What is Hives
Urticaria or hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts. Urticaria is also known as nettle rash or uredo. These welts can range in dia...
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I have been dealing with (in the beginning suffering from)
Chronic Urticaria, Angioedema, Dermagraphism, and the worst Delayed Pressure Urticaria, for the past 4 years. I am sure the steroid packs that they gave me, which included Prednisone, and the one I was on the longest methylprednisolone (commonly known as Medrol) have contributed to my pain, and progression of this condition. Each time I would ween off of a dose pack my symptoms would return with a vengeance. It got so bad that I was unable to be off the steroids without having an anaphylactic reaction (of which I have had three now). I was unable to find a doctor who believed I might know what I am talking about, as well as one who understood my condition. I even had one doctor give me 21 day doses of the strongest antibiotics known to man. Half of my hair fell out and I was virtually an invalid while i was on that medication. I went to specialist after specialist, and finally went to a dermatologist who luckily had just returned from a seminar on my condition and it's mysterious behavior. He referred me to Dr. Nicholas Soter of NYU Langone. He is considered the one man in the world who understands this condition. There are about 6 doctors in this country that have studied under him or are at his level. I will post a link where you can find some of them. He was able to create a cocktail of antihistamines in very large doses, almost to shock my system into behaving lol. I was successfully weened off the steroids (although my body went through serious withdrawal). Did he magically cure me? No, did drastically change my quality of life? Yes!!!! I still get some hives when my stress levels peak, or if i am totally exhausted, when a wisdom tooth starts to crack, or an ear infection creeps up, I can almost time a welt attack when my monthly cycle begins, but these are in no way near as bad as they were when I started this journey. I began on this road at 23 and now at 27 I am just starting to get a handle on my new life. I hope this has been somewhat insightful and I hope it helps some of you on your journey. Posted on 08/17/09, 10:08 am |
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Correction* There are hundreds of doctors who have studied under
Dr. Soter, There are only about 6 in the country who are considered to be as knowledgeable in this area of study. 
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That figures! I am waiting to get my insurance in December so I can get back to finding out what is causing all my problems! The more I hear and learn about all the drugs I might have to take the more I want to crawl under a rock instead of having to deal with all the side effects they have! I'm glad you at least found a good doctor! : )
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