the Scratch Test

Today, I took my middle son, Jay, to the allergist for a scratch test. This is where they give him about 40ish "pokes" in his back with little plastic "pokey-things" (the technical term, I believe). Each poke is a different possible allergen. The reason for this testing is because Jay is just miserable in the spring time with allergy symptoms. It makes it difficult for him to get much accomplished in school at the end of the year. And I am hoping for something to control it better than the over-the-counter remedies we've been using.

I wish I could post a photo of his back after the "pokes". The side where they were testing tree and grass pollens and weeds looked like he had been bitten by a couple dozen mosquitoes. I was very impressed with him because he was so anxious about getting poked but he held it together and never let out a full scream (which the entire office would have heard). He also laid still on his stomach another 15 minutes without touching his back even though he complained that it itched.

Turns out that he has some severe allergies to the tree and grass pollens that are in our area April-June. So now we are discussing whether we want to put him through routine allergy shots - anywhere from once a week to once every 8-12 weeks throughout the year - or just try to use a few prescription meds in the spring to control it. I can already hear the screams that will come when the give him the shots. Will he get used to them or will it be more trouble than its worth? I hate making these decisions.