Coughing and Sneezing and not a Cold in Sight

I have allergies. If you can eat it, if it has pollen, if it flowers or grows leaves, I am probably allergic to it. I'm even allergic to many prescription drugs. "Take Benadryl," you say? Nope, I'm allergic to that, too. It gives me hives. I know it's not a death sentence, it's not even all that serious, but it is really annoying. I watch what I eat. I annoy waiters with questions about preparation. I keep the windows closed, even on beautiful summer evenings. I sneeze all year long. It's just a fact. Need Kleenex? Just ask me, I always have a stash.

The phone rang today and it was an allergy research clinic. My doctor had passed along my results from a recent skin-prick test. Gee, imagine that, I'm a candidate for a grass allergy study.

So here's the question: Is it worth my time to quit taking my allergy meds (that usually work at least a little) to test drive a new medication that may or may not be at all helpful? Factor in that I will have a one-hour visit with the doctor every month, and I will be required to keep a daily diary of my treatment and symptoms. Is it worth it? This is the dilemma for the day. If I agree, I have my first appointment on Monday. The bonus? I get paid. Pay is good, right?

So, if you see me puffy, sneezing, coughing, with itchy, watery eyes, don't worry. I'm getting paid!