ALL - INTERESTING READ

[sllowe]

Hi Everyone,

As some of you know, I've been dealing w/some sort of a hive, itchy, hypersensitive skin.  Nothing can touch it, it gets nuts, something is triggering the histamine, and I don't know what it is.  My skin feels burnt as well.  

My Drs, along with the MS lifelines nurse do not think it is the meds.  The hives are documented w/my MD, however she doesn't think it's viral, thinks it's allergy, and have referred me to an Allergist, which is not a bad thing. I've also gotten a script of prednisone to nip it in the bud.  I however, do not feel it is allergy, and after discussing it w/a girlfriend of mine who has had the probs w/her lupus, am convinced it has to do with our MSers "overactive" immune system.  

Throughout this, I've gotten good advice from Doc Q, and have additionally done some research, which I think makes much sense to me:

I hope it does not become chronic for me, or anyone, and that it is an isolated.  In any event, I wanted to share because I was especially convinced, after I read this (the link provides the rest of the info - and how the treat it the same - it's the explanation that hits home:

http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/urticaria.html

In about half of patients with chronic idiopathic hives, the explanation is that body's immune system is, in a sense, overactive. The urticaria is "autoimmune". The immune system is attacking the normal tissues of the body and causing hives as a result. We know certain urticaria sufferers have other signs of autoimmune problems. Some have autoimmune thyroid disease, vitiligo, swollen joints, or certain abnormalities in the blood (especially the ANA test). A new treatment has recently emerged for autoimmune urticaria. This is the use of Plaquenil, a drug originally used for malaria. In a recent trial 83% improved or cleared completely when used for three months or more.

So, in many patients with chronic hives, there is really no exposure (drug, food, insect, chemical) to blame for the urticaria. The patient must understand and accept this for their ideal management. Basically, all that needs to be done is treat the hives. The main treatment of hives is antihistamines, and they will work if they are used properly. Common reasons for lack of effectiveness of antihistamines are 1) the particular antihistamine used is not strong enough 2) the antihistamine is not used in a high enough dose 3) the antihistamines are not continued for a long enough period.

Be well,
SL

[sllowe]

Scary isn't is? That we are not dealing with the best of professionals here?

Thank you, I'm so glad to know about the Allergist.  I'm going to work hard at getting into one as quick as I can.  

I'm not scheduled for my dose until Monday.  As whacked out as my body is, I'll more than likely do it anyway, until I know for certain. I double-triple-dog dare it!

I've handled the meds so well so far, that I don't want it to be them either.  I only had the common flu-like stuff and after a month or so, all was good.  My last WBC and liver test was good.

I think DB1 mentioned something about getting this sort of reaction prior to attack, which sounds overactive immune to me in nature, after reading some of the literature.

Some of these Drs have lost passion for their work somewhere along the line, and it's horrible!  Not you though, thank the Lord!

On a good note though, I got a lot done today, thanks to ol' Roid!

[Quixotic1]

ALL boardcertified Allergist get their boards in Immunology and Allergy.  Your primary doc was mistaking you asking about a viral rash which is different from hives.  But, some viruses actually cause hives as a reaction, the most notable being Hepatitis.

ANY drug can cause hives. PERIOD.  We are all surrounded by dodos!  There is a difference also between a med reaction - ie. side effects - and a med allergic reaction like hives.  Well, it looks like you will be determining it's relationship to the Rebif injections as uncomfortable as that makes me.

Your primary wasn't even willing to make a phone call to an allergist?  And yes, you are right.  There are some basic blood tests that I always sent if I didn't see the cause.

Quix

[sllowe]

p.s.s. I sure wish someone would of run bloodwork.  From what I've read, there is a lot they could of ruled out, i.e., WBC, ANA, virals, etc. . .wah, now I'm whining. My mouse is acting jerky, so I hope this didn't post twice.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Well, I still have them, but they are different.  Actually, they were varied all along.

No-one will tell me it's from the meds.  My Neuro didn't ask to see me after briefly discussing, which was barely (he read the note from my call-in) and started off the convo with "didn't think it was the meds." I'll leave you with that one, for your thoughts.

The MS lifelines nurse, who I think is wonderful, did not, would not commit to telling me anything even remotely that linked Rebif with the reaction.  Said it did not sound like med reaction, just like the Neuro did.

My MD, said that my skin was hypersensitive, and it that it was hives, and she saw all the spots, which like I said, are varied.  I asked her if she thought it could be viral, she said they did not look viral.  She prescribed the prednisone, which is 3 tabs (10 mg each I think) for 3 days, then two for 3 days, then 1 for 3 days.

I asked her if she could line up the Allergist, and she just belted off names to me, and said to get the referral.  I left there without it, because I wanted to find an Allergist with Immunology background.  She also said that it could be anything and that they may not find out what.

I really think it's the meds folks - really I do.  Living in Jersey, and those around Deleware, etc., understand certain allergies all too well.  Ya get a hive here and there, your sinuses leak, you get rid of whatever causes it, and you take a benedryl if need be, and it's not a big deal.  THIS I feel is different.  I feel like my skin is burnt.  When it's not flaired up, it feels as if I have sunburn.

With contact it will get red, and welt up a little.  Without contact, it gets red, and small tiny bumps, though I'm not certain she saw those, because I don't think I had them at the appt., had more of the red spots, w/standard hives.

I've gone on too long, and I'm sorry.  I've read a lot of what everyone is going through and hope you know that I'm thinking of you all, and hope to get back on track soon.

Love to you all,
SL
p.s... . .CAN I COME TO TOLEDO TOO?????

[Quixotic1]

Great article.  The definition of chronic hives is usually 2 months or more of hives.  Once they become chronic the chances of finding a cause is about 30%.  While this is still the first time, it is important to journal their course and what seems to bring them on.  

When will you get in to see the allergist?

And does everyone recommend that you continue the Rebif as usual?  How long is your prednisone course?  That will blunt the hives for as long as you are on it and a few days more.

Quix

[kitten o]

HEY THERE, I HOPE YOU FELL BETTER SOON.
I  HAD THEM  MANY YEARS AGO, HAD NO IDEA
WHAT MINE WERE CAUSE FROM.
PLEASE FEEL BETTER. HEY IT IS SNOWING HERE.
YEAH.   YFA KITT

[sllowe]

Thanks Z -
I don't know what is causing mine, just going to treat it for now.  If it continues though, after treatment, I will start removing things.  I don't believe mine is from food, or airborne things.  Believe it is my system, or meds. . . .

ttys,
SL

[sllowe]

P.S.  Please read the full link, if you are interested, because it further describes other causes of reactions like this, for example, reaction to meds, food, insect, diseases, etc. . ..

[Momzilla]

Hey, SL~

Boy, I didn't realize you were so miseravle with this.  I'm sorry!  THose dagnab histamines!  They are our enemies in this house with 3 of our sons having asthma now.

One has it severely, and the medication which has changed his life has been Singulair.  It somehow stops the mast cells from firing, if you know the process.  Or at least inhibits many of them from firing.  Tow of our guys are on it, and it saves the oldest from monthly trips to the ER and almost constant steroid usage.  

I have no idea whether Singulair would be useful in the case of hives, but it is indicated for seasonal allergies, I know.  Hayfever.  It may be worth asking about.  I'm sure with Doc Q's background, she'd know about this.  I do know that excema and asthma are somehow 'cousins.'  Maybe the hives are treatable in the same way, and the SIngulair may help you as well.

Just a thought!

Hang in there, Girl!

Love,

Zilla*