Cholinergic Urticaria

Cholinergic Urticaria: Confused, Alone, and Afraid

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I am a 20 year old british male trying to attend university. I have had Cholinergic Urticaria since December last year and before the outbreak I lived a pretty normal life attending university going out with friends and family. Now I can’t even do basic tasks around my house, let alone leave the place.

I did go to the doctors and had numerous blood tests, and I have been prescribed every dose of fexofenadine hydrochloride but they didn’t work. One of my blood tests showed that I had an underactive thyroid, and I have to go back for that in 2 months. I have an appointment with the dermatologist in 2 months as well.

Not only has this ruined my life, the relationship between my family is a very rocky road. I don’t really think they understand the pain I go through when I have an attack. I have completely messed my life up. Afraid of an attack, I haven’t been in university for 2 months now. I’ve been lying to my parents, saying I have been attending because they don’t understand.

I am very depressed, and I’ve thought about suicide on many occasions. The only real way I’ve foaund to stop attacks is by smoking cannabis. I am a strong believer in medical Marijuana. Obviously in the uk it’s illegal, so this isn’t the option. I can’t exactly get doped up and attend university.

If i’ve missed anything please feel free to ask. I haven’t had much sleep, so I do apologize for sounding rather dumb. If anyone has any solutions please suggest them.

-Ryan

Comments

  1. I don’t regularly comment on here, but I keep track on several blog posts. I am at university, too. In fact, I’m just finishing my very last assignment. It’s easier said than done but please don’t give up on university. I almost did when i had to commute and walk a mile to get to university with my laptop and books (added weight which provoked a sweat response). I’ve found that i have very few attacks because i’m sitting down, writing assignments, doing my work – not active in a retail role or anything like that. I’m assuming you’re in second year because of your age, but lectures and seminars dwindle down in third year as they expect you to do work at home/student accomm. This means that you have time to yourself, and not worry about coming up in a reaction when it’s only you that’s present. I also got administered fexofenadine – they told me to take it once a day but i only take a tablet when i know for sure i’ll get a hives attack – so far so good it has worked for me, but the 120 started to lose its effect when i started to take it regularly (twice a week), so i’m now on 180.

    There’s been an array of posts on here which seem to link thyroid to the hives and sensitivity to heat. I, too, have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, and I’m hopefully getting referred to a specialist soon. If you look on the NHS website, they even list hives as a symptom of thyroid. This could be your answer.

    It’s easier said than done but please don’t think about suicide. If you carried out such an act, you would never know whether your condition would have been solved by something so simple like an allergy to a certain food, or your thyroid.

    If you feel like you’ve messed up your academic year, try to get extenuating circumstances (I’m at a UK uni too – funny if we’re at the same one!). You’ll be able to get added time to complete your assignments.

    Just don’t give up!

    • Hi Lauren o/. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m currently studying Live events which means its more practical and out of the classroom. I’m actually in my First Year again, I messed last year up due to depression. Would i still be able to sort something ?. I haven’t actually told my university where i’ve been. I’ve been pieing it off for the last 2 months. Although I have been in the local library studying.

      I’m also back living at home. The stress from my parents usually triggers attacks. I probably shouldn’t of lied to my parents but they don’t seem to believe the pain i go through. You’ve opened my eyes about suicide. Just UC is destroying my life.

  2. You may want to talk to your doctor about trying atarax or peractin for at least 3 months.

  3. Hi Ryan,
    I’m sorry about you having hives. I know your pain and agony..I’m a black female 43 years old and I had Chronic Urticaria for about 3months. Long story short.. Talk to your doctor about getting the shot for hives (Xolair). Your allergist has to prescribe antihistamines as the preliminary procedure to show your insurance provider that he/she has tried other things before suggesting Xolair shot.. Google it , read it for yourself, weigh your options but DO talk to your doctor about it. It’s expensive but it’s totally worth it and it works.You don’t have to live in pain. There is help for you. I pray this is helpful info.

    -Jann

    • Hi Jann,
      Thanks for the reply!. When i went to my doctors about the itching i wasn’t very knowledged on what i have. I found the doctor not knowing really what i have. I also suffer from really bad Acne on my back,chest,face. They told me the route of the itching was dry skin and the spots on my back. Not 100% sure what medical school this person went but it doesn’t take a genius to spot Hives haha. Sorry that i went on one but i will look into the shot for hives thanks for the recommendation. <3

  4. Going GLUTEN FREE Worked for me..but it took around 1-2 months to get the Gluten out of my gut.. then I detoxed my body… followed by minimizing use of oil, spices and sauces in food, eat raw vegetables and fruits.. watch https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/watch-fat-sick-and-nearly-dead/
    drink juices.. get your life back on track! I have now treated my CU almost 80-90%
    I got CU after I had hatred and anger in my heart for a few people and situations.. forgiving, letting go and moving on also helps.. Do what you love to do more and take less stress.. I hope every CU sufferer gets better.. It feels like living in a cursed body when the attack happens.. I highly recommend watching the above said documentry.. This guy Joe Cross had Chronic Urticaria (not chronilergic urticaria though) and cures it by juicing.. I am following him and bought a similar juicer.. it is helping me..

    • I don’t actually eat that much. I’m probably eating 1 meal a day. I have watched the video you linked and it was moving. I’m thinking about going down that route. Completely changing my life and diet. It does feel like living in a cursed body. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. Thanks for the reply!

  5. Hello Ryan!

    I suffered from CU during my entire freshmen year in college (I’m a sophomore now) so I know exactly what you’re going through my friend. I didn’t know that it was CU until an entire year have passed I thought I was the only person with this weird condition. Anyway, you should talk to your doctor about sweat therapy. Best way to do it is buy going to a sauna. Don’t even think about it; If your doctor approves, DO IT now because it will bring you relief. I thought about it for a few weeks before going there and I really should’ve went there as soon as I heard about the treatment.

    Also you can see if your doctor can prescribe you with propranolol. This drug made my attacks a lot less intense than before. I no longer use the sauna treatment because I really do feel better, I’m not 100% sure if the drug is the reason or maybe it’s just the result of sweating a lot in the sauna, but either way you can talk to your doctor about it.

    Don’t give up! Stay strong and keep fighting this thing and you will feel better!
    Ali

    • Hello Ali,
      Thanks for the reply <3. I felt the exact same, i had to do my own research though as the Doctor i went to thought it was dry skin -.-. The thought of sweat therapy scares my socks off, I'm not going to lie. I can't even think straight through the day worrying when the next attack will happen. I need to man up i guess and i will look into a Sauna or even a Spa day. Not 100% if Doctors in the uk talk about things like that but all will tell.

      The fexofenadine made the attacks work but now i've ran out they've become worse. I'm awaiting some documentation from the government so i can get my medication and i will most certainly will enquire about proranolol.

      Thanks so much for taking time out to reply means the world <3 #FightCU

  6. Ryan, everyone here is offering possible remediation, esp. concerning thyroid and gut sensitivities. But Most importantly, don’t let satan trick you into abusing mind altering drugs, such as marijuana, using CU as an excuse (pure hemp/cannabis oil will be better-no mind control) or to take your own life. God owns your life and He alone has your breath in His hand. He alone has the perfect design and cure for us sufferers.

    • The laws in the uk make it harder to find alternatives to marijuana. If i had the option i would definitely use it. But i do agree with you.

      Thanks for the reply <3

  7. Ryan,

    You definitely aren’t alone. I know exactly what you mean about family not understanding. Not only was my extended family pretty unsupportive most of the time, many of them still don’t get my diet (or make an attempt to). It is frustrating, so I feel your pain.

    I was feeling exactly like you a few years back. I wanted to end my life, because I thought, “What’s the point?” Now my hives are gone. There are many wonderful suggestions that people have made here. This site has a lot of posts on different treatment options. My advice is to not give up hope, and keep trying.

    Some areas you may want to consider talking to your doctor about and trying:
    -Antihistamines: some people get relief, others don’t. You tried one which didn’t help, but others (Zyrtec, Periactin, Hydroxyzine, etc.) may help more.
    -Diet modification: Food allergies/intolerances were the biggest factor in my hives, so it is worthwile to read some information on that and consider working with an allergist or try an allergy elimination diet. It can take 3-5 weeks to see full results.
    -Thyroid: Since you had an underactive thyroid, you may want to have further testing and/or try treatment for that.

    There are other treatment options listed on this site. There is hope, and you do have a future. You may want to try online classes if they are available, so at least you could be chipping away at your degree. I’m a Christian, and I know that God loves every single person, and He has a purpose and a plan for you, if you let Him work in your life.

    Finally, I know that many people smoke marijuana, and I understand that you may enjoy the short term effects of relaxation or euphoria. However, marijuana is known to greatly amplify thoughts of suicide, depression, and anxiety, especially among heavy users. It can also lead to dependency and addiction issues, which can create a viscious cycle. I say that because the fact that you already have thoughts of suicide is concerning when also using a drug that is known to increase suicidal thoughts, and that is well documented in both scientific research literature and in my own personal observations of users I’ve known.

    I’m not trying to condemn you at all, I just want you to be safe and healthy and beat this hives condition. There is hope. Your life will get better. We’re all here to help you through it.

    God bless,
    Ben