What It Is Like To Suffer From Chronic Hives

 

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One word, terrible. 

I have been struggling with hives for over 3 months now. Everyday I wake up with hives somewhere on my body, if not everywhere.

My scalp has probably taken the hardest hit. The hives have yet to ease, causing constant scratching and serious pain to my head.

My legs, arms, and torso are covered in scrapes from clawing at myself night and day. Often, it appears that I have been attacked by one of my cats.

I have tried every antihistamine (allergy) medicine known-to-man.

H1 antihistamines are not doing the trick. These are your common medicines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc. Although, the H1 medicines aren’t my cure, I take a few daily. I have found that if I take them they slowly help the hives calm down, but there is no instant relief like we hoped.

H2 antihistamines aren’t my cure either. Those are your Zantac type medicines. These are for more than an allergies.

Hives can come for many reasons. H2 antihistamines are supposed to help reactions due to diseases. I take one H2 medicine a couple of times a day. These also work with the H1 medicines to help slowly calm my flares.

Ok, what to do when the typical medicines aren’t working?

I have started a monthly infusion of a serious allergy medicine. This is the good stuff from what I’ve researched. My allergists said he has had 100% success with this monthly infusion. The only problem is that the time span to see results is different for each person.

Sometimes it only takes a month, a few months, or even years.

Yes, I cried so hard in the doctor’s office when I was told it could take this long. I have cried almost everyday since.

What We Know

The allergists ran a few test. All concluding that I am very NORMAL!

I am not allergic to anything.

My blood work shows no signs of any autoimmune diseases or anything else that could cause hives.

I am diagnosed with chronic, idiopathic urticaria. Basically, really bad hives that they cannot find the cause of.

Looking at the bright side, I get to keep my two cats and I am not allergic to any foods!

How Hives Have Affected My Day-To-Day Life

I have missed so much of one of my college classes that I have had to medically withdraw.

I have missed weeks of work.

I have had to miss social events.

I have swelling that looks as if I have been beaten, and aches that are crippling.

The lack of sleep is driving me bat-shit crazy. I wake up extremely early because of the itchiness.

My body is very weak. It takes two hand to put PRNDL stick into drive. I walk like I have a stick up my butt, and my feet look as if I am 9 months pregnant!

Although the physical parts suck the depression has been the worst.

I am very sad and insecure about my body. As usual, I have gained my “freshman 15.” I have tried to work it off but each time I hit the gym, my hives flare up terribly. I have had to set my summer body to the side. It also doesn’t help that I have huge, red welts on my body all the time.

I have lots of stress. The feeling of being unable to reach my academic, personal, and work goals takes the cake of worst stressors. I try to find relaxation in reading and watching some of my favorite shows.

I am unable to wear makeup often because it makes the hives on my face worse. This brings me down when I am forced to go in public with hives. I wear loose clothing because tight clothes irritate the hives. So, if you could imagine, I look like a HOT  MESS in public.

Hives are very degrading and have put quite a stop to my 2018 plans.

Staying Positive

I am working hard to stay positive.

I enjoy taking epsom salt and oatmeal baths. They help sooth the pain for a while.

I get to save lots of money because I am not partying every weekend. Hives help keep me out of trouble too. 😉

I have received massive amounts of love and support from my family, friends, and community. It brings me great joy knowing I have many people praying and searching for answers.

I have started this blog in hopes that I will find happiness and relaxation in writing. Maybe a blog will be the cure. At this point, I am open to anything.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.

You guys help me though all the pain. ♥