Scratch testing accurate with Xolair treatment?

[Guest guest]

I was going to be tested (and re-tested in some cases) using skin testing

but I wasn't sure if getting the Xolair treatments make it inaccurate. My

doctor did mention that my total IgE level would not be a true

representation once I started the Xolair shots and it would be elevated for

at least a year afterwards.

BTW, next week I will hit maintenance for the first time in 4 attempts on

allergy shots in large part due to Xolair (and epi-rinses and time released

allergen..) I have had 3 Xolair shots (150 mg/once/month) and I think I have

noticed a difference to some of the outdoor allergens - grass in particular.

I used to taste it when I walked outdoors when some had mowed recently.

Didn't have a problem last week! And I was able to be in a home with a dog

for 45 minutes without reacting to the dog dander everywhere.

The other good news is that I was able to stop the prednisone after 5 weeks

on it. We think it was a silent sinus infection that was getting me flaring.

Still not back to where I was 18 months ago - lowest Advair dose and

Singulair - but getting off the evil candy and not needing 2-3/day nebs is

something I will celebrate! I am still on the max does of Advair and

Uniphyll daily, but we shall see over the next few months.

B.