I have had three battles with chronic urticaria, and unfortunately I have to deal with this nightmare once again.
To make a long story short I have seen many doctors, and I actually was put in the hospital two times, where the doctors ran all kinds of tests; but they couldn’t find what is triggering them. I was tested for thyroid dysfunction, cancer, parasites, IgE, infections, auto immune diseases, they even made a biopsy on my skin that had hives with nothing but inflammatory tissue.
My hives can be very bad. Some times in the morning I have swollen lips and eyes (angioidema) . Other times I think they are internal and causing shortness of breath. I feel that a big load is on my chest.
The doctor usually prescribes antihistamines. I find some relief with Xyzal but I think it takes a while for the medicine to kick in. Each time after several months and on antihistamines the hives resolve themselves on their own.
The doctors decided that my hives are caused by emotional stress. And looking back on all my hive breaks I have been under stress in all times.
This time I have some issues at work. My boss is terrible and she’s stressing me out on almost a daily basis. I exercise 5-6 times a day, I have normal weight and healthy lifestyle. I am a male so I do not think I have much fluctuation in my hormones.
Although I’ve read emotional stress can cause excess cortisone release from the gonads and at some point the human body is running low and that can cause immune dysfunctions like the appearance of hives.
I am very successful and driven but I think the tremendous stress I have at work takes its toll on my hives. I am seriously considering resigning from my job and this is frustrating cause I have worked very hard to be where I am.
Has anyone else having an experience like this? Any advice?
Thank you all,
-GN
James says
Wow sorry to hear brother prayer and try wearing dry fit clothing that absorbs the sweat . I am allergic to my own sweat and itch badly when I work out
John says
Your hives are impermanent in nature. That is the good news! They come visit a while and let you know very strongly of their presence and to urge you to make some changes. Something you are taking into your self whether food, drug or mental process is causing this suffering. Try the elimination diet which has a very high level of results. Also, for your peace of mind and hormonal balance, open your mind to the most powerful way to change your mind, your stress level and your life and begin a simple daily meditation practice. You are RIGHT! Your thoughts about your job and your boss can change important neurotransmitter levels and hormones, but you can find an end to suffering if you begin a simple practice…but in the meantime while purifying your mind, don’t forget to purify the body. Make a list of everything that goes in your mouth and eliminate all but the most essential…basically that would be rice and vegetables…then you can add back some things as Ben indicates in his description of the dietary approach in the book. You may need to quit the job. Your health is more important, but survival and income and hard work is also important so think about using the meditation to find peace and a new way to approach your difficulties at work. Your boss needs your understanding and help too. She probably is full of fear too and maybe you can help. In any case you will find the answer and the hives are there to help remind you…and remember they are not permanent and will pass. You will find support here too and some good ideas, but at the same time each of us must be responsible for our own salvation and find what makes sense for us.
GN says
Thanks for the comments and the advice. I am trying to control my stress levels.
Recently I got a job offer and believe it or not the number of hives have been substantially reduced. I strongly feel that I am in a toxic environment at work and I need to get out of here as soon as possible. Currently, I am not completely free hives. I get some in the morning but right now they do not affect much my lifestyle.
In the mean time my allergist suggested immonotherapy. They administer it subcutaneously (Omalizumab), the brand name is xolair. I was surprised that both the nurse and then the allergist tried so hard to talk me into getting this. I am very skeptical based on the very adverse and potentially dire side effects of these very expensive shots. They said it would cost >$1000 per shot but they think that my insurance will cover them.
I will keep the room posted.
Thanks for the support.
GN
Rocio Bowers says
I also been battling these hives. But I now know why that is. I have been training for a marathon and at times I don’t want to train, so I’ve been getting into this bad habit to go to the sauna for few minutes before running and after running and then coming home to a hot shower. Especially in the winter when is so cold outside. I have always battle hives from getting over heated my whole life and never realized what it was. I’m I self inducing these hives or am I more prone to get them compared to a regular person?
mrb says
Hi
sorry to hear you
I am experiencing same like you. Whenever i was under stress i develop hives no matter what i do. Try to avoid mental stress.