two steps forward, one step back

I was so sure that my cat allergies were completely gone. So sure, in fact, that I almost got a cat two weeks ago. [It didn't love Atlas, so I decided against it.]

Then I visited my sister - who has three cats.

I didn't sleep at her place, but we hung out there during the day quite a bit. The first couple of days were great. I kept noting that I felt perfectly fine - no breathing issues (she was skeptical, so this was my way of saying "I told you so"). The next couple of days, I was very sneezy and sniffly. However, when one is used to not being able to breathe, those symptoms are a piece of cake to deal with. But, the next night, I felt a familiar constriction in my throat. The coughing started. My breathing was shallow. I woke up in the middle of the night and had to take a puff of my inhaler. I sat and meditated for a while and the constriction eased. The next day - the day I left - we hung out on their porch instead.

My breathing is back to normal again, but I don't mind telling you that I was sorely disappointed by the reaction. I did some moping, some pondering, some meditating .. then I finally moved past it. I mean, I spent almost five days around cats with no steroids. Seriously, that is amazing - why on earth was I moping. Yes, I still have healing to do, but it will happen when it's time. I know that now.

Comments

[Toni]

Three cats is a whole lot different than one cat, E. You might be fine with one cat. There are things you can to go help mitigate problems with allergies - change your furnace filters frequently and use one that has a high micron rating or whatever it is called. I just bought one today that was 1200 microns, as opposed to a cheapie that was 300 microns. Also, I bought a HEPA air cleaner and put it in a central location, but a bedroom would be a good spot. My oldest had allergies, including cats, and he eventually built up resistance to my cat.

[Elizabeth]

toni: very true, but I was very optimistic. :) Come to think of it, I should actually get the furnace filter changed. I wonder if the apt people ever change it without me knowing it? Otherwise, it's been 3 years - yikes.

If I were just sniffly and sneezy, I would be ok with building up resistance (with a cat in my house). But when I still have trouble breathing, I am reluctant to try. It's a bit scary to be without air ..

[Toni]

E, I should have added that my son had asthma, too. Yes, I remember the feeling of helplessness when he had asthma attacks (not caused by the cat), but I wouldn't give up hope for a cat in the future.