Immunotherapy Cured My Severe Allergies

Teddy Rainville spent most of childhood confined to a bedroom due to severe environmental allergies. Reactions to animals, plants, dust, and pollen made daily life feel like a constant flu. While over-the-counter and prescription medications provided minimal relief, they were deemed necessary for survival.

Upon entering college, Rainville decided to pursue a long-term solution. The treatment involved a five-year commitment to immunization shots. The process began with bi-weekly injections and required significant patience. By the one-year mark, Rainville noticed a drastic reduction in reactions to pets. After completing the full regimen, Rainville was able to adopt a cat, an outcome previously thought impossible.

Living with environmental allergies year-round presented significant challenges. Rainville described the impact of these allergies as feeling like getting the flu on a daily basis. While other children played outside, Rainville often stayed indoors to avoid severe reactions.

The allergens triggering these episodes were common and unavoidable. Rainville listed the specific triggers:

• Animals
• Plants
• Dust
• Pollen

These elements often made Rainville sick to the point of barely breathing. Although doctors prescribed various medications, they offered only minimal success. Rainville felt unable to survive without them, despite the difficulties.

As a child, the significant time commitment required for immunization shots prevented Rainville's parents from pursuing this treatment. However, when Rainville started college, the decision was made to take on the challenge personally. Finding the right allergist proved to be a life-changing event.

The initial phase involved a comprehensive skin test. Rainville described the experience as feeling like getting bitten by a swarm of mosquitoes. The allergist administered approximately 40 tiny shots containing different allergens to measure skin reactions. The results confirmed high sensitivity, with the skin reacting negatively to almost everything.

Despite the discomfort, the prospect of a life without constant illness was motivating. The allergist prescribed a regimen of shots lasting approximately five years. The schedule began with bi-weekly injections for several months. Because the allergist was located just one town over, Rainville was able to visit before classes.

Each visit involved four shots, followed by a mandatory 30-minute wait to monitor for adverse reactions. Significant reactions did occur occasionally, but the nurses administering the shots were prepared to help. Rainville viewed the discomfort as minimal compared to the potential benefits.

By the time Rainville passed the one-year mark of the treatment, noticeable changes occurred. The primary benefit was the ability to be around pets without severe symptoms. Rainville had previously accepted a life without animal companionship.

The realization of the treatment's success was sudden. Rainville visited friends who owned two cats and left the home without experiencing physical reactions. It felt as if the allergy had never existed. This breakthrough opened up a new world of possibilities.

After five years of receiving the shots, Rainville moved into a first apartment. The newfound independence and control over allergies prompted the decision to adopt a pet. Although Rainville had always considered themselves a dog person due to higher sensitivity to cats, the stage of life felt right for a feline companion.

The search for a pet led to various rescues and online listings. Rainville found a young cat named Munchkin who had been returned by a previous family due to anxiety. Seeing a kindred spirit, Rainville decided to try fostering.

The fostering arrangement ended almost immediately. Rainville became a "foster failure," realizing within a few days that Munchkin was a permanent fixture. The bond was instant.

Reflecting on the journey, Rainville noted that every ounce of time and effort invested in the immunization shots was worth it. The treatment not only improved Rainville's quality of life but also secured a spoiled life for Munchkin.