How do you deal with isolation...and hives?

[cakefan]

Hi everyone,
I'm really isolating myself more and more lately. Honestly it is hard to leave my house, and when I do the panic arises. I know that one issue is that I've been battling constant hives for the past 2 weeks. Initially I went to my docs, but he thought I was exaggerating, I was lucky enough to capture a decent picture during an outbreak, and send it to my doctor. After a week and a 2nd email, he responded and wanted me to do some lab work to test for infections, which I was happy about.

The hives drive me crazy, they pop up on my scalp, face, back. I've been keeping a food diary, but even when I fasted they still appeared, so I don't think it is a food allergy. I'm using scent free / natural soaps/ laundry detergent at the moment, so I don't think that is an issue. The only thing that combats the terrible itching, burning, and welts is benadryl. That puts me right to sleep, so basically I'm sleeping all day, which of course feeds into the isolation. Yesterday I had a book club, and just could not go because I can barely keep my eyes open. This is the 2nd week that I have not gone, and I feel like I'm not going to fit back in to the group dynamic.

The isolation of course feeds my depression, and it's just a vicious cycle. All that I'm doing right now is working a couple of hours, sleeping, eating, and watching tv. I just feel so stuck. I'm hoping that the lab results show something that can shed some light as well as treatment to stop the hives. Right now though I just feel itchy, alone, and past my expiration date.

[TraversD]

Have you had any allergy testing done? It could be a number of things including allergies to the growth of grass, molds, trees, ect. Could it be a medication? Even if you have been on a medication for a long time, you could still develop an allergy to it. I found that out with cold medications recently...I had taken them all of my life, yet the last time I took one, my throat started to swell. I found out that all cold medications have the same active ingredient..so that is out the door for me. But even if you fast for one day, it also could be a food allergy as it does not totally clear your system for awhile. So, I would definitely recommend being tested for allergies in addition to see if you have an infection. Do you have any other symptoms of an allergy, such as wheezing or anything else? Have you come into contact with certain plants? Poison oak? Anything could be causing this. Do you have animals? Try to keep a log of what you do and when these outbreaks occur. And it could also be caused by panic in extreme cases. I understand the agoraphobia. I too have that. I do not go anywhere except for my doctor appts., the pharmacy, labs, and occasionally to the store, where I do have issues with being around people and out in the open. When I go outside, I can only go as far as the bench outside my front door. It got better, though. I used to spend the whole damn day and night hiding in my bathroom with the door locked...my hubby used to come in and ask if I was ever going to come out..I would say, no. I then was able to go into my bedroom and nowhere else. Eventually, I made it out to my living room. Now I can deal with my home, but not outside my home. It has been suggested that I start exercizing by walking...I have told them over and over, I cannot leave my home and do that. And frankly, I don't even have the energy to excercize here in my home. But, don't beat yourself up...try little steps at a time. First, try to find out what is causing the hives. Then see if you can return to your book club. If not yet, try to go a little further everyday or week or whatever works for you until you are up to doing it. Alot of people feel this way. You are not alone. Just work on yourself and deal with your health first.

[cakefan]

Originally I thought the hives were stress related, and went hand in hand with the depression, but now I'm not so sure. They arrive at all times, even when I'm feeling really good. I know the body holds emotions etc, but honestly I've been a great deal worse than what I am now and that did not occur.

Yes I think my next step might be an allergist should the lab results come back alright. There was a period when I was getting terrible cramps not pms related and I thought it might go along w/ the hives. Also I've noticed that I become very congested in my ears. I'm not to sure if that is because I'm getting hives or swelling in the canals, or if it is just general congestion/ allergy related. I do notice them both at the same time though. I'm sorry that you have experienced isolation too, but I appreciate your sharing...it makes me feel less alone in this struggle. I am a bit worried that this is going to continue to escalate. Honestly it is difficult to make quick errands, and have the normal social interactions. I know part of it is because I feel such anger/disgust/shame about myself...and I just want to hide away. There was a period when I was so optimistic, and adventurous...I miss that side of me.

[Christyle]

Your Dr. suggested sending a sample to the lab. Has he done so? Any results?
Otherwise maybe you could get a second opinion from a good dermatologist.
There are lots of good products around and I'm sure your could find something
suitable to alleviate your condition.

Good luck with that!