Chronic Uriticaria & Angioedema

Yep, that's what I have.

What is Chronic Urticaria?
It is more commonly known as hives.  They can be as small as a dime or up to the size of a saucer.  They can be very itchy, burn, sting and ache.  Yep, mine did all four.

And what about Angioedema?
It is grotesque swelling of the face, lips, tongue, eyes and throat/voice box.  Again, hit all those except the tongue.

Five months ago it all started.  At first, I thought I was allergic to Aleve and/or strawberries, so I took those out of my diet.  Two weeks after it started, I went to my PCP and got a cortisone shot & was put on Prednisone.  The hives calmed down, but didn't go away.

Again in March, April & May, I had more flare ups.  I took out blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes and wheat.  The hives never went completely away, but they did go through times of less activity.

I had a reaction from my sea sick bands at the pressure points while we were on our cruise.  A friend of mine told me to go see an allergist when I got home. (Mind you, friends have been telling me this all along...I just don't want to take the time to go see one, since hives shouldn't last more than 6 weeks - Yes, I realize I'm 5 months into it now!!  But they'll just go away...I know they will...)

I got home and called an Allergist and made an appointment.  The earliest time was two weeks out.  Who knew that would be the worst two weeks I'd ever have with this pestering problem.  My throat swelled up twice, my body was covered literally from head to toe and I spent many sleepless nights crying, itching and praying.  Through that experience, I learned that taking massive amounts of Vitamin C (which is great for the immune system) is a terrible idea when it comes to Hives!  That and drinking Apple Cider Vinegar water...Not a good idea either.  Live and Learn.  Self-medicating wasn't going so hot for me...

I got to the allergist, where they drew my blood.  Sixteen viles later, they sent it off to the lab.  Now it's just time to wait for the results. 

Waiting is hard, but this week has flown by.  I'm looking forward to hearing the results at the beginning of the week.

I also have my own little pharmaceutical company.  =)  I'm not big on taking drugs, but I have to admit, I'm thankful for these drugs and the great relief I am feeling! (even with the side effects! - moodiness, hyper-active & drowsy at the same time...I'm a mess, but not itching! HA!)

There are three thoughts from both the Allergist and myself.  1.) I have a food allergy.  2.)  I have an environmental allergy.  or 3.)  I have an autoimmune disorder.  One of these, we both agree, is most likely the culprit.

But I'll worry about that later, if the allergies to food and environment don't seem to be the problem.

In the meantime, I'm thankful for the relief of pain, thankful for praying friends and VERY thankful to God who listens to my prayers & pleadings and provides me relief.

To Be Continued...