chronic hives

chaoui · 04-24-2003, 07:31 PM

I've had chronic hives for three months now. My dermatologist has run blood work and x-rays, and I am perfectly healthy except for the hives...EVERY DAY. I have taken Benadryl, Clarinex, Allegra, Zyrtec, Atarax, Sinequan, and now Periactin. Basically, I have pretty much run through available antihistamines. Still..I look like a leopard every day. At this point I don't care if I have to be medicated for the rest of my life...I just want to find an antihistamine cocktail that works? Anyone know anything about antacids? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

RedeemedHeart · 04-25-2003, 09:39 PM

When I was first diagnosed with Chronic Uticaria they had me take Zertec and Tagament. I had to stop taking the Tagament because I also take Prevacid, which they didn't want me to mix with it.
Best of luck, I have fought this dilemma for about eight years now.
Kathy

chaoui · 04-26-2003, 12:59 PM

Thanks Kathy...Eight years??? Do you ever have any sort of remission or is this a daily thing for you? I can't take Tagamet because of the Sinequan, which I am now back on. Periactin seemed like a joke to me. Funny thing...everyone seems to be on the Zyrtec track, and I didn't find that it helped. Allegra seems to be the best bet for me so far. After about two months I thought I was just about over this thing, but the last month has been pretty flared up, probably because I started drinking diet drinks and eating processed food again. Maybe. Who knows. I think my dermatologist has just about given up on me as he has suggested an allergist, but from all of the things I read, this seems like it would be a waste of money, and I couldn't afford the dermatologist to begin with! So, I guess I will just keep eating unprocessed food and stay away from ALCOHOL. Thanks again!

RedeemedHeart · 04-26-2003, 02:13 PM

Yes, I am hive free right now. But I take half a Zertec 5mgs every night. When I start to feel the hives beginning I take a whole Zertec and two Benadryl. Sometimes for a couple of days. Then taper down to just the Zertec.
I have found if I go off the Zertec completely the hive return within a day or so.

I would use whatever works best for you. The allergist told me I would probably have to change antihistamines at some point because it would become less effective. I am hoping that the hives just go away. All the reading I have done on Chronic Utacaria seem to agree that many times they never find a source and many times they do go away on there own. Keep your fingers crossed.
Blessings,
Kathy