https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:05:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-692182 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:25:22 +0000 BSB 692182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: Oh, cool! I'm looking at CT, too. They have IF state mandate. I think there are a few others on the east coast: MD, NY, NJ, RI. </p> <p>Though my current insurance covers IF testing but not IF procedures. It won't be a total deal breaker if the job I'm looking at doesn't offer IF benefits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-692149 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:18:16 +0000 ShootingStar 692149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: Yes, MA requires IF coverage! You typically need to be documented trying for a year if &lt;35, 6 months if &gt;35. Which I think you qualify for now? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-692143 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:15:59 +0000 BSB 692143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: Yeah, that and IF benefits. I think MA requires IF coverage. One of the states I'm doing my job search. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-692131 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:13:00 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 692131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: oh that's good because. I can't imagine anyone paying for it out of pocket! Insurance should be a priority for your next job! I also looked for one with an adoption benefit ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-692113 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:09:13 +0000 BSB 692113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: Oh, yeah! I do remember being concerned about the cost when DH first started the shots. He did have to get blood tests done to qualify for the drug. Luckily, we have to just pay for our prescription co-pay. Makes me nervous about me job hunting again. I hope I find a job that has good insurance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-691760 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:17:49 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 691760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: xolair! That's pricey! I hope your insurance is very excellent :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690797 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:36:22 +0000 ShootingStar 690797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You could try getting the carpets professionally cleaned. And I would highly recommend seeing a pulmonologist/allergist. I saw one for a while when my asthma was really bad and it helped a lot. There's daily medication, both inhaled and oral that can help get things under control a lot. </p> <p>I have a dog too and it would be pretty much impossible to get rid of her. I took responsibility for her and I love her and she's a part of our family. She was a rescue that was dropped over a 6 foot wall to a kill shelter. To me, she deserves to stay with her forever family. I would do pretty much anything before getting rid of her. New medications, allergy shots, regular carpets cleanings, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690747 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:25:57 +0000 BSB 690747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: my husband has severe asthma. Like use a nebulizer every night and hospital stay a couple times a year.</p> <p>We do have a dog and part of his asthma is worse because of it. But DH will not get rid of the dog. When his asthma got bad, I considered giving the dog up but DH said no. I really wanted to but DH knows that I couldn't do it either.</p> <p>His doctors used to always tell him to get rid of the dog. At this point they have given up. Well, we, also, found out there's another reason (not dog related) that causes his attacks. </p> <p>We do have a lot of carpet in our place so a lot of that dander stay in. When we move, I'm hoping to stay away from mostly carpeted floor plans.</p> <p>We have an air purifier, too. We used those allergen pillows and pillow protectors.</p> <p>We vacuum and dust pretty often.</p> <p>Before we got my dog, I wanted to get an bishon frise because its hyper allergenic. We found our dog at the shelter instead.</p> <p>When we first had her, she wasn't allowed on our bed. Now, she is. Like I said earlier, his attacks are allergy related so its not that bad. Oh, we changed our sheets pretty often.</p> <p>ETA: DH gets Xolair (allergy) shots every 2 weeks. He recently took an allergy test and the test showed that he wasn't allergic to anything anymore. Including cats and dogs. Allergy shots can help. At first, it was an hassle getting shots every two weeks but now he is used to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690654 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:08:52 +0000 Foodnerd81 690654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: I'm not sure what this says about me, but we would have to exhaust every single option before I would consider getting rid of the dog for DH's allergies, but if our kid was having asthma attacks because of the dog, he'd have to go live with my family (the dog, not the kid). I really, really hope our baby doesn't inherit DH's asthma or allergies! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690616 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:03 +0000 LovelyPlum 690616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the dust mite/allergen covers, especially on the pillows. I have asthma, and we have a dog. She's on our bed, but as long as I make sure that my pillow is clean, I'm fine with it. </p> <p>FYI, the furminator is amazing, but it does make them shed for up to 48 hours after you use it each time. So you might just want to be wary of that. We love it, though! </p> <p>One other thought: if you get to to the point where you can uncrate the puppy when he's older, you could get a room-sized air purifier and keep your bedroom door closed. If the furniture in the rest of the house is leather, then that's not so hard to clean out. </p> <p>But I totally agree with the carpet suggestion. Even though it will seem like more dust/hair everywhere without it, it's WAY easier to clean.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690573 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:52:30 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 690573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My view is probably not popular, but I see kids all the time who end up in the hospital and ICU because the pets are a non- negotiable. So we temporize and try to make their function tolerable when removing the pets from the home was all it took.</p> <p>It's a health and safety issue! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-690532 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:44:57 +0000 Sugar.Biscuit 690532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I notice a big difference when we give in and let the animals on the bed. I have a horrible time sleeping again until we wash the bedding. Also recommend putting dust mite/bed bug covers on your matress &amp; pills. It helps cut back on allergens as well. I think it cost us 60 bucks to cover a queen &amp; 4 pillows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688182 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:33:56 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 688182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: it's a rapid set of allergy shots. If I go through with it, I'll get 3 months of shots in one day. It's done at the hospital &amp; I'd be closely monitored all day. Then you got 2x a week for 3 months, which is when you reach the maintence level. At that point, I'd go monthly for 3-5 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688146 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:24:50 +0000 MrsBrewer 688146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: He doesn't take any allergy medication currently, and I don't think he's ever been to an allergist. I will suggest that tonight. I just have to say that I seriously bow down to you and all of your cleaning! I really need to step up my game here!</p> <p>@Foodnerd81: Yes, he's a chocolate lab/australian blue heeler mix. He will be about 90-100 lbs he has very thick coarse fur like a lab, but it's a little longer too. We just bought the Furminator brush and have been using that a lot!</p> <p>@Sugar.Biscuit: I don't know why I'm being such a softy with kicking the animals out of the room :-( I know it needs to be done though </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688131 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:21:03 +0000 Sugar.Biscuit 688131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the same problem! We tore up the carpet, kicked the cat out of the bedroom &amp; made the dogs sleep on the floor. I am highly allergic to our pets but the allergy specialist said if I started the shots that eventually my body will build an tolerance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688046 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:04:03 +0000 Foodnerd81 688046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I see, about the kennel being too big. Is there any other room you can keep it in? Also, does that mean you have a big lab? I know their coats are thicker and may have more dander than some others (my dog is small/medium with not terribly thick fur). </p> <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: Rapid desensitization sounds scary-- what is that?</p> <p>DH has gone to a asthma/allergy specialist and has some prescription stuff that he takes when we visit my parents, but it only helps for a little while and it makes him a little drowsy. But, not as bad as Benedryl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688010 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:49:53 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 688010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I have the same issues and am currently weighing my options. Rapid desensitization was a treatment option, but I got the consent form today and am scared shitless. Now I feel like I'm back to square one!</p> <p>Had he seem an allergist? I recommend seeing one and pinpointing his exact allergies and asthma triggers. That will help determine his treatment course.</p> <p>Definitely keep your bedroom pet free. We used to sleep with our kitties but kicked them out of the bedroom earlier this month &amp; did a deep clean. It's made a tremendous difference.</p> <p>Pet dander can stay in your carpet for 6-9 months once the pets are removed from the home, so I'd look into having them deep cleaned or possibility replaced. I know it's a huge expense -- we're looking into hardwood floors right now, too.</p> <p>What allergy pills does he take? Claritin did squat for me, but switching to Zyrtec made a huge difference. Again, not a cure-all, but on a scale of 1-10 I'm feeling a 7 on the Zyrtec (I was a 3 on the Claritin).</p> <p>Lastly, vacuum daily. Wash your curtains and throw rugs frequently and wash your floors -- our kitchen is tiled and the corners seem to collect lots of cat hair. So disgusting. Vacuum your mattresses, move the furniture and vacuum there as well. Dust, dust, dust. Consider an air purifier.</p> <p>Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-688000 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:46:38 +0000 MrsBrewer 688000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Good suggestion about vacuuming! I completely didn't realize that it stirs up more dust! We have a pretty nice pet vacuum that's supposed to have a fancy air filter on it. But maybe I will try and vacuum in the mornings right when he leaves for work.</p> <p>And I totally had a brain fart about the filters! Yes i know what those are now! We just normally have been buying the cheap-o filters, but maybe we will try the better ones instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687988 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:44:40 +0000 CottonCandy 687988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, it sucks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687986 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:43:59 +0000 MrsBrewer 687986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CottonCandy: Yuck! That is really gross! I'm pretty sure the lady that lived there before us had a dog as well! We just moved there just about a year ago. So that's a very high possibility. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687978 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:43:20 +0000 regberadaisy 687978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, for your HVAC unit. If you go to Lowes/Home Depot they should all have HEPA filters. It's suppose to help trap allergens. If you think about it everything in the air gets sucked into the system then blown back out. So makes sense to use one.</p> <p>Re: the pawing of the cats. My IL's cats do this all the time! They put him in the basement and put a towel up against the door to muffle it! Hahah</p> <p>I recently listened to a podcast on NPR about starting at home to help control asthma. The name of the podcast is "To control asthma, start with the home instead of the child". Might be worth listening to for some additional tips?</p> <p>My husband has pet allergies too but more so with cats. Whenever we go over to the ILs his allergies get bad because of their cats. They mean well by vacuuming but they do it right before we come over which just circulates all the dust around which makes it worse! So I also reco trying to vacuum when DH isn't home and open the windows to give the dust ample time to settle before he gets home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687945 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:35:49 +0000 CottonCandy 687945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, the thing with carpet is....Once animal dander gets in the carpet, it can last for up to six years there! So even if you have only lived at your house for less than that, if the previous owners had pets, then their dander will most likely be in the carpet too! Gross when you think about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687909 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:29:45 +0000 MrsBrewer 687909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I don't think we really have room in our living room for his kennel, it's a huge one (made for lab/retreiver sized dogs) </p> <p>I love having carpet that's the thing. buuuutt the carpet that's in our house is soooo hold. So I'm sure it's a huge culprit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687898 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:28:05 +0000 MrsBrewer 687898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Our dog doesn't go on the bed at all (thank goodness!) and we have leather furniture that we do allow him on. but I normally wipe it down once a week. I mean I could keep the cats out of our bedroom by just shutting the door at night, but I have a feeling they would paw at the door all night long truthfully. Plus DH's asthma was never that bad with just them. So I think the dog is the problem. </p> <p>I will tlak to DH about getting the carpet out of there since it sounds like that might help the most.</p> <p>Thanks for all of this awesome advice!! Keep it coming! Any cleaning tips? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687890 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:26:06 +0000 Foodnerd81 687890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: When I had my dog in a crate when we first got him, his crate was in the living room and he was fine-- he really didn't care as long as he had his 'room'.</p> <p>ETA: sorry one more thing! DH is fine with our dog, but when we visit my parents who have wall to wall carpeting and a dog who goes on their cloth couches, his asthma gets way worse. We can never sleep over there or I think he would have a full blown asthma attack. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687888 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:25:16 +0000 MrsBrewer 687888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CottonCandy: Oh awesome! I will have to show that to DH! We just love our pets, so yea getting rid of them isn't an option! I think we are going to start kicking them out of the bedroom though at night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687883 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:24:22 +0000 Foodnerd81 687883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree-- get rid of the carpeting in the bedroom and keep pets off the bed-- especially the dog, since it sounds like he might be the bigger culprit. Keep the pets, especially the dog, off all furniture, actually, and limit the soft surfaces that collect fur/dander. DH is allergic/asthmatic with dogs, but we have one and he is fine with him, but we have hardwood floors, leather couches, and the dog isn't allowed on the furniture. </p> <p>I know you don't want to kick them out of the bedroom entirely, but maybe you could move the kennel away from the bed. From what I hear, training cats not to do something is really difficult, but dogs seem to be easier to train to stay off of furniture and such. I do think just getting carpet out of the bedroom will go a long way though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687880 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:24:14 +0000 CottonCandy 687880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah I am pretty sure they make one for dogs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687878 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:23:19 +0000 MrsBrewer 687878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CottonCandy: I'm going to look into that Allerpet. Do you think it's okay to use on dogs? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-dhs-asthma#post-687870 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:21:19 +0000 CottonCandy 687870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you guys are going through this! I hate to say it, but as someone who has a family member with asthma, the animals really are quite bad for your DH's asthma. Especially having carpet, the animal dander gets trapped in it and lingers. Obviously since getting rid of your pets isn't an option (I would never be able to give mine up either!!) maybe it is best they don't sleep with you guys. I have also heard of a product called Allerpet, which is supposed to help with the animal dander. </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allerpet-Grooming-Emollient-Cats-12/dp/B000S0L0M4" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Allerpet-Grooming-Emollient-Cats-12/dp/B000S0L0M4</a> </p>