Pin The Allergy On The Donkey

[Adelle]

Ok so I'm having a strange allergic reaction to something. My lips are swelling. It happens every year or so (at different times of the year) seemingly completely at random. So far the only things to get rid of it have been pregnizone (sp?) for 9 weeks (I'll NEVER do that again!) and shots of cortizone (or something that sounds like that) IN my lips (ouch!). Last time the derm. Did a biopsy, yes it is an allergic reaction. I went to an allergist years ago. Looks like I had collagen, women pay hundreds for that, I should be THANKFUL. Same reaction from the ER docs last year. AHHHHH!!!

I even did food charts and I eat COMPLETELY different foods! I even moved, 3 times!

Anyway, I have an appt with an allergist tommorow who have PROMISED to do blood testing etc. I'm just so freaked out! I want to find out what this is! So I can avoid it!!

Wish me luck

[happygirl]

Adelle:

WOW. I wish I had a good idea to give you! Don't you love doctors who tell you that you are "lucky" for this type of thing (I get that about being skinny all the time. I tell them that malnourished is not my favorite look. ha!)

Sounds like you have tried all "obvious" ways to figure it out. I agree---Prednizone can certainly wreck havoc on some people.

Could it be a medicine, personal care product, etc?

Best of luck....let us know how your appointment goes. I'm assuming they'll test for food as well as 'environmental' allergens as well?

Laura

[Adelle]

I'm pretty sure it's not a beauty product. The first few times it happened I used only dye/perfume free shampoo, soap, and deodorant. And no other beauty products.

My dad was allergic to all preservatives, a bunch of foods, and had anvironmental allergies too. I don't know exactly what it is, because I never knew him and he outgrew them before he met my mom. My mom is allergic to dyes and perfumes. My sister has food allergies.

It could be anything! I don't know what they'll test for, I just want them to test for something!

[Jestgar]

Maybe a contact allergy to some food? My lips burn when they touch peach skin.

[Adelle]

I can't seem to find anything that causes a reaction with just touching it.

My lips are going kinda numb. Better than burning pain!!

Does anyone know what to look for in this appt? I've almost always had horrible experiences with doctors. Including 1 allergist who had me come back several times (billing my insurance) and never did any allergy testing. Hence why I didn't want to see one again...

I'm just horribly nervous. I just want to find out! I have a feeling that this will not be quickly resolved. Thanx.

[Adelle]

The allergist refused to do any allergy tests. Cause I don't have hives or anything. I don't know what that has to do with it. She did take 6 viles of blood (eeww) for some tests (but neglected to tell me what, I'll find out later) and do a chest x-ray (again I dunno why). Then I gotta give her my biopsy records (still waiting for them in the mail) and I guess we'll go from there. Oh I did get a steroid cream and zyrtec (tho I dunno if it'll help). And she said if they don't work I'll have "no choice but to take pregnizone" which I'm refusing because when I had to take it it took 9 weeks for it to go away. And it caused awful side effects. if this crap doesn't work, I'm going back to the dermatologist. She said she'd give me cortizone shots anytime I needed them, they suck, but it gets rid of the swelling and pain in only a day or two.

Anyway, even tho I'm having a blatant allergic reaction, there will be no allergy testing for me. Well that's her plan. My plan is if this bloodwork comes back fine (in chich case she said I'd live with the pain) I'm finding another allergist. Again.

She even suggested therapy cause I was crying. Not listening to me saying I'm crying cause I'm in paind and need to know why!

[jayhawkmom]

Do you have any environmental allergies that you are aware of?? I ask because sometimes, people who have environmental allergies have cross-reactivity with certain foods, and it causes oral allergy syndrome.

For example... people who are allergic to birch pollen frequently react to peaches, apples, pears, and a bunch of other foods.

People allergic to mold can cross react with mushrooms.

So, a reaction without an allergy to the actual thing being reacted to.... it's very weird.

Open Original Shared Link

Here is a link for you. Obviously... it's just a thought, based on what you've posted. Otherwise, I haven't a clue, and I hope you get some answers.

[Adelle]

I have never been tested for any allergies at all. But I've never noticed any seasonal allergies. I'll try to view the site (I'm on a sidekick so some stuff doesn't work).

For now I have my zyrtec and steroid cream (which is gritty and disgusting). Hoping this works.

I also got a call from my doc. I need to come back for "more blood tests". Who knows.

[Adelle]

I have never been tested for any allergies at all. But I've never noticed any seasonal allergies. I'll try to view the site (I'm on a sidekick so some stuff doesn't work).

For now I have my zyrtec and steroid cream (which is gritty and disgusting). Hoping this works.

I also got a call from my doc. I need to come back for "more blood tests". Who knows.

[Adelle]

Thanx jayhawkmom!! I looked up oregon allergens. Aparently the alder has been high in this area this week. On your link if ur allergic to alder, celery, pears, almonds, and parsley all can react. All of those I've been eating. I'm gonna see if it goes away, then I'll know! Thanx!

I don't have any other allergy symptoms, but it's worth a try.

[Nantzie]

Yea, just keep in mind that for every substance on the planet there is someone who is allergic or intolerant to it.

I'm allergic to most of those mineral makeups because of the bismuth oxychloride in them. Even though they say that it's fine for people with sensitive skin.

I also react to wheat-based vodka even though most celiacs don't.

I'm just lucky I guess...

It may take some trial and error, but you should be able to figure out what is causing your reaction.

Just don't count anything out. My mom used to get really severe hives from Ivory Soap (99.9% pure). I get a nasty rash from Dove soap, which is one of the few soaps my mom could tolerate. Hypoallergenic or fragrance free might not matter.

As for the allergist that refused to check you for allergies... Well...

I hope you get it figured out soon.

Nancy

[jayhawkmom]

My mom used to get really severe hives from Ivory Soap (99.9% pure).

I'm the same way!! Ivory has caused me to have hives and eczema so badly that I've scratched myself so hard I've bled, A LOT!!

I was not aware of oral allergies until recently - when my daughter started "reacting" to foods we are fairly certain she's NOT allergic to. Her pediatrician confirmed a "citrus sensitivity" after drinking orange juice caused her to break out in MASSIVE hives all over her face and arms, but no where else. No breathing issues, no nothing.... just massive itchy hives. He told us to "be on the lookout" for oral allergies, since she's also allergic to numerous pollens and grasses. Oh, how I can't wait for spring. (note my sarcasm)

Lots of luck to you!!

[Adelle]

Ahhhhhh!! Okay now I'm freaking out! My doc sent me a little card saying that my "globulin" was abnormally low. They r using my extra blood from other tests to run "some more tests". What does this mean?? I googled it. All the causes are terrifying! Kidney failure, liver necrosis!! Ahh what!? I'm gonna call monday, but in the meantime.... What can I do to stop freaking out??

Has anyone had this happen? I don't know the exact numbers or anything. Not yet. I have days to wait till I can find anything out! I can't stop thinking the worst.