Walt,
Thank you for you information. But what is LGS and what is hypothalamus?
I was told yesterday by a very prominent allergist that I was "challenging" because of the duration of my hives with no relief by taking antihistimines.
a friend had chronic hives. I read books and came up with this idea for her. Sometimes the body has an imbalance in digestive emzymes which can cause hives. I suggested she take papaya to aid in digestion. She did get some releif
I too have had hives, head to toe and big ones and small ones since last November (1997). I have been tested for allergies, thyroid problems, complete blood work-ups for various causes and on and on and on... Currently I am taking Volmax, Singulair, Prednisone, Zyrtec, and Atarax. I have tried also Claritin, Ranitidine, and Doxepin...I still have chronic hives. I also experience what seems to be hives IN my joints (mostly hands, wrists, knees and ankles) causing stiffness, pain, swelling and immobilization. Can anyone offer any helpful advice or explanations? It's nearing "desperation-time."
Thanks!
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Ellen on May 01, 1998 at 12:26:57:
Dear Ellen,
Go to the homepage for this 'site & read about LGS(link on this page). Then if you want to learn more, AND what to do about it, my book would be a great investment of your time (link below). If you want to learn, in depth, more about the hypothalamus and these causes you would want to read one of the references in the back of my book: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier.
Once you have the above under your belt, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Beth on May 02, 1998 at 23:11:07:
Dear Beth,
Read "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier (referenced in my book). THEN, if you can see yourself in those pages, get a copy of my book to find out what to do to keep them from coming back (link on this page).
In the meantime, self-hypnosis is almost universally effective in eliminating them for now.
If you have trouble finding a good hypnosis instructor (ALL hypnosis is self-hypnosis) in your area, write again & I can help you there too.
Once you have the above information under your belt, if you still have questions, write again.
As you get over the hives, I hope you will share your experiences with the BB participants. Just think how you have suffered and how many others you can save from that by your testimonial.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Walt Stoll on May 04, 1998 at 12:41:43:
I have suffered from hives since last month, however i just read they can be treated with self-hypnosis. what does this mean?
Out of desparation I tried the Yellow Dock, it is not working for me. Maybe it has something to do with the duration of the hives. I have had them for over 10 years. You stated you only had them for a short time.
Why did the salesperson tell you it would work for chronic hives?
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Sarah on May 04, 1998 at 16:46:46:
Dear Sarah,
Just what it says.
Learning about the causes & being willing to deal with them is, obviously, the answer in the long run. However, that is going to take you a few months of study to understand & then 3-6 months of concentrated effort on your part to deal with those causes. If you need help learning, let me know & I will point you in the most productive direction.
Most people would like to be rid of the annoying (sometimes maddening) symptoms of the hives--while they are dealing with the causes. Self-Hypnosis is the most effective way to do that.
Walt
I've had hives for only 2 years, I can't imagine going thru
this for 10 years. Anyway, mine seem to be caused sometimes
by pressure. For example if I'm carrying something heavy with my hands, I get hives on my hands. If I wear tight shoes, I'll get them on my feet. The swelling is unbearable. I have found that Tagament helps control my hives, but is not a cure.
I did the antihistimines too, but they did not work. I also have been tested for algeries, lyme disease, thyroid, and other tests; all negitive! I did have one test that showed that I have a difficiency in B12. I now get B12 shots once a month. But I've been told this is unrelated to the hives.
Well, I hope this helps....maybe we can find the answer together.
I've had hives since Oct1989. I remember exactly when they first appeared.I had stopped dancing as much as I use to, making a transistion into another area. I went through all types of medical tests,etc to locate the cause.I also attended a Wellness Ctr-which had some success. Most recent relief of any sign of them was when I was teaching and very active. When I get nervous or stressed out they seem to appear almost as a reminder to take a breathier, take a look at whats going on. What I found is the hives seem to appear worse prior to menustration, otherwise there are just a couple. I've mentioned this to Drs. but nothing has come of that. Depending on whats occuring in my life, if stressful time prior to my menustration, it can be very painful & itchy. My suggestion is this. Take note of when they appear & degree(how big/many), notice at times when situations/people you may find yourself itching/scratching. Whats occuring in your life.Also what was going on when you first noticed the first red itchy patch may give you some clue.What I mean is what changes you may had taken prior-be it food, job, loss of someone etc. I know that physical exercise helps me alot, and less sugar, starches & dealing with personal matters.I believe our mind is a very powerful thing. Also creme relieves the itch some. I feel the reason the Wellness Center worked initially was because I eliminated all sugars,dairy products,molds(nuts etc),
certain meats and a few other things. With mega-vitamins, clearing out my system of all the toxins, exercise program,etc., my hives were gone for a 2 month period. My immune system had been overloaded for some time. But the cost of all the vitamins/program etc became too much and insurance doesnot cover it. What I've learned was basic. Balance. When I got stressed/pressured for time,my eating habits worsened,exercise lessened etc. A spiral effect. So as much as I look forward to never seeing another red bump again I now take them as a painful reminder I'm either avoiding or ignoring an aspect of my life that needs attention. What I was told also at the Wellnes Ctr., was that one woman had her old fillings removed/replaced & her hives cleared up. My case wasn't as fortunate. She was having a reaction to the material used. I hope this helps in some way. Search continues but possibly the answers are within.Take Care JL
I currently have a bout with hives. They are all over my body and look like red welts. They range in size from the size of a quarter to the size of a softball (or larger). They sometimes itch but always hurt. They are warm to the touch and often various parts of my body will swell up so bad its hard to sit, or stand or even wear clothes. When they finally go down I have bruises where the hives were. I have had this problem for quite a while and have been tested for what seems like everything. Anybody else have these same problems? What can I do? Please help!
In Reply to: Extreme Hives posted by Lisa on May 07, 1998 at 10:08:58:
About 2 years ago i began noticing hives. In retrospect, however, it started long before that and proceeded gradually. A year ago it gecame as bad as what you're experiencing (perhaps worse as it affects my brain chemistry as well as my body). Along the way, i latched on to the idea of a parasite or candida. Tests from Great Smokie Mountain Labs showed an overgrowth of klebsiella and yeast and I began a 2 week course of augmentin and 6 week of nystatin. I also used various natural products, mainly grapefruit seed extract and a strong probiotic. A high protein, low carb diet has also helped. When I found Dr. Stoll's site and purchased his book, I added his suggestion of skilled relaxation and nutritional substances (multi vitamin-mineral with additional c, e, and selenium, and glutamine). The results were remarkable to say the least and up to a week ago I thought i had it licked. However, I'm now experiencing a severe relapse. I'm sticking with my program and things are improving but I'm wondering if this is a normal part of recovery. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Dr. Stoll, for your work. Perhaps it just takes more time than i thought. (Also any suggestions for a fiber supplement? I seem to react to psyllium.)
My son gets hives often but not chronic. He gets them head to toe for days. This happens several times a year. However, a kid with hives is miserable and so is the family. We have tried the many things people and books have told us and last year found the thing that works for him. We use magnets. We get the magnets from Nikken. They helped my back pain so I can function again and we just tried them one day on the hives. They stopped the itching in minutes. As he gets more we just roll the magnets oover them and no problem. He now is over them in less than a day. We have a magboy (hand held unit with magnets you can roll on the areas) and ones you can lay or tape on. It makes things so much nicer and might be worth trying.I know that it sounds unreal, but they have helped me so much and have been helpful with my sons hives.Good luck.
In Reply to: Extreme Hives posted by Lisa on May 07, 1998 at 10:08:58:
Also, and I'm somewhat hesitant to mention this, but when I have a bout of hives, beer gets rid of them. Drinking one or two, not bathing in it. Anyone have an explanation for this? It works pretty quickly and seems like every time.
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by DP on May 07, 1998 at 12:18:51:
Dear Lisa and DP,
DP if you are taking augmentin and I'm not sure this is the
spelling but that is an antibiotic which is bad for people
who have yeast problems. Itching with hive like conditions is
often a sign of candida or some other type of allergy and it
is hopeful that you can pin point what it is so you can illiminate
whatever it is from your life. It can also be a sign of stress
which also needs to be dealt with. Dr. Stoll has great suggestions
for that. Read the book "The Yeast Connection" by Dr. Wm
Crook for more information on yeast problems. Beer which has
alcohol would not be good for a person who has yeast problems
because yeasts thrive on sugar. Two things that I have found
that work are, antihistomines which give rather quick results
but no cure. Another is MSM which I have just started using
and this seems to be lessening the the days when I would need
to take an antihistomine. Please start doing a little research
into your diseases and talk to others who have the same problems.
This page was a good place to start.
Good Luck,
Geri
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by Geri on May 08, 1998 at 09:15:27:
Geri: Please reread my post. I'm doing all the kinds of things you suggest. The augmentin was a year ago (for klebsiella overgrowth) and the nystatin was at the same time (specifically for yeast), and both were under the supervision of a holistic physician who, I believe, knows his stuff. I have no doubt that LGS is at the root of my problem and I'm actively dealing with it, with mostly excellent success, through the kind of methods Dr. Stoll recommends. My question was and is: is it normal to experience the sort of (so far brief) relapse that I am? Has anyone else had this experience? It's disturbing to think that months of hard work can be undone so quickly.
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by DP on May 08, 1998 at 12:08:40:
Also, I feel certain an occassional beer is less harmful than loading up on antihistimines that mostly lose effectivenes over time anyway. If they work for you, you should try the herb stinging nettles (freeze dried only), a benign and natural antihistimine.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Pat on May 06, 1998 at 18:25:54:
Dear Pat,
The causes of your condition are well known. The experience you have with the pressure precipitating hives is called dermatographia and is a well know part of this syndrome.
If you really want to know why you have this, read Dr Pelletier's classic: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer". THEN, while you are learning how to get rid of them by reading MY book (link on this page), you can stop suffering by learning self-hypnosis and practicing it regularly twice a day.
As you get over this unnecessary condition, you could help others by sharing your experiences with the bb participants.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Beth on May 02, 1998 at 23:11:07:
Dear Beth,
I have had chronic hives on and off since my second month of pregnancy, which was in 1989. I have a history of autoimmune problems in my family. I have tried all of the medications you have, and then some (i.e.Seldane and hismanol, dangerous stuff). It wasn't until recently that I have learned that hives are an autoimmune response.I am currently taking singulair with zyrtec. This didn't seem to help much, but I understand that the singulair can take a few weeks to work. (it has changed my son's life for the better by the elimination of asthma).
I am currently awaiting a shipment from,get this ...the Vatican Pharmacy! of zaditen SRO. This is also known as ketotifen. It is the only thing in the past that has ever gotten rid of ny hives (they went away for 2 years). It is not FDA approved but my allergist got permission from the fda to get it for resistant patients). In the interim I am drinking a tea made of equal parts of sassparilla, yellow dock root,agrimony,stinging nettle and (One additional pt) licorice root. I started it two nights ago and was very leary at first. All I can tell you is that something is begining to work as this morning they had faded substantially when I awoke. I had a stressful morning which made them flare up and now they are starting to go away again.Thank God!
I am going to try a hypnotherapist because there is NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT they are related to the way I deal with stress.I figure if nothing else it will help discipline me to take time to relax.
Hang in there and be grateful for the fact that the cause is not something more serious. I have a feeling that finding a solution to this problem (other than using antihistimines) can only enhance my life overall. Better thatn that I'll be FABULOUS!
Sincerely,
Julie
p.s. My allergist says that accolade has helped a number of patients, but ask about doing a liver function test if you go that route. The idea of it being necessary to test liver function kind of spooks me.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Walt Stoll on May 08, 1998 at 13:52:28:
I can't give you a cure for the chronic hives but I can tell you my daughter -in-Law has had then also for about 2 years. They were so bad that her lips and face would become horribly swollen. I can tell you that she also did the whole gammit of test. The thyroid test came up negative the first time and after being referred to another allergist, he also decided to test her one more time for thyroid (she had active hives at the time of testing) and it came up positive. So I would suggest that you try the thyroid test again...She is on synthroid and is doing much better. She still have some hives but not as severe.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Joyce on May 07, 1998 at 08:35:33:
Dear Joyce,
Everything you have said is true---so far as they go. I have yet to see ANYONE permanently resolve chronic hives with diet or EVEN total elimination of ANY environmental triggering substance.
One has to understand WHY their system responds this way & do something about that. For one thing, more than 90% of the stress-effect you mentioned contributing to this (in your own experience) is NOT psychosocial.
In the long run, eating a whole-foods diet (nothing less that that described in Beth Loiselle, RD's classic "The Healing Power of Whole Foods" is worth while trying), regular aerobic exercise and the practice of an effective skilled relaxation technique at least 20 minutes twice a day (not counting any done within 2 hours of retiring) will resolve this in every person. Some will resolve it by practicing only 2 of these but one of them MUST be the skilled relaxation.
Your alternative is that you will be still struggling with this the rest of your life AND the underlying dysautonomia the hives are a message about will continue till you have something a lot more serious than hives.
Learning is hard but it is the only hope the person with chronic hives has.
Walt
In Reply to: Extreme Hives posted by Lisa on May 07, 1998 at 10:08:58:
Dear Lisa,
See my other notes about this condition over the past week or so--even today.
This increasingly common condition is easily resolvable but one has to deal with the causes and not just treat the symptoms.
Once you have learned WHY you have them, the solution will be obvious to you. Do not neglect the references suggested since it is YOU who have to know this NOT your doc.
Once you have the above suggestions under your belt, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by DP on May 07, 1998 at 12:18:51:
Dear DP,
The natural history of chronic conditions like this is that of remissions & exacerbations. As you get well, this same pattern will continue. The difference is that the remissions will be longer, the exacerbations will be less frequent and be shorter and less severe. About the only way you can prove the progress to yourself is for you to keep a very careful, & descriptive diary.
These kinds of conditions take at least 6-12 months till there are never any recurrences. In the meantime, people tend to forget how bad things used to be and ANY recurrence feels worse than it would have felt happening when things were bad in the past.
Stick to your program and this too will pass.
There are lots of types of fiber for the psyllium sensitive person. Your healthfood store person would be the best to advise you (even your pharmacist). The problem is that they are all more expensive and you have to take a lot just like you do with psyllium.
Keep up the good work & continue to share your experiences wiuth us here on the bb.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Jackie on May 07, 1998 at 14:13:10:
Dear Jackie,
Thanks for bringing up electromagnetic medicine since it DOES help many people with widely divergent conditions.
My only caution would be that you are STILL only covering up the symptoms of the message the body is trying to send.
To understand WHY these kind of conditions happen, the easiest resource would be Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer".
Depending on the age of your child with the hives, I might have specific suggestions as to how to change the basic WHY.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by DP on May 07, 1998 at 15:40:46:
Dear DP,
A mild tranquilizer pretty much always works too. Some peole are more sensitive to the tranquilization of alcohol than others.
This is just another example proving why people have recurrent hives.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Extreme Hives posted by Walt Stoll on May 09, 1998 at 10:55:17:
Thanks! That's been pretty much my feeling, but it helps to have someone confirm them. I, for one, appreciate what you're doing. Please keep up the great work!
In Reply to: Extreme Hives posted by Lisa on May 07, 1998 at 10:08:58:
Hi. I too had really severe hives. I found my answer here. The best relief I have found is skilled relaxation. I used hypnosis, and it really worked for me. I react to chemicals like perfumes and cleaners. Eventually I broke out in hives inside and out. Relaxation was a natural alternative.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Walt Stoll on May 06, 1998 at 10:12:31:
i have had hives for three year its so emberresing i been hiding for almost a year i feel so ugly i want to do so preetty bad things.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Daphne on May 09, 1998 at 02:41:15:
Dear Daphne,
Your note tells me that you are still treating the "tips of the iceberg". If you are serious about preventing something worse (a louder message from the bodymind screaming for help) happening in the future, you both will read Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer".
THEN, when you have a better idea of what is going on, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
I have a problem with hives and have had since the middle of December 1997. I am presently taking an antihistamin that helps the itching. I can always tell if I have forgotten to take it because I start itching withing an hour or two after the missed dose. When I first started itching i noticeda knot on my back, I had someone to look at it and they said it looked like something had bit me. As long as I am on the medicine I have no problems. However 2 weeks ago, I came down with a sinus infection and my doctor took me off of the antihistamine and put me on something else to help with my congestion. I began to itch like crazy. At that time I also noticed this knot on my back again. It was in the same place as before. I asked someone to look at it and they said there was a red spot there but they could not tell if it was a bite. I am suppose to go see an Allergist this week. Is it possible that my hives is caused by some kind of bite?
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by johnny on May 10, 1998 at 22:10:36:
Dear Johnny,
Do not despair. This is not a tough problem to eliminate. Conventional medicine has no solutions for it. I ought to know since I practiced conventional medicine for more than 30 years.
Since I learned to match the solution to the causes, I have yet to see a patient that did not get rid of the problem.
First, while you are learning about your causes, you can get rid of the signs & symptoms by learning self-hypnosis & practicing it at least twice a day for 20 minutes (not counting any done within 2 hours of retiring). Within a few months, you will never have this happen again. In the meantime, once you have practiced for a few weeks, you can shut them down whenever they happen by doing your practice.
It you have more questions, write again.
Walt
I suffered from hives for over a year. I spent thousands of dollars seeing different allergists. They tried antihistamines and steroids. I developed side effects from those treatments. I finally threw in the towel and went to see my friend, Dr. Albert F. Robbins, in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a D.O. and specializes in environmental medicine. He looked at my tongue and noticed it was thrushed. He took nasal and throat cultures and found massive amounts of yeast. My toenails had also turned yellow. He diagnosed me as having a systemic yeast infection. He put me on a run of Diflucan for 3 weeks. The yeast infection went away and so did the hives. I have been free from hives for over 6 months now. I will never waste time or money with regular allergists again. Good luck!
In Reply to: Re: CHRONIC HIVES posted by Cheryl Wallace on May 12, 1998 at 14:55:43:
Cheryl,
I'm probably wading in over my head here, but that hasn't stopped me before. I really think what you need to do here is start adjusting how you view these kinds of reactions. I imagine Dr. Stoll will suggest you read his book. THIS IS GOOD ADVICE. He will help you begin to shift your view of how your mind and body interact as a whole system.
Your body is telling you something. Your challenge is to be the detective to unravel the messages.
No doubt you can react to a bug bite with hives. This is an allergic reaction, but my experience has been that these reactions do not have a simple cause and effect relationship: bug bite = hives. The antihistamines are only dealing with the symptoms and not treating the route causes.
I wonder about this "knot" in your back and its relationship to any stresses you are experiencing. I have personally seen people react to stress with hives. This is not to say that you don't have a bite of some sort, but your reaction may be excentuated by other factors.
I have some interesting articles on food allergies from an alternative perspective on my website that you may find interesting.
Hope this provides some food for thought until Dr. Stoll can respond.
To all Hive sufferers,
I know exactly what you are going and have gone through. My first outbreak w/ hives was in Sept. 1980. It has been absolutely the most frustrating thing in my life. I did not know what I had done to make God punish me so!
After every kind of doctor from primary care, internal medicine, dermatology, allergy, infectious disease, dentist, (I had my fillings checked out), etc. and drugs from atarax, prednisone, deltasone, benadryl, etc. to the emergency room visits for the shots of epinephrine and the home remedies from all my old southern relatives, I decided it was just something I would have to live with.
Then somewhere, (I can't remember where), I connected it w/ yeast. I found an open-minded doctor that was not insulted that I seemed to know more about my problem than she did and I discussed my yeast theory with her. She seemed to think it made sense so she treated me w/ some kind of medicine for Candida. I don't remember the name. However, it stopped for the first time in years my hive for more than one consecutive week. I was on to something! I have been pretty successful controlling my hives now for the past 5 years, but I do still have some outbreaks. Like this week for instance, which is what made me surf the net about this.
I am taking Janine's advice and getting Diflucan from my doctor but - BARB, WHAT DID YOU DO????
I know what you mean Beth, I too get "hives in my joints". They used to treat them w/ cortisone shots.
I refuse to take the steroids anymore, but if bad enough I will still take a shot of epenephrine.
As for you Walt, I agree you can do alot to your body w/ your mind, but hypnosis does not work for everyone. I tried that too! I could not be hypnotized.
I am taking herbs for Candida that seem to help control my hives. However, I am not cured. After reading all these follow-ups, I am convinced it is related to yeast. This is hard to control w/ diet. Yeast is in so many of the things we eat. I want a cure!
BARB, tell us what your doctor did.
In the mean time, I'm going to try another method I learned of on the net - acupuncture!
If you've ever had hives for any amount of time, you know, you'll try ANYTHING!
Looking forward to a cure...
Melinda
In Reply to: Re: CHRONIC HIVES posted by Cheryl Wallace on May 12, 1998 at 14:55:43:
Dear Cheryl,
This subject has been discussed several times right here on this bb within the past week or so. Please save me the typing by looking at them. They may even be listed in the archives provided with this bb. This is a miserable (and unnecessary) condition.
THEN, if you have more questions, write again. Be sure to read the references sugested. It is your understanding that will put you on the road to putting this all behind you.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Melinda Denney on May 13, 1998 at 16:55:49:
Help Me! I've been suffering from chronic hives for 20 years. I have them over most of my body right now. It's painful too! My doctor wants to send me to another specialist. I'ts a waste of time. Can anyone out there give me some suggestions?
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by julie on May 08, 1998 at 14:03:25:
Iv'e had severe hives for 20 years. Got any ideas?
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Melinda Denney on May 13, 1998 at 16:55:49:
Dear Melinda,
Thanks for your great post!
I DO have some suggestions:
First, no one ever hypnotizes anyone. This is simply an instructional process. ALL hypnosis is self-hypnosis! The fact that you did not succeed is a failure of instruction & NOT that "you could not be hypnotized". All instruction has two ends----the teacher & the student.
Candida is a very common mechanism behind hives. I have not concentrated on that since what is important is for the person to deal with WHY they became susceptible to the candida OR it will continue coming back every time treatment is discontinued. We all are swimming in candida spores (yeast form) every second of our lives. WHY DO WE NOT ALL "HAVE" IT?
Self-hypnosis is, at best, a temporary way for the person to suffer less with the hives while they are learning how to deal with THEIR causes. ALL people with hives have an overload of stress-effect storage in their hypothalamus. Until that is discharged, they will continue looking for another "way". Humans are too different for ANYTHING to work for EVERYONE. This is true of the symptomatic relief from self-hypnosis too. I have yet to see it fail but I know it will not work for everyone.
Acupuncture might help but it will never be the "cure" that I am assuming you are looking for. It is just a safer treatment that works through the energy body of the individual.
The mind connection, here, is NOT "mind over matter"! It is learning how the hypothalamus causes susceptibility to hives & discharging the chronic readiness that has to be present for you to have the hives. The most common mechanism behind the susceptibility to C-RS IS this same hypothalamic process. Nothing magic--just plain science.
If you have not yet digested "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier, you need to do so. You will continue "treading water" till you understand this better.
Walt
I am once again plagued with hives. This is my third bout in the last 5 years. The first 2 episodes lasted around 6 monthes. I am currently taking Zertec (an antihistimine) and prednisone (a steriod). Together, they work. I keep my hives under control taking the minimum amount that works, but am still very concerned about taking them. I hate taking any drugs (perscription or over the counter) because the side effects just aren't worth it. I'm stumped.
I've had nothing but negative experience with doctors. Even today, I was left hanging, by yet another doctor. I had an appointment that I had waited weeks for and came home from vacation for. I returned only to find that he cancelled it knowing that my percription was almost finished and I had no other means of controlling my hives. I cried for an hour in sheer frustration of having to rely on these people who have no interest in me or my health.
I have considered yeast to be a possible cause in the past, but have been ridiculed by 2 docors for even suggetsing it. Yes, they do label you as a "quack." I suppose the hardest thing I've dealt with is the lack of empathy from anyone in the medical field. I feel so much judgement from them for taking any interst in being my own advocate. If I have any input on my own treatment, I'm not being the compliant patient. I soppse I'm just venting, now. I spent most of my day at the doctor's or filling perscriptions. I have an appointment with an allergist on Tuesday. I am anxious to see how open he is to alternative ideas.
I bought the book, "The Yeast Connection" years ago, but have never read it. I suppose it's time. If you have any ideas, or just feel like sharing, I could use some support from someone who's dealt with or is dealing with the same problem. Angie
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Annette Merriman on May 14, 1998 at 12:46:31:
Dear Annette,
You are at the right bb. Now use the archives to read about hives. We have been going through a bulge of notes about this during the past 2 weeks and those have not yet been archived.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Jackie on May 07, 1998 at 14:13:10:
I had been suffereing from chronic hives for 6 mos. My brother (who works at Nikken) told me for weeks that I should try the magnet. I had hesitated because I thought it was a gimmeck. Well since using the magnet I have been hive free for 22 days. I feel that I am completely cured! I don't feel that this is just a cover-up or temporary relief as someone had mentioned. If anyone would like more info on the Nikken problems, just let me know.
Drew
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Jackie on May 07, 1998 at 14:13:10:
Hi Jackie,
I had chronic hives for months. I also tried all the presciptions all my doctors had given me, but they did not work or I suffered side effects from them. My brother (who works at NIKKEN) tried to give me the magnets but I had hesitated because I thought it was a gimmeck! Well since using the magnet I have been hive free for 22 days. I feel that I am cured and this is not temporary relief like someone else had mentioned. If anyone should need more info on NIKKEN products let me know and I can help you out.
Drew
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Walt Stoll on May 16, 1998 at 10:38:33:
I've experienced itching for the past 6 weeks. It started
in my scalp and neck. The past week it intensified to my back.
I have a homeopathic remedy that helps a bit and was just put
on zyrtec by my physician. She claims that it's "environmental
allergies" causing this. I'm 42 and this is the first I've
experienced this. Could this be the start of a chronic hives
problem? My only other experience like this has been 4 years
ago after an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug.
Suggestions appreciated!
Thanks
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Jackie on May 07, 1998 at 14:13:10:
Jackie,
I have a daughter who will be four in September. Last year, one afternoon just before her third birthday, she took a nap and woke up covered in welts. I panicked and called the pediatrician. I had NEVER seen anything like this before and had no idea they were hives. They reassured me and told me to try Benadryl. It did work and they disappeared within a few hours. Since last September, the episodes got worse and more closer together. Sometimes we would go weeks without any and sometimes only a few days. They would always be welts (not just little red marks) that ranged in size from a dime to the palm of my hand. Sometimes itchy, not always. Benadryl worked temporarily but I felt we needed to find out why they were happening. The pediatrician suggested narrowing out foods, clothing, detergents, etc. None of this worked. Food was not very hard to figure out. A three year old does not have a very varied menu!!!! When none of this worked, he finally referred me to an allergist. He told me he thought her hives were of dermagraphic nature and she had very sensitive skin. He did a very simple test. Took the top of his Bic pen and made a tic-tac-toe board on her lower inner arm. He did the same on me. We both had marks were he made the lines but hers remained five minutes later while mine disappeared. He put her on one teaspoon of Claritan every morning after breakfast and I was amazed. The hives were totally under control. After about two months, we tried dropping her down to 1/2 teaspoon every day. Within three days, she started to get tiny red spots on her upper thighs and inner arms. They mostly appeared after she woke up. He suggested having her sleep in as loose clothing as possible so as not to have anything rubbing while she was sleeping. Seemed to also help. Maybe coincidence. We stayed on 1/2 teaspoon for about a month and when she did get the hives, they were only red spots, not welts. Then we tried stopping the Claritan all together. Hives by the same afternoon. Back on the Claritan. No hives. Off Claritan again. Hives. She now for the past week has been battling with a cold/cough/low grade fever. She was put on a cough syrup that already had an antihistamine and a decongestant in it. I had to stop the Claritan so as not to double dose the antihistamine. No hives for the week. Stopped the cough medicine yesterday and didn't give her any Claritan either. MAJOR hives this afternoon. She welted again on her arms, back legs and abdomen. Itchy as well. I immediately gave her 1 teaspoon of Claritan and within one hour they were gone.
The allergist said if this seemed to be a continuing pattern, there was no harm in keeping her on the Claritan but he wanted to do some blood work to see if there was anything else that could provide answers to why. I really don't want to put her through that. As far as I am told, there are no side effects whatsoever to Claritan and if it helps, why mess with a good thing.
Believe me I know how frustrating it can be. Between trying to figure out what is causing them and being stressed because she's so uncomfortable, makes us all crazy.
My questions for you - how old is your son? Has he had any changes to lifestyle since he has gotten the hives. I am not sure whether this has anything to do with it or not but I had my second daughter middle of last August. The older one has taken to her with no problems and loves her to pieces. There is no jealously or anything like that. I was curious as to whether having a little sister triggered something (possibly mentally) or whether it was just coincidence.
I would love to hear from you. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Angie on May 16, 1998 at 05:22:20:
Dear Angie,
READ THE BOOK! However, although I learned about yeast more than 20 years ago, I soon found that the causes for the susceptibility to the yeast were more important--if one is interested in a permanent cure (read my book--link on this page).
There has been considerable discussion about hives over the past year, right here on this bb. Everything up to March has been archived. Go to the link: archives and see what you can find. The answers to your problem have been discussed many times & I have never seen them to fail. The trick is that you have to learn. From your note, it sounds like you are ready to do that.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Drew on May 16, 1998 at 23:45:58:
Dear Drew,
Magnets have been known to work. I have concentrated on educating people who come to this bb about the causes and how to change them so the solution will be permanent.
Magnets are a temporary treatment (blessed relief) but no more of a permanent solution than acupuncture, self-hypnosis and the like. Why not use them for the relief they give but DO NOTstop looking for the causes just because the aggravation is gone for a while.
This has been discussed a lot this past month--right here on this bb. You would be wise to learn more before they come back.
When you get interested in the causes, read a copy of "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier. This is available in any bookstore & library.
THEN, if you have more questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Robin Sapossnek on May 17, 1998 at 16:21:41:
Dear Robin,
This COULD be the beginning (especially since you have already had an experience in the past). Were I you, I would get serious about learning WHY this happens to people. NOT the trigger (like sulfa or other environmental triggers) but why YOU are susceptible.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Wendy on May 17, 1998 at 22:00:19:
Dear Wendy,
The Claritin is just like the Benadryl; only for YOUR daughter, more effective at suppressing the symptoms. I am sure that no one involved with this (you OR your pediatician) believe that these hives are a Claritin deficiency. All you are doing is hiding the warning signals till the problem gets more serious. For this to be occuring at this age guarantees that she has serious problems coming unless you become a student of WHY these things happen (and I DO NOT mean the triggers like allergens even though they are one step closer to the process).
A good palce to start would be a reference in my book: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier. This is available in any bookstore (new edition in the past 5-6 years). THEN, if that makes sense to you, you could learn what to DO about it by reading my book (link on this page).
Then, if you still have questions, write again.
The Claritin will stop working. The time to deal with the causes is while it is still working.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Walt Stoll on May 19, 1998 at 11:38:41:
Dr. Stoll,
I was amazed and quite disappointed to read your reply to my letter to Jackie regarding chronic hives. I ran across this bulletin board by searching the web for dermagraphic hives. As you read in my original letter, to see your child go through something like this can be very frustrating. I was searching for explanations and quite possibly some answers from different sources. Jackie's letter came up and I linked to it which brought me to your BB.
I started reading letters about hives from most of the people who wrote to you. In almost every one, the person seemed to have a problem with candida and you referred them to either your book or Dr. Pelletiers book.
THAT IS THE REASON WHY I RESPONDED TO JACKIE, NOT YOU. I didn't need you to tell me to read your book. Your reply in regards to finding out WHY hives happen and your blunt remark about my child being guaranteed to have serious problems coming is shocking. We know her hives are dermagraphic in nature which is the answer to WHY and nothing that I have been told leads me to believe that she will encounter any serious problems in the future. If you can predict what a three year olds future is like because she has hives today is truly quite an accomplishment.
As for suppressing her symptoms - you have obviously not had a child with chronic hives. It is perhaps one of the saddest things to see any child suffer for whatever the reason may be and if it something as manageable as hives, giving her claritan for now until we can find an answer or they disappear on their own seems logical.
I have not read Dr. Pelletier's book nor do I care to. I have TOTAL FAITH in my daughter's pediatrician and her allergist. These gentlemen ARE in practice and doing quite well. I trust them and know they will find an answer.
We are tyring to find an answer now while the Claritan is still working. If it does stop working, then I am sure she will be in good hands whatever their next decision will be. And yes, you are correct - none of us seems to feel this is a result of a Claritan deficiency!!!! That is not why she is taking it. It is helping get her through some pretty uncomfortable moments. For me, that is enough for now.
I hope that in the future when you respond to a parent of a small child, no matter what the situation, you take into regard what they are going to feel like when they read your letter. The last thing I wanted to read what that I was covering up something that you think can be easily corrected and that she was headed for serious problems. Wouldn't it be nice if things can really be that easily corrected? Tell me Dr. Stoll, if you say they can, why isn't it that your methods/book/theories aren't practiced in every doctor's office.
I feel sorry for all those unsuspecting people who are writing directly to you for help and answers to only be told to "buy these two books and your life can be changed forever".
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Wendy on May 19, 1998 at 22:22:05:
Hi Wendy,
I have no children so I can barely imagine what it must be like to watch your child suffer. I have a cat that broke a tooth and was injured in a fight - that's probably the closest I've come to dealing with a loved one's physical suffering.
Alternative or Holistic medicine is not just substituting herbs for pills and meditation for sleep. It is a pretty dramatically different way of looking at health care. Today most of us go to the doctor looking for the antidote to our current problem. Very few go to the doctor when they are feeling good.
Holistic docs work with you not just to "cure", but to strengthen the body's resources so that problems become less and less likely to arise. Today there are a large number of chronic conditions that conventional docs can do nothing about except prescribe symptom-suppressing drugs. Holistic docs teach you how to strengthen the body's reserves to maximum health. If you are at near maximum health, most chronic problems fade and quit.
The reason we recommend Pelletier's book and my Dad's book is not because there is a cure for Chronic Hives on page 47. It is because it is very difficult to consider the possibility that the cure is to make lifestyle changes. Most need to have a pretty good argument and some pretty good evidence. Dad is fond of saying that people will only consider lifestyle changes when they have "suffered enough". Blunt, but true, at least in my case.
Finally, we suggest that conventional and Holistic methods both have their place. Conventional tends to work best in acute (life-threatening or traumatic) conditions, while Holistic tends to work best in chronic conditions. We have the best of both worlds today, in that we can suppress symptoms with drugs, giving us time, strength and energy to solve the problems before they get worse.
Some reading that you might consider that doesn't require buying a book (smile) is the Zintz files, the archived notes posted by Jim Hare as he has adopted the lifestyle changes. Also the beginning of the Epstein Barr Virus (April 1998) archives have some wonderful posts by Robert McFerran on this topic.
I wish all the best for you and your child.
Bill
In Reply to: Re: Anyone have any ideas for CHRONIC HIVES posted by Wendy on May 19, 1998 at 22:22:05:
Wendy,
I do this work bvecause I have compassion for people who are surprised when these causes come up & bite them on the b--t. The mechanisms of this condition have been known for more than 50 years (Hans Selye, MD). The reasons why they are not generally available is that the allopathic way is to simply treat the symptoms.
Perhaps you need a graphic explanation of what you are doing to this chlid. This works exactly this way:
A person is sitting in the couch potato position and the doorbell starts ringing. S/he is too lazy to get up to answer it but the bell keeps ringing. Finally, s/he gets up & cuts the wires that go to the bell. The bell stops ringing. Unfortunately, it was the neighbor trying to warn him/her that her/his house was on fire.
Your insistance on your own personal ignorance will probably not crumble till the house burns down. I would suggest you file these suggestions somewhere so when you ARE ready to take responsibility you will have some of the tools to do so.
I am not opposed to your relieving your child's symptoms with the Claritin. I would do the same. I was just trying to give you an opportunity to prevent her more suffering when it stops working.
If yoiu have a FAX, I would be happy to FAX you one page reporting why your docs do not know of these safe and effective alternatives that actually do get at the causes----
assuming that your question was not frivolous.
I understand that you are enamored with your "trusted" docs being able to put a name (dermatographic) to this genetic susceptibillity. After all that is what we MDs get paid for---impressing the patient. Dermatographia is caused by what is described in Dr Pelletier's book---look it up in the medical dictionary. All it means is that the skin response to touch is greatly heightened by the hypothalamic overload. That is why one of your docs recommended that tight clothing be avoided. Your Claritin is doing NOTHING about that.
I can also understand your reluctance about learning something new. It would be terrible for you to know more than your "trusted" docs. Galileo's contemporaries refused to look through his telescopes because they were afraid that they might learn that there really were moons around Jupiter.
If this were about you, I would not be bothering to write this note. You have a right to suffer for yourself should you choose to suffer rather than learn anything new. I don't believe you have the right to impose that on your helpless child.
I make no money from the sale of my book. I only recommend it when the concepts needed by the individual cannot be expressed by less than 200 pages of text.
Do you really think I donate 6 hours a day of my time just to try to make fools of people?
Walt