9 weeks and hayfever driving me wild - is there anything I can do.

[moulesfrites]

Been to drs this afternoon only to find they are apparently shut on a Weds afternoon. So then went to the pharmacist, who told me her hands were tied, but if I went to the drop in centre they would be able to prescribe me something. So I go to the drop in centre to be seen by a nurse practitioner who is even more useless, says there is nothing I can have and I will have to see my GP!

All the while, I have streaming eyes which I want to scratch out, am sneezing constantly and have itchy throat and ears. Any advice as I am getting fairly desperate.

My GP has said I can have piriton - the normal one not the 1 a day or non drowsy version. As I understand it, its largely deemed OK as it has been around 40-50 years without adverse effects being identified. Advice seems to vary though and some GPs advise nasal sprays, some say piriton, some say nothing. I've found using the allergy reliever from Lloyds and vaseline up the nose takes the edge off it. Also I wear sunglasses outside and when travelling on public transport.

I have started using Hay Max - it's a kind of waxy substance you apply around the nostrils. It's helping slightly, although I need to reapply frequently. Got it in Boots.

The downside is that it was nearly £7 for a tiny tub.

Try getting some saline spray - they're no drugs in that so it's usually fine.

For the drugs you and your doctor need to be okay with the possible risk. There are a few antihistamines that you must not take, but piriton is often prescribed as it's such an old drug. Ceterizine has been tested in pregnancy, but only in small groups.

Can you stay inside with doors and windows shut? That's what I'm doing ATM (23 wks PG). Mind you, it is pissing sweaty DH off something rotten

Wash face, eyes under shower.

Air filter/ioniser for the bedroom? At least you will start the day non-streaming...

Having forked out for the Haymax, I'm not convinced it works any better than Vaseline. It certainly seems to wipe off more easily.

Oh, and there's homeopathy of course. Not my thing, but it might be yours?

you can buy steroid nasal spray (called beclometasone or something?) over the counter and eyedrops (sodium cromoglicate). The pharmacist probably won't sell them to you if you tell them you're preg (so don't) but your GP will prescribe them (mine did anyway and i'm pg) and then they'd be free. They don't work instantly though, it's a build up effect.

I've been told I can take piriton but not piriteeze or the newer non-drowsey ones.

There was a thread a couple of days ago about this where someone quoted the NHS Direct info, but I have no idea how to post links - sorry.