Allie,
Don't let the doctors dissuade you from asking questions. They are like that, aren’t they? They think just because they know what they are doing, you’re supposed to just trust them! Well, first of all – half the time they don’t know what they are doing. Second – you have this one body, this one life, it is absolutely your responsibility to do everything in your power to make it better. Do what you have to and don’t let them discourage you. It is their job to make you better, whatever it takes!

Xolo=

They're an old breed of Mayan dogs who Frida Kahlo made popular again in Mexico. And most are hairless and do very well for people with allergies (unless you're allergic to dog protein itself, not just the dander). I also like Peruvian Inca Orchids/ Peruvian hairless dogs which look similar but are much much rarer in the US.

I try not to get too intimidated at the doctor's but I get white coat syndrome! :P My doctor at home once was really worried about my blood pressure and had me test at home for a few months and track it (my mom has high blood pressure so we have a machine). My blood pressure was dead center of normal- until the moment I walk into a doctor's office! :P It makes me feel stupid and forget things too.

I always make a list of questions and take it with me. When I was pregnant with Connor, my doctor actually scheduled me back-to-back appointments because she knew I'd always be asking so many questions!

Kara

Ask your allergist to do a PATCH TEST. It's a 48-72 hour test where you have a strip of 24 chemical patches on your back. The bad part - they can't get wet, so washing the hair in the sink, and sponge baths for 2 or 3 days....

I went through miserable hives that lasted for 3 or 4 weeks, needed 3 extended rounds of Pred. and Allegra - all as a result of getting Poison Ivy. I had the skin test done about 3 years ago, when I went through the same thing, and that came back negative - so this time around I had the patch test done. Come to find out, I'm not allergic to anything there either - however, they did have me bring some Poison Ivy in, and they patched me for that. I had one of the more sever reactions that my allergist had ever seen. That was 6 weeks ago, and I just got over it last week.

Hope the hives aren't driving you too insane. Benadryl for kids was my best friend when I had them!