Runny, Stuffy, Itchy, Coughy, Scratchy, Sneezy, and Wheezy

No, that's not a list of Snow White's seven dwarfs. It's a shortened list of Lily's symptoms since last October. Seriously.

Our poor little sweetie has been suffering with *terrible* allergies.

Lily coughed terribly from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Literally. I had no idea that coughing was one of the major symptoms of asthma...but...I do now!

After numerous trips to the pediatrician, Lily has been to see a wonderful pediatric allergist. Lily absolutely LOVED him...and he LOVED her. The doctor even drew a picture of Lily (complete with a bow in her hair). She was absolutely smitten.

I liked the doctor, too. He's very well respected...Hopkins educated...conservative...patient...and most important...kind. It is really a great combination!

For now, Lily is taking a lot of medicine...three oral medicines, a nasal spray, and an inhaler. The medicines are helping, but not completely relieving all of her symptoms.

Lily is a trooper. Despite a constantly runny/stuffy nose (how can it be both???), several sinus infections, sleeping with the head of her bed elevated 6 inches, daily washing of her beautiful hair (aka pollen magnet), and a list of other minor inconveniences Lily remains her happy, sweet, upbeat little self.

It's looking more and more likely that Lily will begin immunotherapy (allergy shots) in the not too distant future. We will discuss that option in more depth at Lily's 5 year old check up next month.

Um...can you believe I just typed '5 year old check up' and 'next month' in the same sentence??? I know I can't!!!



Something tells me that Dr. S would be non too pleased that I was taking pictures of my daughter sitting in a flowering fruit tree! Obviously, I've still got a lot to learn!