Immunologist referral

[Nellies47]

Hi everyone.

Sorry a bit long winded.🥺

Recently I have developed reactions to medication. In January I developed rash to my HRT patch that I had been using for 6months, then an allergy to my perfume. In Feb I started on methotrexate for my arthritis but I got really bad nausea that lasted 4 weeks, then my Gynae dr recommended I removed my mirena inserted (sept 2021) as I developed recurring infections, Gynae felt I was rejecting the coil because all bx etc were fine.

Then 3 weeks ago I had ct with contrast and had steroids and antihistamines as cover pre (I had anaphylaxis to contrast when I was 14).

Anyway the day after the scan I was covered in red glow and my face was swollen. Also a slight wheeze. This took a week to fade. The next week I developed a raised itchy rash on my tummy legs and back. The week later and still general itch all over and I'm wheezing and cough.

So after all that , sorry ...my rheumatologist is sending me to immunologist as she feels this could be connected to autoimmune diseases.

Has anyone had anything like this.

Thank you. Nelly

[Turquoise2075]

Dear Nelly, I’m so sorry you are going through all of that. It sounds like your body is possibly having a bunch of reactions to multiple things and is very sensitised. I hope the immunologist can get to the core of it. You’ve been having a lot of things that affect the body in some way, from the methotrexate, HRT, mirena to CT scan with contrast dye that you’ve had a reaction to before. I’m sure hormonal factors and meds are always interacting with immune function and maybe everything has gotten out of balance?

I do get an itchy, red raised rash on my left foot. This started in 2010 and was originally diagnosed as pustular psoriasis, another autoimmune condition, suggesting my body was already on an autoimmune trajectory back then. They formed pustules back then but now it’s just raised, red areas that itch. Heat and certain foods seem to aggravate it, especially anything with condensed tomato such as tomato paste.

Anyway, I’m not sure I’m much help but wanted to send my sympathy and I really hope you get some answers soon 🙏

[Nellies47 in reply to Turquoise2075]

Ah thank you for that, yes hope immunologist will help

[butterflyEi]

Sorry to read this Nellies47 I hope your immunologist can trace down a root cause.

I wonder if you are a member of the PBC Foundation (free to join if not) you might like to ask this question on the Thursday Q&A sessions with specialists, usually at 1400 hours UK time. It is broadcast live on Facebook and can be watched later if you are at work.

best wishes

[Nellies47 in reply to butterflyEi]

Hi.Thank you. I am a member, yes that would be good. Nelly