Angiodema?? (swollen tongue, lips)

[momtocole]

Hi, I'm new here. Just about 2 months ago I began developing strange allergic reactions. They have occurred on my feet, hands, back of knee, upper thigh, lip and now tongue. I have gone to the doctor before and they said it was contact dermatitis. I have not figured out what I'm allergic to yet and am still waiting for a call back from the allergy department. Last night, I woke up at about 3am with a swollen tongue. It really freaked me out. I took 2 Benadryls and thankfully it went down almost back to normal within a couple of hours. When it happened on my lip, it swelled to the size of a grape and the Benadryl took FOREVER to kick in.

Anyway, I went to the doctor this morning and she said swelling like this (tongue, lips) is called angiodema. She said if I continue to expose myself to this allergen (whatever it may be) the next stage could be anaphylaxis.

I'm really scared. I have 2 little kids and I'm terrified of something happening. I can't avoid the allergen if I don't know what it is.:(

Please help.

Thanks,
Becky

[nhsoaplady]

I sure am amazed to find this forum and learn how many others are suffering with this malady.About 6 weeks ago I was smelling one of my roses and was stung or bitten just inside my mouth near my lower lip.  Since I always check for bees first before sniffing a rose, and I found none, I had no idea what stung me but I swatted at my face and definitely crushed something.  The sting wasn't so bad so I kept gardening and thought nothing of it.  About 1 a.m. that night I woke up with swollen lips and face and numbness.  Not knowing what else to do, I got up and took 2 aspirins and my morning I was nearly normal again.
A week later my right foot started itching on top and within an hour it was swollen so badly I couldn't walk on it.  Again, took 2 aspirins and within a few hours it was better.  But over the past 5 weeks I've had swelling in the other foot, my lips and my tongue.swelled so badly I went to the ER and got hooked up to IVs.  I too was told it was angioedema and I should go see an allergy specialist.
I am 60 and have been stung several times before but have never had this kind of reaction.  I already owe the hospital a bundle and do not want to go through all the allergy testing only to be told they don't know what's wrong with me.  This afternoon my tongue started swelling again, but just one side this time (before it was my entire tongue).  I took 2 benadryl tablets about an hour ago and already I feel the swelling is subsiding.
I too am totally baffled by this.  I do not want to live on antihistamines the rest of my life and am a firm believer in naturopathic medicine.  At this point, I am thinking of seeing a naturopathic physician to see what he might recommend.   I CAN tell you this much... NONE of this ever happened to me before getting stung in my mouth 6 weeks ago.   But I hav no idea what stung or bit me.  
I sure would appreciate any advice or help in the naturopathic route that anyone could offer.  Please contact me through my website at www.catsinthecradlesoap.com

[mdmerg]

Dear Ma'am,

I read your comments pertaining to the swollening and natural fruit juice supplement.  

Would you so kind to pass on the natural fruit juice supplement recipe?

Warm regards,
Mark

[cds999]

please send me the name of the juice. my email address is '***@****.

[WellAgain]

Watch "under my skin" on Hulu.

[frank12332]

Hi Jay

Try food allergy vs. food intolerance by Mayo Clinic Staff. It looks like the symptoms that we have may be intolerance and not allergy. Still looking to cure myself.

Thangs

Franco.

[suezq18]

YES...I also have Hep C which I thought was my underlying problem, but after reading all of these testimonies I'm not so sure..However..After a night of drinking,,,,on comes the swelling.