Hives, Chapter 2

[goatgal]

Went to see a PCP at the clinic this morning. It's definitely hives and thank goodness not shingles. And, wouldn't you know, the itching this morning was less, just in specific areas. BUT the minute I went from an air conditioned bldg into bright sunlight and then the heat of my parked car, the intense all over itching began again as well as the involuntary twitching that I experienced on the two previous days. It's my theory that my sensory nervous system is on the fritz, so I've asked for a consult with any neurologist except the one I was assigned to.

If the new neuro takes me seriously, I will tell him or her that my brain produces sounds that I know are not real, not generated in my environment. I tried to explain this before but was dismissed. It's an auditory hallucination, similar to but not exactly like an ear worm. These hallucinations are not repetitive like a song that gets stuck in your head (ear worm). Stay tuned for Chapter 3.

[daveh121]

Wow. That doesn’t sound fun at all. At least you got to see someone and hopefully things will get better soon.

All the best.

[goatgal in reply to daveh121]

You make an acute observation. Fun doesn't begin to describe this. Since no cause can be determined, do I need an allergist? Should I see a neurologist. Is it possible to have an allergy to sunlight and intense heat? If so I'm in deep doo-doo with a warming planet.

[daveh121 in reply to goatgal]

Sounds like seeing both is in order.

My wife has a bit allergy. It can be bad sometimes which could be potentially life threatening. Mostly she gets medium reactions and controls it with drugs.

We have been seeing a surge in tick bite allergies here (US, California). People get nasty hives that lasts for several days.

I guess hives can be environmental, or induced by a bite or food. As well as other things.

Sure is a bummer. Hopefully you can find a way to be comfortable as this gets sorted out.

[goatgal in reply to daveh121]

Seeing an allergist might give me some answers. Thank you

[rjoneslaw]

hopefully things will get better

[greaterexp]

Did no one suggest any treatment for the hives?

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

Nope.

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

They said to continue with the Benadryl and gabapentin.

[greaterexp in reply to goatgal]

I'm sorry nothing more was offered, but I hope that whatever is causing this makes a hasty exit!

[bxrmom in reply to goatgal]

I'm sorry they didn't offer anything other than what you have been using to help with your itching. I can't imagine. Glad its not shingles, though. Both of those things make me sleepy, not sure about you. Hope you can find an allergist to help get to the bottom of this for you.

Virtual healing hugs from MI

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to goatgal]

I have used OTC Eucerin Calming creme.. I also keep a few aloe plants around and that gel is great. you can also buy it OTC.

[jimeka]

Did they give you anything to stop the itching? 🤗

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

That’s wonderful news that it wasn’t shingles. You mentioned that your hives were better in the air condition building. Do you have air conditioning at your house? Perhaps that can give you some relief. Be Well, goatgal

[erash]

Solar urticaria?

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol...

[goatgal in reply to erash]

Thank you. Why aren't you my doctor??? It's obvious to me that this is heat related. In the AC of the drs. office, early in the morning, they were calm, just slightly itchy. But stepping out into the heat, sun and hot car, they came roaring back.

[pamgarner]

oh me,oh my,oh my so glad you went,and my father is allergic to the sun,he will sit outside and be broke out in hives!

[goatgal in reply to pamgarner]

yes, Your reply gives me comfort. I know I'm not alone in this. Early in the morning, all the hives are subsiding, so when I was in the ac at the drs. office, they didn't look so bad. But when I came out, it was noon, bright sun, close to 100 and the car was much hotter. On the interstate, driving home, they erupted again and the whole body jerks came at random moments. Fortunately I was almost home when those began. But talk about heat sensitivity! They've spread to my hands this morning. I hope this means that they will stop when they run out of new places to go.

[kdali]

I’m sorry. I hope you get sorted soon! Don’t you love all the crazy things that can’t possibly be MS 😑🤦‍♀️

[CrazyCatWom]

isn't that the way it always goes? Back when I could actually see my cardiologist face to face, the modern art that my capularies create on my ankles and calves didn't appear at all. Until I got home. Then my vascular Picasso and Dali just went nuts!

[goatgal in reply to CrazyCatWom]

As a child I was often sent home from school because my skin developed a mottled appearance. By the time I walked home, it would be gone. My mother would get so annoyed. Now, my hands, in particular, will be red for no reason, especially in the morning. I assume it is some sort of vascular problem. Isn't the human body interesting! So many systems have to interact smoothly and flawlessly...it's a miracle we survive!

[CrazyCatWom in reply to goatgal]

The human body is just truely amazing! I attended a talk my neurologist was doing regarding MS and what an MRI really shows. It was so fascinating! He had a slide that was a realbrain MRI. He'd point to a scar and say, "I see a leision there, and can tell you, "I know you are having urinary problems. And if i see leisions there . . . I know you are having hearing problems." It is like reading a book, for him!

[agapepilgrim]

You sound miserable. I think a good allergist is in order. I went to a good one. I am on 3 meds, including prednisone every other day. He said every other day do my body doesn’t stop producing steroids or whatever. I have heard of allergy to sunlight. My meds make me allergic to sunshine. I have to wear long sleeves and sun hat or I get hives. And heated area makes me itch and scream. I tested allergic to North American mites, European mites, grass mold, tree mold, flower mold, meal moths (flour, wheat, whatever). So I keep all mine in the freezer, gluten free to keep moths at bay. But can’t keep mites at bay even with cleaning. So, I suggest going to an allergist. (And I was severely allergic to the mites)

[goatgal in reply to agapepilgrim]

Thank you. I think this is sound advice. I have noticed that when I receive a new insect bite, all those I've recently gathered light up, redden and begin to itch again. I'm obviously no medical expert but I do think there's something systemic here. I will ask the clinic for a referral.

[agapepilgrim in reply to goatgal]

Yes! That’s why my primary care prescribed me hydrocortisone cream for insect bites. I have severe reactions that go away and come back. I have 5 refills. Nothing else touches them. I can be outside in the evening and get 10 bites in 2 minutes. I guess cause I’m alkaline. I don’t know. Worse every year. I think it’s a MS nerve thing, also. Agree with you. Neurologists don’t understand as much as my primary care and allergist.

[hairbrain4]

Sometimes finding out what is wrong is just a process of elimination. That's why they call it "practicing medicine." At least you know you don't have shingles, which is good. Just a thought...have you tried to apply apple cider vinegar to the hives? I found out the other day when I got stung by a wasp I used apple cider vinegar to stop the swelling & it also helped to stop the mosquito bite itching.

[goatgal in reply to hairbrain4]

Thank you for the suggestion. The hives have calmed down for the moment, but 'Ill give this a try the next time they return (as they're sure to).