Cholinergic Urticaria

Third Time Dealing with Cholinergic Urticaria

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I am a 72-year-old male. I was diagnosed with cholinergic urticaria while in my 40’s after many years of no doctor was able to diagnose. Finally found one at NYU in New York City. Put on massive doses of antihistamines had no effect on condition but made me sick to the point of hospitalization.

After years of this treatment went to a general dr, for unrelated matter, was put on Paxil cr 25mg. As it built up in my system CU stopped. Several years later stopped the Paxil. CU returned. Went back on 25mg was symptom free for 10 years. Last week returned, even though still on Paxil cr 25mg. On my own increased dose to 50mg and will let you all know after build up period if this in fact puts it in remission again.

Today is 7 days after increase of dose — symptoms seem to be lessening.I believe I have refractory cu –antihistmines do not work on me. My cholinergic urticaria is severe with skin welting.

-Michael

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Comments

  2. The first time I had a reaction I broke out into horrible hives I was in high school. The second time I went for a jog in January and when I was done I woke up in the back of an ambulance. My hives got so bad I had to be resuscitated. Same thing happened to me a few years later when I finally realized I have CU. I am almost terrified of exercising because I don’t want to stop breathing again. Any tips for maybe working out? I am a 33 year old woman and my name is Randi.

    • I have had this all my life since I was 6 years old. I am 26 now and is just as bad as ever. The best treatment I have had without medicine was doing valet parking. I was running everyday, sweating. I was dieting also so I barely had any body fat. While doing this I had no problems with CU if I did very rarely. I do not do that work anymore so I break out all the time.
      When I notice what I had when I was around 23 years old (CU) before going to the gym I would walk a mile or so start a sweat. Wait until hives went away then I would go to the gym. Works great for me.