Hives

eris esoteric · #1 03-24-2006, 09:28 AM

OK, so the hives are back.

Backstory:

I've gotten this twice before. Both were when I was experiencing HIGH levels of stress (like working with a psychotic coworker, maybe?). I've been to an alergist, I've been to two regular GPs. The allergist tells me that stress doesn't cause the hives. Should have walked out the door right then. I've taken three different anti-histamines for them ALL of them have made the hives break out even WORSE. The allergist also didn't believe the anti-histamines could cause that reaction.

I'm pretty much doctored out at this point. I am seeing (yet another) new doctor at this point, and I guess I could run through the whole rigmarole again, but I'm honestly working on DECREASING my stress level, even though stress obviously doesn't cause the hives.

On the other hand, I'm not terribly fond of the "let's go to the emergency room to get shot up with prednisone" option either. Although, now that I think of it, both times that happened was when I'd taken anti-histamines (which, of course, can't give me hives).

So, any suggestions? I am tempted to go to the doctor to get an EpiPen, in case of a major breakout, but I'm almost as afraid of the EpiPen as I am of anti-histamines at this point.

On the BRIGHT side, my Elavil does seem to be helping. I took a pill about an hour ago, and my hands look almost normal again.

And yeah, I know, get off my butt and excersize is on the top of the list, because of that holistic "whole body wellness" thing. I'm going.

**theworm**[$] · #2 03-24-2006, 09:36 AM

EEk!
Stress can bring on hives.
Beyond that I don't have advice.
Are you itchy? If so, cornstarch paste is supposed to help.

**pippadaisy**[$] · #3 03-24-2006, 09:49 AM

You don't want to take the Epi just for hives, only for anaphylaxis.

What antihistamines have you tried? There are a lot of people allergic to ingredients in them (especially the dyes in Benadryl... you might want to try the children's dye-free liquid).

**mtomm**[$] · #4 03-24-2006, 10:16 AM

I can't believe he said that stress does not cause hives! That is BS! I've experienced it myself and seen it in at least a half dozen other people, my children included.

My only suggestion is a soda bath and I know that isn't much help because yours sound quite severe but maybe it would help for a little while. I hope you find a doctor that will help you through this!

**lynnzop**[$] · #5 03-24-2006, 10:19 AM

Bree had an allergic reaction to Benedryl, so it's possible that the anti-histimines are making it worse.

You need a different allergist, mah dear. Someone who can't help you is not worth keeping around.

eris esoteric · #6 03-24-2006, 10:29 AM

More doctors, Lynn? The object here is to REDUCE stress!

And they're not bad now, but past experience has been REALLY bad. Like, going into work looking like Quazimodo bad. And the fun trip to the emergency room where everyone who walked past me while I was hooked up to the prednizone, looked quickly, blinked a lot, turned and walked past faster.

And I swear the Elavil is helping. The flair up on my hands is gone, as are the bumps on the back of my neck and the red spots on my face. I really think I can beat it this time!

Now, if we can just get the coworker stable enough so that she's ABLE to go looking for another job...

eris esoteric · #7 03-24-2006, 10:32 AM

Oh, and I've taken over-the-counter Benedryl, that works OK, no flare ups. Makes me sleepy though.

Zyrtec and Claratin put me in the hospital. Allegra caused a less major flare up.

**pippadaisy**[$] · #8 03-24-2006, 10:50 AM

Ask for Atarax. It's an anti-anxiety that works as an antihistamine. Generic is hydroxyzine. I'll bet money it would work for you.

eris esoteric · #9 03-24-2006, 10:52 AM

Hmm... the Elavil is an anti-anxiety med. Don't think I wanna go mixing too many drugs.

(And yes, I was a good girl and excercised today. And when April rolls around I"ll even join that group thing you guys have going. I promise.)

**theworm**[$] · #10 03-24-2006, 11:07 AM

do you meditate?

**pippadaisy**[$] · #11 03-24-2006, 11:34 AM

LOL.
Switch to the Atarax. Then you have the added bonus>

eris esoteric · #12 04-11-2006, 03:28 PM

*Sigh*

So I've been at the emergency room again today... Woke up and the hives were ALL over, went to work, figured it would be a quiet night, ended up dealing with a former-employee-cum-vagrant and by the time I got out of work I was looking like Quazimodo. I'm going to bed soon. And I'm calling work before I do and telling them that I don't care if the coworker gets hit by a truck I'm not coming in tonight.

The poor cats are SO confused. First I come home, change my clothes, feed them, leave immediately, stay gone for HOURS... and then I come home and put that noisy thing-a-ma-jig in the window (read: air conditioner). Humans are SO weird.

**theworm**[$] · #13 04-11-2006, 03:32 PM

I'm sorry Eris!
What did the ER say?
Did they give y ou something.
You need to get rid of your co-workers. They're bad for your health.

eris esoteric · #14 04-11-2006, 03:37 PM

We *did* get rid of this one, Wormie. He was fired over a year ago. Sometime later I'll post The Ballad of Phil, the Harbroughter of doom.

ER gave me the prednizone and a scrip for more, with strict instructions to see my regular doctor as soon as possible. And Judy, not to worry, I was an angel while I was there. The waiting room was crammed full and there was a really long wait, but two of the nurses thanked me for being so patient "especially considering how itchy you must be". You can all report back to my mom that I was a good girl (Don't think I don't know about that nurses' network

)

**theworm**[$] · #15 04-11-2006, 03:41 PM

PM me your mom's e-mail. I'll tell her that you're a little angel.

eris esoteric · #16 04-11-2006, 03:42 PM

Cue up for the bad Alzheimer's jokes now...

**theworm**[$] · #17 04-11-2006, 03:51 PM

I'm ready!

**Helen_B**[$] · #18 04-12-2006, 04:11 AM

Wow, Eris, you're docs don't impress me. People often react to the filler, coating or dye in OTC and prescription medication, let alone the active ingredients. ( If I want to know what will probably happen to me when I take something, I look way down at the teeny fine print.) Antihistimes are no exception.

Can you afford a naturopath? If so, maybe there is someone good in your area who could treat you homeopathically, a method usually without side effects, which is compatible with prescription medication. Some people find Bach Flower Remedies helpful, and again they are compatible with prescription medication; some naturopaths are experienced in advising how they should be used. (Rescue Remedy is very helpful in combating anxiety on the spot.)