Allergy Shots on the NHS

Has anyone had any experience continuing their allergy shots after moving? Or seeing an allergist in general? I'm starting my shots here in a few weeks and then moving in about a year. I'm slightly concerned about being able to get the meds I need, as my environmental allergies are severe. I've got an especially bad problem with mold, and I'm moving to the dampest place on Earth: Cardiff. It caused me major issues just visiting last year so it makes me worry a bit.

Allergy provision for adults on the NHS is extremely poor due to the small number of specialists. Most of the NHS stuff is for children and adults with food allergies rather than environmental allergies. You will almost certainly have to go private for desensitisation therapy. Here is a place in Cardiff that does it, you could enquire with them: http://www.spirehealthcare.com/cardiff/desensitisation-treatment-for-allergy/

Thanks for the info! The NHS seems a bit more receptive to asthma issues, and one of my main reactions is asthmatic. I wonder if this will make it any easier to get treatment.

Oh, you'll have no problem getting treated for the asthma, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the allergies treated with anything more than an antihistamine prescription. Your GP might be able to refer you to a specialist, but as of a few years ago, there was only one allergy specialist on the NHS for the whole of Wales. You might be able to get more information from Allergy UK: http://www.allergyuk.org/getting-help/nhs-allergy-services

Yup, we definetly do not have allergy shots, it's just a case of take anti-histamines really. (Although I had a nose spray for my hayfever, when it was bad.) But if they are severe, then it's impossible to find it on the NHS. (Being born here the first time I heard of them was in the Sims 3 Seasons!)

Looks like i'll have to go private then. Mine are not life threatening, but they do prevent me from normal everyday functioning.  Thankfully by the time I move ill be down to fairly infrequent maintenance.

I'm currently waiting to attend the allergy clinic here in Sheffield after a VERY bad reaction in late April. I was scheduled an appt for August (but I had to reschedule so waiting until the end of September) and I'm sure the discussion may come up. Can ask for you then?

If you want to speak to the allergy clinic, make sure to get a copy of your US records and bring them here. Based on the information provided you could be able to convince your GP to be referred and a decision could be made there. Dont give up hope.

BTW I've not had shots since I was about 12 or so (after ten years of them, most of that weekly ones!) and my pediatrician recommended I could be treated with over the counter medicine. Thats how I've treated my allergies since (and I'm currently 36)

I also have asthma induced allergies, so feel your pain

Feel free to ask and report back. That would be great. .

Over the counter doesn't cut it for me, unfortunately. My eye allergies got so bad last year while I was on a Tier 4 in London that my eyes literally watered every hour of every day (I looked like I was crying constantly) and I developed excess o the skin around my eyes. This was while I was taking my prescription meds and on 3 different prescription eye drops. Plus when I move next year ill be moving into a house that has a cat, which is by far my most severe environmental allergy. I'm hoping my shots over the next year prior to moving will lessen both of those issues.  Fingers crossed!

Feel free to ask and report back. That would be great. .

Over the counter doesn't cut it for me, unfortunately. My eye allergies got so bad last year while I was on a Tier 4 in London that my eyes literally watered every hour of every day (I looked like I was crying constantly) and I developed excess o the skin around my eyes. This was while I was taking my prescription meds and on 3 different prescription eye drops. Plus when I move next year ill be moving into a house that has a cat, which is by far my most severe environmental allergy. I'm hoping my shots over the next year prior to moving will lessen both of those issues.  Fingers crossed!

*fingers crossed*

I'll also ask my friend who has severe allergies (she has medicine for EVERYTHING and doesnt have a cabinet, but a chest for drawers for her meds) what your probability would be like to be referred for injections.

Good luck with the cat. I was really, really allergic to them until I lived with someone who had one (well three) and must have built up an antibody to them. I now own my own cat, and still have some bad side affects, no where near what they used to be when I was a kid. I'm also anal about cleaning and we only have one room with carpet, thats shes not allowed in, so that helps keep the dander and hair to a minimum.

You can also get wipes to use on cats to keep their dander down, so that could help you when you move into your house share situation.

I had my appointment yesterday (was tested for overall allergins and discussed what cause my reaction in April - which is still unknown, BTW and now I need to keep an epipen with me at all times) and it was informative. They did an overall test for me for about ten different allergins (mould, enviromental and animal) to see what would have triggered it. I am still allergic to everything, including the test thats not supposed to give a response! I'm still itching from the dog allergen, despite showering when i got in and this morning and having taken my one a day antihistamine.

I forgot to ask about the probablity of having regular injections, but others (all adults, as we have a seperate childrens hospital in Sheffield) going through similar testing (but not knowing why they had been referred in the first place) were having discussions with the nurses about seasonal injections. So it can happen. One was worried about what would happen on his trip to florida with his family.

I would definately have the discussion with your GP once you have arrived and registered and see if you can get a referal to the Immunology Clinic at your local hospital. Totally get your current doctor write out a note why they decided shots were best for you and why you should still continue with them. At the clinic, they will be able to go over your symptoms and see whats best for you as well.

For me, change of steroids and getting my asthma under control is their main priority. Just adding another inhaler has made me feel 100% better than the day before. Im being referred back for some follow up work and then in 6 months a final follow up.

PS I'm going to still pin my friend Claire down who is the only person I know worse off than myself with allergies and asthma, what her opinion is.. She used to be hospitalised for months as a time when she was a child. I've not seen her much due to holidays and her work, but you are on the back of my mind! I promise!

Thanks! Glad you're getting yourself all sorted out.