would be miserable. You might want to look into seeing an allergist to get you on more. I also just started allergy shots, and we will see if I can make it to maintenance!
It has really hurt my ability to work on projects though, even when I am on all the pills sometimes! Good Luck!
I am a new follower ;)
I am allergic to everything outside… I pretty much hate my life outside, but can't stay inside!!
Ugh, I know how you feel. Growing up in Florida, my allergies were always horrible because the plants never die there! lol One thing that's saved me is the nasal spray. A TOTAL lifesaver! I take that with my usual once-a-day Claritin and I'm good to go!
Good luck! I hope that pollen goes away soon!
~Chelsea
Same in Dallas! It's super gross – and our patio (which is normally rust-colored) is now an icky shade of green. No bueno. Sorry about your allergies!
Welcome, Aslhey! Welcome, Liz!
And thanks for all of the allergy advice. I never knew that allergy meds can be combined… I may have to try that!