Hives Support Group
Hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts. These welts can range in diameter from 5 mm (0.2 inches) or more, itch severely, and often have a pale border. Urticaria is generally caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance, or an immune response to food or some other allergen. Hives can also be caused by stress.
I am awestruck by the resilience shown by you all and feel so much empathy for all of us. At the beginning of July 2021, an agonizingly itchy allergic eruption of red/purple hives, welts and rash spread to 80% of my body. Medical leave, multiple doctor visits, ER, IV, epi, prednisone, prescription antihistimine, ice packs, showers, Aquophor, sleepless nights, mittens on hands (prevent scratching) - we are a group who shares this journey.
I've gone from 10+ (helpless feeling that I couldn't cope) to about a 7 (learning to breathe through the difficulty) today. I'm still on the road. I am here for anyone who needs some support or wants to know that someone else is out there too.
I know all of these feelings— mostly feeling like a guinea pig with all the testing.
CIU is hard because my mind just wants to find a cause. But it’s been a journey to teach me how to let go when I can’t control something. It’s hard!