how to get over allergies

For me, first off, get in denial about it.

I never had allergies as a kid so there is no way I could have them now…..right?

Ignore the scratchy throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, and voice that’s an octave lower.

Your son is sick and it’s strep throat. Take him to the doctor and get him on a prescription.

Go get a strep test. It’s negative.

Shit now what.

All my eggs were in the strep basket.

Start sucking on cough drops. Vitamin C ones in the fruit flavors.

Start taking the vitamin C powdered concoctions.

Wake up feeling worse.

Finally, finally, finally check out the weather pages that show allergens and air quality.

Shit, notice that tree pollen is super high.

Finally admit that it might be allergies.

Finally admit that allergies can present later in life.

Take the pilgrimage to the local drug store and buy all the stuff.

Nasal spray. Zyrtec is how much? Look down and notice the generic version is the same exact dose for way cheaper.

Think about buying a neti pot. Get distracted by a man yelling at the pharmacist while yelling at someone on his cell phone.

Get the hell out.

Start taking all the stuff.

Feel better. Well shit.

Try to find a moment for gratitude that you are feeling better. Instead start worrying instantly about how long these pills will last and ask yourself, “IS THIS MY LIFE NOW? Buying and taking allergy medicine, how long can this go on????!?!??!”

Take a deep breath through your mouth because your nose is still stuffed.

Talk myself down from the allergy mountain and do some research.

Allergens from tree pollen in my region typically last from late March to the end of May. That’s not forever.

Realize that taking one pill a day and two hits of nasal spray is not that much of an extra burden on my day to day existence.

Then start to feel better. Not a hundred percent. But better.

This too shall pass.

I’m on day three…..