Uticaria x 2? - Allergies Message Board

malaka · 02-27-2001, 08:29 AM

My chronic uticaria started in August/September of 2000. Long story short: I've been off and on Zantac, Zyrtec and Prednisone. I've had several severe attacks (eyes swelled shut). I went on a STRICT diet. For about a month, I ate NOTHING except eggs, plain pasta, baked potatoes, plain tuna, spinach and OJ...and the attacks stopped! I stopped taking pills (doc's advice) and re-introduced dairy (cottage cheese) into my diet. *BOOM* I swelled up like the Michelin Man. So, I figured dairy was the culprit.

However, I'm still getting occasional attacks. Most often I can trace it back to some (accidental) dairy I ate. But sometimes, I can't.

Finally, my question: Is it possible to have 2 forms of uticaria? Could I be allergic to diary AND have "pressure uticaria"?

This sucks...

LORI-LYNN · 03-01-2001, 11:12 AM

you might want to get your thyroid checked im going through a similar problem fat lips swollen eyes break out in big itchy welts , i am on reactine for out breaks but just was diagnosed in nov.2000 with hypothyroid , my atacks had suddenly begun in oct.2000 , they say you can get hives if you have a outta whack thyroid go get checked i did and was put on sythroid to control outbreaks and help thyroid good luck let us know how you turn out LORI

daneck · 03-27-2001, 04:31 PM

I can't believe this! I have the same problem with the "hives", (they have been called "Pressure Uticaria", Angioedema as well). My lip will blow up, eyelids, numerous joints, instep, as well as hives running along a scratch line(I can write on myself in "hives"), almost all is deep tissue swelling, and leaves some pretty ugly bruises.

Anyway, all the tests, and all the doctors have said is that it is auto-immune, and connective tissue. They determined that I don't have lupus, arthritis, but that I do have MVP (mitral valve prolapse) and then one week ago today my family dr. called me in and told me that I have a hypothyroid something or other. She did not mention that the hives could be connected! Do you have any info regarding this? Or any sites? I've not found any mention of this till now. Does the meds for the thyroid help with the uticaria?

Do you also have joint & muscle pain? Dry eyes?

eleni · 03-28-2001, 05:46 PM

i am so glad to see that i am not the only loser out there fighting with this hateful condition. dan---i have angioendma, and mine was triggered by a bad outbreak of hives. you did not say if you are taking any anithistimines? there is a thriod connection too. good luck and let me know how things go with you.

malaka · 03-30-2001, 08:48 AM

Well, its been about a month since my last post. Here's an update...

I'm back on Zantac and Zyrtec. I take 1 of each everyday at noon. Also, I'm staying completely away from dairy (milk, cheese, butter, etc.). Seems to be working. The only attack I've had since Feb 27 was the day after I forgot to take my pills.

dan,
Yeah, I had all the same symptoms as you: swollen eyes/lips, sore joints, hives. After tons of tests, I was diagnosed with Uticaria (not MVP, hypothyroid, etc.). I suppose getting a second opinion wouldn't hurt, though.

There's tons of info out there. Although, I still can't figure out if its spelled uticaria or uRticaria. I've seen it spelled both ways. Here's some links: [url="http://www.aafa.org/asthmaandallergyinformation/aboutasthmaandallergies/asthmaandallergyanswers/Chronic_Urticaria.cfm"]http://www.aafa.org/asthmaandallergyinformation/aboutasthmaandallergies/asthmaandallergyanswers/Chronic_Urticaria.cfm[/url] [url="http://www.nwasthma.com/Resources/urticariaInfo.htm"]http://www.nwasthma.com/Resources/urticariaInfo.htm[/url]
and (duh!) [url="http://urticaria.com/"]http://urticaria.com/[/url]

[vent]
This sucks. I'm 27. I've been healthy and active my whole life. Since this crap started, I had to give up working-out and most of my sports (sore joints). Social life has changed, too. I'm always scared to crash at someone's house for fear of waking up with "fat-face". Work sucks, too. Sitting in a board room, explaining your proposal, and knowing that everyone in the room is staring at your lips. *sigh*
[/vent]

Anyway, it seems that for the time being, I have this somewhat under control. I hope to get back to "normal" life again soon. Besides, as much as this sucks...it could be worse.

Good luck...