I'd also ask you about the timing - that is, we've had rain on/off so if your nose started up on a sunny day, etc.

Sparky, the redbud is blooming outside my door, but I've never really had seasonal allergies before.

If Claritin doesn't for you in these parts, is there something that does?

I keep thinking, if I could just sleep more, it would go away, but that won't be the case unless I sleep a really long time, will it?

eta: Now, all of a sudden, as if by the power of suggestion, I'm sneezing.

Zyrtec works better for me on this side of the country, and I also have a prescription for Flonase.

Gesundheit!

The next day I develop allergy symptoms. Can those two things be related?

Nope! Coincidence. And I'd say is definitely allergies. I've got the same stuff going on (and felt like HELL on Monday). Spring's a bloomin' in the MidAtlantic!

Spring's a bloomin' in the MidAtlantic!

::dons a diving helmet::

No fever, no body aches, no headache.

This is my benchmark for "not a cold". I do differentiate between a generalized headache and the eyebrow/cheekbone ache that often signals sinus inflammation and/or infection for me.

I take Claritin every day. And I have Nasonex, too, not to mention the amount of Benedryl I've been taking since it is more effective than the prescription insomnia meds that I have tried so far. The symptoms I'm having are in spite of this stuff. As I understand it, allergies can develop for anyone at any time. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the beating your immune system has taken recently has left it somewhat hyper-vigilant.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the beating your immune system has taken recently has left it somewhat hyper-vigilant.

This was exactly my thought, Andi. Seriously, yesterday I was terrified that I had something that might turn into a respiratory something. So, frankly, the sudden onset of allergies...despite the feeling awful part...seems better to me.

It's just that I have zero energy at a time when I was all psyched to get my house and business in order. It's irritating physically, mentally AND spiritually!

I agree with Sparky 100% on Claritin's lack of effectiveness (my doc refers to Claritin as candy) and the effectiveness of Zyrtec (which I take every day).

I never had allergies until my late 20's when I developed seasonal allergies. Now, many years later, that season is year-round.

It is a depressing truth that one can develop allergies at any age. I've tried most antihistamines, but find that diphenhydramine (Benedryl) works as well as anything, and it doesn't make me sleepy.

Benedryl works terrific for my allergies, but it also puts me into a coma for about 8 hours. Totally non-functional.

Post toasties:

This week has been hectic and is just going to get worse for the next couple of days.

I totally overslept yesterday to the point where I missed my first period class. The school secretary grabbed a sub for me (I did call in, it's not like I just didn't show up!).

Last night, we had load-in for our show. It took from 5:30 to midnight. I got home and chilled and fell asleep about 1am. Then was up 4.5 hours later for school.

I have to leave right after school because we have dress rehearsal tonight. It will be the first time in the theatre with all the props/set/costumes, so I know the first run-through is going to suck. And, since I'm the director and *in* the show, I'm going to be running around from the stage to the house and back trying to watch the scenes I'm not in. And, trying to run around in a dinosaur costume. Hopefully the second will go better. I suspect we'll be in reh till 11 or 12.

Tomorrow, thank the powers that be, I have the day off. The show opens tomorrow night and then we have 2 shows on Sat.