Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

I have suffered from same symptoms started begining of March.
This is the first time I have had hayfever and wonder why I am
suffering now ??

That's strange that you have never had it before. I think sometimes it does just start with people though. Has it been bad since march non-stop?

I've had hayfever since I can remember (I'm told since I was four) so well over 30 years. I used to have the injections and they worked, then I had levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets which worked wonderfully, each of these treatments was discontinued.
I have since found a source of levocetirizine online. Ordered today, so I will post again when/if I receive the tablets and they work.
This was cheaper than paying for a private prescription which seemed to be the only way I could have these tablets. Even though when they were first available (c. 2001) they cost the NHS less than many of the other hayfever remedies available.
I find it hard to believe that the NHS will not prescribe these tablets because of cost but they will prescribe me other hayfever tablets and inhalers on the NHS. Which will probably cost more than one tablet a day that works.
Hoping people are not suffering too much with hayfever, but mine is playing me up quite badly at the moment to the point where I cannot sleep at night and constantly want to itch and scratch my eyes and my nose.
Sorry if this is a bit long reply, its my first time on this site.

Hi Bearferret, welcome to the forums!

I would be very interested to hear if the tablets work. Very strange that NHS won't prescribe these tablets, sounds like an oversight more than anything.

It is because they think they are too expensive. I could get them on a private prescription at about £16 per month. I used to have these tablets (levocetirizine) and they used to work, so I am hoping the site I've ordered them from is legitimate and they arrive soon.

I'll let you know if they do arrive and if they still work.

i can get cetirizine hydrochloride tablets from the Co-op chemist, their own make is best as it doesn't cause drowsiness and a months supply is about £3.

*dreams of the days when only had hay fever in the summer*

I get hay fever now 12 months round. Christmas Day two years ago was a bugger, ended up lying on my bed for 2 hours with a cold wet flannel over my eyes to bring it back under control. USe eye drops, which are usually kept in the fridge for that instant relief, and started beconase this year, though its effectiveness is debatable as i almost instantly then snot it out again. Particularly bad at the moment with grass/tree/pollution all combining with good weather. am on day 10 of an attack, and am just about functioning. pity me.

PS. Am fine with dust so long as i don't disturb it.

Sorry to head that Kit. I get hayfever from about April til October and that is bad enough, though I can cope in April, May, September and October with Cetirizine, eye drops and nasal spray, when it comes to June, July and August they just aren't enough. I 'm like you spending hours an evening on the bed with a cold wet flannel over my face to calm things down.
I always wear sunglasses or glasses when outside as I find this does help to keep some of the pollen out of my eyes, but draw the line at wearing a mask to keep it out of my nose and lungs. I'd feel a bit silly.
I'll post here when/if I get Levocetirizine dihydrochloride (ordered online from American company who say they deliver to UK and Europe) and let you all know. I used to have these tablets and one a day stopped my hayfever competely. It was bliss
Can't wait til they arrive.

I have been suffering from Hayfever for the past 5 years, prior to that I didn't even know what the word Hayfever meant, anyway I do have 1 question and i hope to get an answer,
this year (2008) i experienced so far my worst attack, in the past my hayfever usually last 1 month maximum, but this year I'm on my 3rd month and still going,, can anyone tell me pls why this year is different from previous years? Are there more pollen than normally? Am confused
Thanks

Hello, I'm new!

I came to these forums looking for the answer to a duck question!

I've suffered for years and when I was little there were wasn't really anything effective to take for it, it was awful during exam times and sporting competitions (athletics in particular). I visited a show once where a bee-keeper was displaying his bees, he suggested I chew on some honeycombe to releive my hay fever symptoms and it really did work! It only releives the symptoms while you're chewing and after a while (once all the lovely honey has gone) you have to spit it out, but during the time you're chewing it really helps. It has to be local honey though - within a 20 mile radius is best.

There's my 'herbal' remedy, I hope it helps someone!
Cheers.

I finally got the tablets (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride), and wey hey they work again. I took one yesterday and managed to strim the garden yesterday evening. I know a major test for one tablet, but it worked. Previously I wouldn't have been able to be out of the house for more than 10 minutes without suffering.

I'm not sure how legit the website is as the tablets still indicate they have to be under a prescription, but I've been struggling to get these even under a private prescription in this country.

I can't believe the difference one little tablet can make. Anyway if anyone else wants to risk it the company is 4RX.com. The postage and packing is extortionate, but I bought two months supply so it worked out about £9 per month, not bad when a NHS Prescription is £7.10 and the tablets don't work.

On the subject of this year being different I've been told that Hayfever comes in seven year cycles, not sure if it is an old wives tale though, so maybe this year is the worst of the seven.

Hoping all on here don't suffer too much.

Bearferret

I have recently read a couple of articles and heard discussions on the radio regarding the use of honey against hay fever.

If you eat every day a spoonful of local mixed blossom honey it is supposed to reduce symptoms of hay fever and pollen allergies. It helps your body gradually get used to the allergen. For the best result it is important to use honey that is as local as possible because it contains pollen from plants that are causing the allergy.

I bought a jar of local honey from my butchers and I suppose farm shops/markets would be a good source as well.

Well I've been taking Levocetirizine for over a week now and no hayfever in that time. If you can get your GP to prescribe Levocetirizine i would say it is well worth a try. If not try online like I did. Hope the weather today is making your hayfever less. It has been raining all day here. East Midlands.

Bearferret