Dear Readers: Many readers have expressed their opinions – and offered tips for dealing with them – about allergies when visiting friends and family during the holidays, or simply when visiting friends in general. Thank you for your many wonderful suggestions to help others with similar allergies. Here is a sample:
Dear Annie: I read your column all the time, and this is my first time writing to you. When my husband and I moved to a rural community in 2003, I was very allergic to cats and horses. My nose would clog; my eyes would weep; I sneezed and blew my nose constantly whenever I was around animals. I was unhappy!
Then I discovered something called Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Techniques. Thanks to a NAET practitioner, I was desensitized and I am no longer allergic to these animals. It took a few months, but it’s amazing. There are no pharmaceuticals involved. I highly recommend people with any type of allergy to research this on the internet. NAET treatments are non-invasive, drug-free solutions and have worked for me and friends for years on many types of allergies. — No more animal allergies
Dear Annie: You suggested that “Allergic” Ask her aunt to board the cats and pay the fees, but anyone with a cat allergy knows, myself included, that cats leave dander everywhere. It is impossible to remove because it is not cat fur that people with allergies are allergic to; it’s the dried cat saliva protein (so gross, I know). Cat owners’ homes are covered in these ultra-fine saliva particles and it’s hard to escape.
Instead of spending money on boarding, suggest she check to see if her hotel has a party room to book or if there’s a cabin or Airbnb option near her aunt’s house where she could. book with his parents.
She would spend more time with her aging parents; she will not spend the day alone; it would be without a cat; and as a bonus, the vacation wouldn’t be at his aunt’s with her outdated patriarchal rules.
It’s a multi-win situation. Hope this helps her have a happier holiday! — A new website
Dear Annie: I can sympathize with “Allergic to Thanksgiving.” I’ve been allergic forever and only got better in the last few years with modern antihistamines. I once spent a Christmas in France outside of Paris (literally) at my sister-in-law’s house where I was too allergic to their cat to be in the house. I sat outside a glass door in 30 degree weather, read a book and waved occasionally.
HAS “Allergic” discussed this with a certified allergist? There are many modern treatments that can significantly reduce the histamine reaction to allergens. Cat dander has a very light molecular weight – think invisible, microscopic dust blowing around the house. Removing the cat and cleaning it will not remove the remains of dander, especially in winter if the house has thick carpets, curtains and sofas.
“Allergic” has to decide if she really wants to endure another year of exposure to an allergen that will likely cause her to collapse for a few days. Could she meet some of her relatives the next day in a different place? — Allergic and empathetic
Dear Annie: I wanted to contact you regarding your advice to the woman who was having great difficulty with her allergies at her aunt’s house on Thanksgiving. You suggested to her aunt that she keep the cats. My husband has a severe cat allergy. Well-meaning people are under the false impression that simply moving the cats to another room while the allergic person is there will do the trick. It’s not. Cat dander is everywhere, no matter how clean the house. You simply cannot suck it out of existence. My mother used to put her cats in the bedroom, to no effect. My husband went away every vacation and was sick for days afterwards. My only suggestion is to go out for Thanksgiving dinner or do it somewhere neutral for cats. – Was there
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“How can I forgive my cheating partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology – featuring her favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation – is available in paperback and e-book form. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].
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