Allergy problems again :(

Status
Not open for further replies.
lizzie_71

lizzie_71

Joined
Oct 12, 2007
Messages
633
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I have a pair of guinea pigs, mainly because I wanted something furry and I am allergic to practically every thing else :( I am OK with the piggies generally, but I do have issues with hay and woodshavings. Things have been better since I switched to vetbed (although it is much smellier than woodshavings) and they will be going to a big outside hutch in the spring which will help more.

But the other day I had them out for a run whilst I washed the vetbed. When I was putting them back, I gave one of them a bit of a cuddle, and a check over, as I thought he had a dirty bum and was worried. But he was fine, and I put him home with his brother. Then I got distracted and went to do something else without washing my hands.

You can probably guess what happened next. I tried to take my contact lens out and my right eye swelled up like a balloon. It was 12 hours before I could open it, and another 12 before I could see properly. 3 days before I could get my lenses in again.

I know it's my own fault for not washing my hands, but I really thought I wasn't allergic to the piggies. I already handle them as little as possible, but I am really beginning to doubt if I can keep them. My OH hates them and won't touch them, and the children are too young to care for them without my help.

I don't want to get rid of them, but I can't risk more eye problems - if I can't see, I can't work, or drive, or do anything much.

Any suggestions? Maybe I could handle them wearing rubber gloves?
 
ummmmm you said you was allergic to the woodshaving so did you house them on woodshavings or anything else they sleep on or have contact to that you could be allergic too ? ?
 
What a shame! One of my friends was quite allergic to pigs but it is usually the bedding rather than the hair I believe. You could try cotton gloves / gardening gloves when handling or cleaning? A bit softer than rubber gloves although you'd still have to wash your hands after.

I used to have to take hayfever pills around horses because of a similar thing, but I sort of grew out of it somehow!

Good luck

Sophie
 
I know someone on here, wears swimming goggles, when handling long haired piggies.
Is something like that an option whilst handling?
You could try cotton gloves too.
Good luck. :)
 
OK OK OK OK OK OK OK - I know I have been trying to keep this a secret but I have to help you here. I am Helen and became allergic to my long haired piggies a couple of months ago.

I had to rehome a couple of them but could NOT just could NOT part with my Peruvian Pumpkin. Told everyone on here I was coping fine with my "solution" but never divulged what it was - well apart from to Graham (Sokel).

Whenever I cuddle Pumpkin I wear a bright blue gel eyemask that is kept in the fridge. I know I look like - what did you call me Graham - Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Turtles - BUT it works (well it helps anyway).

You can get them at chemists - it looks daft but my guineas love me anyway.........................................if anyone wants a picture of me in it - I suppose I could.................................................... We all need a giggle sometime.......... ;D

Good luck.
Helen.
xxxxxxxxx
 
OK - Me as a human
HPIM4142.jpg


Me as a Turtle (NOTE: the specialist DIM LIGHT photography)....... ;D
HPIM4137.jpg



You can laugh now.................................. ;D ;D ;D and DON'T say I look better as Leonardo................... :tickedoff:
 
Actually chortling to myself at my desk (open plan office!)> that's great! You really do look like a superhero. Is it a bird? Is it a plane..... no!

Thank you. You brightened my day!

;D
 
Lololol love the mask ;D

Now seriously ,I'm allergic very bad infact to shavings , i have a shed full of pigs and skinnys in the house all bedded down on shaving and hay but i have to take antihistamines everyday , it does work so maybe you could go down this route ,ive found the best ones to be ceterazine .

David xx
 
Thanks David, the doctor gave me those as well although I must admit I do not take them everyday - its not that I prefer my mask of course. ;D Its just that I only get really bad eyes when I don't wear the mask and I am handling my Peru boy.

It certainly cools the itchyness though. I hope Lizzie71 will try these two options. But Lizzie - don't wear it in the street.....................

Helen.
x
 
Great photos Hels ;D O0

Hope some of these solutions do help you Lizzie :)
I think I said before, my allergy was due to the dusty hay and now I get it from dustfreehay, I have no more problems. Thankfully, I am not allergic to my piggies but I am horribly allergic to cats :(
 
Love the pics Hels.
I expect the eye mask explains your fresh shiny looking eyes. O0
It might look funny, ;D ;D , but if it works, what the heck.
 
Thanks for the advice Hels - and the pics ;D Maybe I'll try that, but I might scare the children :D

I might try the cotton gloves, I need to get them out and cut their nails some day soon 8)

Don't really want to part with them, they are part of the family now. I had them for nearly a year with no problems, but it's been one thing after another lately.
 
No worries. Yes do try the gloves. i am sure you can work around it somehow. Maybe as David suggested the anti histamine tabs. I got some too.

my 3 year old just laughs at Mummy when I wear my mask. !!! ;D ;D

Good luck and do let us know.

Helen.x
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top