Having this kind of allergy is really hard because you have no control of it, especially when it comes to emotions and sweat. My boyfriend used to surprise me all the time, and for every surprises there is an allergic reaction because of my emotions lol!
Anyway, I am a mountaineer for about two years now, and it’s really hard to prevent myself from sweating because climbing a mountain requires a lot of physical activities! It’s hard for me to climb while scratching my back, arms, neck, ect. But im thankful to my doctor for prescribing cetirizine as my medicine.
I used to take this an hour before the climb, or every time I am going somewhere. The rashes still occur but the itchy feeling is gone. Knowing what I have right now is a relief. I thought I was weird for having this kind of allergy, hahaha.
Thanks,
Sam
Hivesguy says
Sam,
I’m glad you know what you have, and welcome to the forum. That’s awesome that you do mountain climbing. I took a mountaineering class in college, and I thought it was pretty cool climbing the wall (although I’ve never climbed a real mountain). I’m glad the cetirizine takes away the itching. This condition can be tough, but this site has a lot of resources to let you know that you’re not alone and that there are many ways to treat it. Thanks for taking the time to share your story!
Anonymous says
Thanks Hivesguy. I totally agree, this site is really a big help. I’ve been searching for this for so long! You should try mountain climbing, reaching the top and witnessing the beauty of nature will make you forget all the hardships that you’ve been through while climbing.
Hivesguy says
Haha, true. I’m sure the views are amazing!
John says
Sam,
Sorry to hear about your suffering. I think we all know how you feel. Most of us have been through the drug treatment route and never satisfied in the long run. You CAN get to the bottom of it and find a cure. Please watch the youtube and make note of the dietary approach and save yourself years of searching by following the suggested investigation into your food choices. Those whole wheat sandwiches with cheese can make you itch like crazy. Who knows?. I have done a little rock climbing, and those rocks are HARD. You are better off itching than using the drugs up there. Maybe you never perceive that they never make you feel sleepy, but there is something subtle about those non drowsy antihistamines that may cause a loss of concentration, maybe not today or yesterday, but what about after a night you didn’t sleep well in anticipation of the climb or some trouble at home or the day after you took some supplement or cold med or something? Some of the side effects are unpredictable, and when your life is in the balance it can be deadly. (i.e. Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.) We want you to live, even if you itch sometimes!
Itching is uncomfortable. We want it to go away, and that thought makes us suffer more than the itching. But it passes and usually fairly quickly, relatively speaking. While you are in the process of clearing your bloodstream of food based allergens just accept it and don’t mask it or fight it. When it comes on you can say to yourself, “Here is my old friend, Itchy.” Itchy is like a friend with a lot of problems who comes and shares his suffering with me, but when he is gone after his brief visit I am grateful and relieved.”
You can always try some of the techniques people share here like sauna or showering before an event so you can “clear” the problem for a while.
Take hope. You can reduce or eliminate this problem that according to the author of the book is “95% food based in origin.” Once you go down that path of inquiry and awareness you will find results and also be a lot healthier which is saying a lot for a person who has the strength and stamina for your sport, but your body is trying to tell you something and you are a good listener. That is why you are here. Best of luck!
Sam says
Thank you John. Yes, cetirizine has side effects. I am experiencing these sometimes because I’m taking this almost everyday. Don’t worry JohnI will consider your advice. Thanks for the help!
Richard Hong says
Hello. Can I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion (soothing oatmeal) instead of Eucerin Calm lotion? Thank you for your response.
Hivesguy says
You can use any product you’d like, Richard. Both seem to be good produts. Neither lotion will cure your hives. However, they may keep your skin more moisturized, which can have an affect of reducing your hives a bit.
Richard Hong says
Thank you very much for the quick reply. I have been watching and reading this post for past two days (going to get your book also) and I started the diet that you recommended. Appreciate it. Just to give you a brief background, I have been suffering from this CU since 2 years ago when I took the antibiotic (penicillin) found out that I was allergic to it. This CU symptom occurred right away and ever since then I have been suffering. I live in NJ and married for 4 years now and we have stopped trying for a baby due to this CU. My wife and I were thinking should we stop trying until we cure CU or still try for a baby since we want to have one? Appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks again for your great life-changing information on this website/video/book. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family.
Hivesguy says
Merry Christmas to you, and may God bless you and your family as well, Richard. That’s interesting that your hives started with the antibiotics. Regarding having a baby, that is always a tough decision to make. If you’re concerned about employment/insurance issues, you may want to see if you can at least get your hives under control via one of the possible treatment methods: Diet, antihistamines, sweat therapy, and other possibilities (always check with a doctor before trying a treatment).
However, many people do live with cholinergic urticaria, and they haven’t let that stop them from having children. There may be some struggles as a parent when dealing with hives, but people have done it.
I hope you and your family have a happy New Year. God bless!