Urticaria My Problem?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone! I'm only 99% postitive I've joined the right group. I'm

not sure what I have but after research I believe I " belong " here.

Like many babies,my son was born with allergies. He had what we

referred to as excema all his life. I just noticed he has a couple

spots tonight with a few bumps beneath his eye. He's turning 18 so

he's pretty excited. Maybe allergies,etc,do run in my family. I don't

remember,but my mother said I was allergic to tomatoes as a young

child. I am now turning 43 & have never had an allergic reaction to

anything since the tomatoes(if I have,it must have been so mild that

I did'nt know I had the reaction).

Just about a week ago I felt an enlarged lymph node that hurt when I

pressed on it on my neck. I also had a " serious " welt at the top of &

behind my ear. After 1-2 days of scratching I broke out in a coin

shaped hive along my chin. I've broken in smaller blister like hives

in a couple of other places since then. They've all stayed above my

collar bone.

The dr in the E.R. did'nt know what to make of them so he had a

colleague look at them...neither of these 2 dr's knew what I had(a

common statement made by many of the posts in these archives).

Is this condition caused by an allergy. I was around a dog with very

dry scaly skin only a couple days before I broke out,but I also broke

out worse after a " disagreement " with a family member today,so I was

thinking it is caused by anxiety/emotions/stress/etc...maybe both?

Can anyone offer me their own person opinion on this? Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group . Have you seen an allergist or dermatologist?

You will find lots of useful information here and LOTS of support. My

daughter is 2 1/2 and has had several forms of urticaria since she was a few

months old. I wish you the very best~~Alena's Mom ps What meds are

you on?

Urticaria My Problem?

> Hi everyone! I'm only 99% postitive I've joined the right group. I'm

> not sure what I have but after research I believe I " belong " here.

>

> Like many babies,my son was born with allergies. He had what we

> referred to as excema all his life. I just noticed he has a couple

> spots tonight with a few bumps beneath his eye. He's turning 18 so

> he's pretty excited. Maybe allergies,etc,do run in my family. I don't

> remember,but my mother said I was allergic to tomatoes as a young

> child. I am now turning 43 & have never had an allergic reaction to

> anything since the tomatoes(if I have,it must have been so mild that

> I did'nt know I had the reaction).

>

> Just about a week ago I felt an enlarged lymph node that hurt when I

> pressed on it on my neck. I also had a " serious " welt at the top of &

> behind my ear. After 1-2 days of scratching I broke out in a coin

> shaped hive along my chin. I've broken in smaller blister like hives

> in a couple of other places since then. They've all stayed above my

> collar bone.

>

> The dr in the E.R. did'nt know what to make of them so he had a

> colleague look at them...neither of these 2 dr's knew what I had(a

> common statement made by many of the posts in these archives).

>

> Is this condition caused by an allergy. I was around a dog with very

> dry scaly skin only a couple days before I broke out,but I also broke

> out worse after a " disagreement " with a family member today,so I was

> thinking it is caused by anxiety/emotions/stress/etc...maybe both?

>

> Can anyone offer me their own person opinion on this? Thanks.

>

>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> If you do wish to unsubscribe then you can click on the following link:

> <mailto:urticaria-unsubscribeegroups>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> This list is in the service of those who suffer from Chronic Urticaria

(hives). We strive to support and lift each other as a worldwide

cyber-family.

>

> We share whatever needs to be shared to help one another in our struggle

with Chronic Urticria.

>

> Any posting that is off the main topic of Chronic Urticaria, we post with

a prefix of NCU -. This is done out of respect for those who do not wish to

read such postings.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi & thanks for the welcome! No,I have'nt seen anyone other than the 2 E.R. drs who have no clue as to what I've got. I've been doing my own research on the internet & questioning people,etc...The dr in E.R. told me to call my dr as he thinks someone should keep an eye on it.

I'm not on any meds(other than the Bactroban & antibiotics prescribed to me in the E.R. but this came after the fact. BTW,the cream & antibiotics do seem to be helping. Hive at back of neck now gone). I have'nt even had a migraine in a long,long time. I have'nt introduced any new foods or cosmetics,etc,into my life. The only thing I can think of is around the same time this started I was very close to & petting a dog(I love dogs too much,I guess)that has dry,scaly skin. I'm wondering about this animal dander that apparantly is a trigger. I hope it has nothing to do it...I'd hate to have to stay away from dogs!

Does an allergy ALWAYS bring this on,or can emotions/anxiety alone do it?

>Welcome to the group . Have you seen an allergist or dermatologist?

>You will find lots of useful information here and LOTS of support. My >daughter is 2 1/2 and has had several forms of urticaria since she was a few >months old. I wish you the very best~~Alena's Mom ps What meds are >you on? > Urticaria My Problem? > > > > Hi everyone! I'm only 99% postitive I've joined the right group. I'm > > not sure what I have but after research I believe I "belong" here. > > > > Like many babies,my son was born with allergies. He had what we > > referred to as excema all his life. I just noticed he has a couple > > spots tonight with a few bumps beneath his eye. He's turning 18 so > > he's pretty excited. Maybe allergies,etc,do run in my family. I don't > > remember,but my mother said I was allergic to tomatoes as a young > > child. I am now turning 43 & have never had an allergic reaction to > > anything since the tomatoes(if I have,it must have been so mild that > > I did'nt know I had the reaction). > > > > Just about a week ago I felt an enlarged lymph node that hurt when I > > pressed on it on my neck. I also had a "serious" welt at the top of & > > behind my ear. After 1-2 days of scratching I broke out in a coin > > shaped hive along my chin. I've broken in smaller blister like hives > > in a couple of other places since then. They've all stayed above my > > collar bone. > > > > The dr in the E.R. did'nt know what to make of them so he had a > > colleague look at them...neither of these 2 dr's knew what I had(a > > common statement made by many of the posts in these archives). > > > > Is this condition caused by an allergy. I was around a dog with very > > dry scaly skin only a couple days before I broke out,but I also broke > > out worse after a "disagreement" with a family member today,so I was > > thinking it is caused by anxiety/emotions/stress/etc...maybe both? > > > > Can anyone offer me their own person opinion on this? Thanks.

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

[Guest guest]

Jacquir

well said

i have had CU for three years NON STOP-but then who is counting

please pardon me while I vent a little

been rough two weeks

my 17 yr old son-who was hit by a car last year and has a TBI--passed another

kidney stone--has lost 35 pounds since Christmas-they thought possible due ot

no sense of taste or smell but blood work showed cproblems-had to go for

massive more blood tests yesterday--lab called and they accidenlty left it

out so he had to go back today

2 weeks ago my sister in law was found by my brother not breathing-he did CPR

and 911--long story short-she had massive brian tumor--they did remove and it

was benign but recovery will be tuff

my mother had a stroke Saturday-in hosptial-1300 miles away and my son in too

poor condition of me to go to help her

at am this morning the main water line to our house beak--no water all

day-plummer will arrive in am

our " best " car--steering wont lock and therfore we can NOT get key out of

ignition

and my hives are NO worse nor BETTER than ever

go figure

[Guest guest]

Hi, . For most of us chronic urticarians, allergies have nothing

to do with it. Allergy testing usually turns up nada, zero, zilch,

nothing. As do all the other tests doctors routinely run on us.

Urticaria is not considered chronic until you've had the condition

non-stop for at least 6 weeks. Most people who get hives do not

become chronic - we are all very much in the minority. It is not

labeled as idiopathic until doctors have ruled out all possible

causes - thyroid disorders, illnesses like cancer, lupus and other

autoimmune disorders, allergies, infections (including the little bug

that has been found to be the cause of stomach ulcers, h-pylori),

skin disorders like scabies and eczema, the list goes on and on. Yes,

stress can affect it, but is not the root cause. CU is thought to be

an autoimmune illness, and in some cases is a precursor to other

autoimmune stuff - lupus is known to not test positive for years even

though the patient has symptoms of it, including hives.

There are several forms urticaria can take. There are different sizes

of hives, from little pin point ones, to mosquito bite size welts (in

fact, a mosquito bite causes a hive at the site of the bite) to giant

plaques that can cover large areas of the body. Some people get deep

tissue swelling with urticaria, which is known as delayed pressure

urticaria. There are some who react to cold (cold-induced), others

react to heat (cholinergic urt.). Some people will react to light

stroking of the skin (dermographism). Some of us get stomach

symptoms - like acid reflux, cramps, diarrhea - or breathing

problems; these are from hives inside the body along the airways or

throughout the digestive tract. Some of us also end up with other

autoimmune problems somewhere along the line; for example I also have

asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to learn all you can is a

great first step. Read through the past postings to this list at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/urticaria

Also be sure to check out all the great information at the ICUS

website - Phil has included some really great links, too.

http://www.angelfire.com/journal/icus/ OR

http://venus.nerosworld.com/icus/

Hope this helps!

Air hugs,

Jackie

[Guest guest]

...you sound like to have a proverbial black cloud overhead. I think your patience and solitude will help you though all this. I know he statement That Jesus only gives us what we can handle. You must be a strong willed woman.

Good luck!

Patti

[Guest guest]

thanks

we can use the prayers and encouragement

the hives continue

[Guest guest]

, I am sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. We are here

for you and I you and your family are added to my and my others in the

groups prayers lists. Hang in there~~Alena's Mom

Re: Re: Urticaria My Problem?

> Jacquir

> well said

> i have had CU for three years NON STOP-but then who is counting

> please pardon me while I vent a little

> been rough two weeks

> my 17 yr old son-who was hit by a car last year and has a TBI--passed

another

> kidney stone--has lost 35 pounds since Christmas-they thought possible due

ot

> no sense of taste or smell but blood work showed cproblems-had to go for

> massive more blood tests yesterday--lab called and they accidenlty left it

> out so he had to go back today

> 2 weeks ago my sister in law was found by my brother not breathing-he did

CPR

> and 911--long story short-she had massive brian tumor--they did remove and

it

> was benign but recovery will be tuff

> my mother had a stroke Saturday-in hosptial-1300 miles away and my son in

too

> poor condition of me to go to help her

> at am this morning the main water line to our house beak--no water all

> day-plummer will arrive in am

> our " best " car--steering wont lock and therfore we can NOT get key out of

> ignition

> and my hives are NO worse nor BETTER than ever

> go figure

>

>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> If you do wish to unsubscribe then you can click on the following link:

> <mailto:urticaria-unsubscribeegroups>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> This list is in the service of those who suffer from Chronic Urticaria

(hives). We strive to support and lift each other as a worldwide

cyber-family.

>

> We share whatever needs to be shared to help one another in our struggle

with Chronic Urticria.

>

> Any posting that is off the main topic of Chronic Urticaria, we post with

a prefix of NCU -. This is done out of respect for those who do not wish to

read such postings.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , Both can do it. Some doctors will tell you its all one or the other. I think it would be beneficial for you to see an allergist. In Alena's case (and probably a lot of the people in the group) she is not truely allergic. I wish you the best in your search. ~Alena's Mom

Urticaria My Problem? > > > > Hi everyone! I'm only 99% postitive I've joined the right group. I'm > > not sure what I have but after research I believe I "belong" here. > > > > Like many babies,my son was born with allergies. He had what we > > referred to as excema all his life. I just noticed he has a couple > > spots tonight with a few bumps beneath his eye. He's turning 18 so > > he's pretty excited. Maybe allergies,etc,do run in my family. I don't > > remember,but my mother said I was allergic to tomatoes as a young > > child. I am now turning 43 & have never had an allergic reaction to > > anything since the tomatoes(if I have,it must have been so mild that > > I did'nt know I had the reaction). > > > > Just about a week ago I felt an enlarged lymph node that hurt when I > > pressed on it on my neck. I also had a "serious" welt at the top of & > > behind my ear. After 1-2 days of scratching I broke out in a coin > > shaped hive along my chin. I've broken in smaller blister like hives > > in a couple of other places since then. They've all stayed above my > > collar bone. > > > > The dr in the E.R. did'nt know what to make of them so he had a > > colleague look at them...neither of these 2 dr's knew what I had(a > > common statement made by many of the posts in these archives). > > > > Is this condition caused by an allergy. I was around a dog with very > > dry scaly skin only a couple days before I broke out,but I also broke > > out worse after a "disagreement" with a family member today,so I was > > thinking it is caused by anxiety/emotions/stress/etc...maybe both? > > > > Can anyone offer me their own person opinion on this? Thanks.

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you do wish to unsubscribe then you can click on the following link: <mailto:urticaria-unsubscribeegroups>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This list is in the service of those who suffer from Chronic Urticaria (hives). We strive to support and lift each other as a worldwide cyber-family. We share whatever needs to be shared to help one another in our struggle with Chronic Urticria. Any posting that is off the main topic of Chronic Urticaria, we post with a prefix of NCU -. This is done out of respect for those who do not wish to read such postings.

[Guest guest]

Hi -I just joined the group yesterday and I am finding so much in common with a lot of the posts. As far as pain goes, I often get hive on my hands and feet. It starts with a tingling and progress to a deep ache. Saturday night I literally couldn't walk. The swelling, itching and pain finally subsided today. Re: Re: Urticaria My Problem? Hi Jackie, Well,I saw my dr today & literally in less than a minute she told me usually people don't know what causes their hives. I asked for a thyroid test to be done because it's in my family history & I have a couple other symptoms. She's sending me for it,anyway,but told me thyroid conditions won't cause hives. I have an appt. for allergy testing on July 4,so I'll know more after that date...as far as allergies go. BTW,is pain common with these hive thingies? Just within the past couple hrs I've had a sharp "needlesharp" pain shoot quickly through my outer ear where I've a tiny bump or whatever connected with these hives(at least it itches likes crazy & there's a tiny bump at the itching,so I'm assuming it's connected). The pain is gone as qickly as it "zaps" through. Just wondering. I've had my hives only 1 - 1 1/2 wks,so I've a long way to go before they're considered chronic...here's hoping they're gone by then never to be seen again! >Hi, . For most of us chronic urticarians, allergies have nothing >to do with it. Allergy testing usually turns up nada, zero, zilch, >nothing. As do all the other tests doctors routinely run on us. > >Urticaria is not considered chronic until you've had the condition >non-stop for at least 6 weeks. Most people who get hives do not >become chronic - we are all very much in the minority. It is not >labeled as idiopathic until doctors have ruled out all possible >causes - thyroid disorders, illnesses like cancer, lupus and other >autoimmune disorders, allergies, infections (including the little bug >that has been found to be the cause of stomach ulcers, h-pylori), >skin disorders like scabies and eczema, the list goes on and on. Yes, >stress can affect it, but is not the root cause. CU is thought to be >an autoimmune illness, and in some cases is a precursor to other >autoimmune stuff - lupus is known to not test positive for years even >though the patient has symptoms of it, including hives. > >There are several forms urticaria can take. There are different sizes >of hives, from little pin point ones, to mosquito bite size welts (in >fact, a mosquito bite causes a hive at the site of the bite) to giant >plaques that can cover large areas of the body. Some people get deep >tissue swelling with urticaria, which is known as delayed pressure >urticaria. There are some who react to cold (cold-induced), others >react to heat (cholinergic urt.). Some people will react to light >stroking of the skin (dermographism). Some of us get stomach >symptoms - like acid reflux, cramps, diarrhea - or breathing >problems; these are from hives inside the body along the airways or >throughout the digestive tract. Some of us also end up with other >autoimmune problems somewhere along the line; for example I also have >asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to learn all you can is a >great first step. Read through the past postings to this list at: > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/urticaria > >Also be sure to check out all the great information at the ICUS >website - Phil has included some really great links, too. > >http://www.angelfire.com/journal/icus/ OR > >http://venus.nerosworld.com/icus/ > >Hope this helps! > >Air hugs, >Jackie > > > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you do wish to unsubscribe then you can click on the following link: <mailto:urticaria-unsubscribeegroups>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This list is in the service of those who suffer from Chronic Urticaria (hives). We strive to support and lift each other as a worldwide cyber-family. We share whatever needs to be shared to help one another in our struggle with Chronic Urticria. Any posting that is off the main topic of Chronic Urticaria, we post with a prefix of NCU -. This is done out of respect for those who do not wish to read such postings.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jackie,

Well,I saw my dr today & literally in less than a minute she told me usually people don't know what causes their hives. I asked for a thyroid test to be done because it's in my family history & I have a couple other symptoms. She's sending me for it,anyway,but told me thyroid conditions won't cause hives. I have an appt. for allergy testing on July 4,so I'll know more after that date...as far as allergies go. BTW,is pain common with these hive thingies? Just within the past couple hrs I've had a sharp "needlesharp" pain shoot quickly through my outer ear where I've a tiny bump or whatever connected with these hives(at least it itches likes crazy & there's a tiny bump at the itching,so I'm assuming it's connected). The pain is gone as qickly as it "zaps" through. Just wondering.

I've had my hives only 1 - 1 1/2 wks,so I've a long way to go before they're considered chronic...here's hoping they're gone by then never to be seen again!

>Hi, . For most of us chronic urticarians, allergies have nothing

>to do with it. Allergy testing usually turns up nada, zero, zilch, >nothing. As do all the other tests doctors routinely run on us. > >Urticaria is not considered chronic until you've had the condition >non-stop for at least 6 weeks. Most people who get hives do not >become chronic - we are all very much in the minority. It is not >labeled as idiopathic until doctors have ruled out all possible >causes - thyroid disorders, illnesses like cancer, lupus and other >autoimmune disorders, allergies, infections (including the little bug >that has been found to be the cause of stomach ulcers, h-pylori), >skin disorders like scabies and eczema, the list goes on and on. Yes, >stress can affect it, but is not the root cause. CU is thought to be >an autoimmune illness, and in some cases is a precursor to other >autoimmune stuff - lupus is known to not test positive for years even >though the patient has symptoms of it, including hives. > >There are several forms urticaria can take. There are different sizes >of hives, from little pin point ones, to mosquito bite size welts (in >fact, a mosquito bite causes a hive at the site of the bite) to giant >plaques that can cover large areas of the body. Some people get deep >tissue swelling with urticaria, which is known as delayed pressure >urticaria. There are some who react to cold (cold-induced), others >react to heat (cholinergic urt.). Some people will react to light >stroking of the skin (dermographism). Some of us get stomach >symptoms - like acid reflux, cramps, diarrhea - or breathing >problems; these are from hives inside the body along the airways or >throughout the digestive tract. Some of us also end up with other >autoimmune problems somewhere along the line; for example I also have >asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to learn all you can is a >great first step. Read through the past postings to this list at: > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/urticaria > >Also be sure to check out all the great information at the ICUS >website - Phil has included some really great links, too. > >http://www.angelfire.com/journal/icus/ OR > >http://venus.nerosworld.com/icus/ > >Hope this helps! > >Air hugs, >Jackie > > > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi, That must be horrible to have it in your hands/feet! I know I'm one of the fortunate ones as I originally had 5 hives. Three of these were'nt visible as my hair covered them. They are now pretty much gone,anyway. The other 2 are visible but are'nt bad. Even the worst of them just looks like a burn or something. The tiny one on my ear is causing me problems(compared to the others)with this stupid new pain my body has decided to send it!

I do know what you mean about the ache,though. I can't actually pinpoint where the ache is on the hive on my jaw because it feels like it's radiating...like when you can't really tell where a toothache is coming from as at times it feels like it's your whole side of your mouth. Hope that made sense. I've had no swelling & the itching has been bearable. So, I think I am really one of the fortunate ones.

>Hi -I just joined the group yesterday and I am finding so much in common with a lot of the posts. As far as pain goes, I often get hive on my hands and feet. It starts with a tingling and progress to a deep ache. Saturday night I literally couldn't walk. The swelling, itching and pain finally subsided today.

>Hi Jackie, >Well,I saw my dr today & literally in less than a minute she told me usually people don't know what causes their hives. I asked for a thyroid test to be done because it's in my family history & I have a couple other symptoms. She's sending me for it,anyway,but told me thyroid conditions won't cause hives. I have an appt. for allergy testing on July 4,so I'll know more after that date...as far as allergies go. BTW,is pain common with these hive thingies? Just within the past couple hrs I've had a sharp "needlesharp" pain shoot quickly through my outer ear where I've a tiny bump or whatever connected with these hives(at least it itches likes crazy & there's a tiny bump at the itching,so I'm assuming it's connected). The pain is gone as qickly as it "zaps" through. Just wondering. >I've had my hives only 1 - 1 1/2 wks,so I've a long way to go before they're considered chronic...here's hoping they're gone by then never to be seen again! > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi, . At least you were able to get the doctor to do the thyroid

testing anyways - sometimes doctors can be so resistant about testing for

certain things! Sheesh! As for hives not being connected with thyroid, a

little story: My mom has been on thyroid med now for about 10 years (she's

79). Last September she started having problems with an itchy back, getting

a hive-like rash on it. I did a little looking around on the internet, and

low and behold, I find that one of the symptoms of low thyroid is itching,

especially on the back. I finally convinced her to ask her dr. to re-test

her thyroid levels. Yep, she needed her dosage raised. Itching and rash are

now gone. I rest my case. (Love that " phrase " - should've been an

attorney!)

Also, several people in this group have found that even with " normal "

thyroid tests, they still get some relief from taking synthetic thyroid

hormone (like Synthroid).

Regarding the pain; I've never had anything quite like what you described.

When urticarians suffer from delayed pressure urticaria (DPU), that tends to

be painful (sounds like what Harkins described in her reply to you).

It is a deep tissue swelling that is happening in DPU. I also have DPU,

especially on feet and hands, and also if I wear tight clothes (like around

belt line) or jewelry (earrings really make my lobes swell). Also, going

into shock is painful - I get a very sore throat and chest pains with it;

the heart races to counter a drop in blood pressure - anaphylatic shock is a

total systematic reaction. The sore throat is from swelling in the throat.

Keep in mind, though, that just because no one else may have experienced

exactly what you have, doesn't mean it isn't related to the urt. This is a

very individualized thing. Symptoms can come and go, changing just when you

think you've got it figured out. Same with the meds that work; you're

cruising along fine, think you've got it under control, then BAM! - the meds

don't work any more. Back to square one, you have to try new stuff until you

find something that works.

Chances are good in your case, I think, that this is just a temporary thing.

Like I mentioned before, chronic urticaria isn't that common. There's enough

of us out there with it, true enough, but there's a lot more people out

there who get hives for a few days or weeks and never become chronic. Here's

hoping you won't have to be with us long!

Air hugs,

Jackie

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

My swollen lymph node has compassion for your swollen lymph node. I remember the second time I went to the doctor. We did the end run on what did I eat, where did I go, who was I around, am I upset about anything. I ate Haddock at Luby's, I was around my mom and dad. I am sad that my brother is sick and his health is in jeopardy. So...I'm allergic to fish...don't eat that anymore. Your mom and dad's house is pretty old...I bet there is all kind of dust mites and such. Oh...my goodness, no wonder you have hives with your brother sick...stress will really do havoc on a person. Maybe you should go see a dermatologist. She said that I could have a simple allergic reaction, high stress levels, or maybe hidden breast cancer. Okay...no stress there!

So here I am 13 years later and I swear my "former" doctor must have written a complete synopsis for all your "new" doctors to follow.

This is why I was so sure that I didn't have any hormonal or thyroid problem...

I took hormones since my complete hysterectomy (yes, that was the first skin eruption).

I have had my thyroid tested at least 3 or 4 times with Ultra sounds, etc.

I had only had one yeast infection (female) in my whole life.

I have had sinus problems off and on.

I have had allergic responses off and on, sniffling, hay fever, red eyes, etc.

I now know that your traditional thyroid tests may be normal but you may be functional hypothyrodism. You can have a hidden yeast build up from all the antibiotics that you took for the sinus and hay fever stuff. Antibiotics are one of the worst causes of yeast problems in women! Adrenal fatigue is paramount for testing, but no one hardly does. You can die from adrenal fatigue. You just lay there and die. You lay there, because with adrenal fatigue you have probably been told you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. And your synthetic hormone is killing you. But who notices with all your other probs.

Sorry. I digress.

Get the lymph node checked out to make sure it ain't something worse. Does it come and go? I have little nodes all over my body that are bumpy. There are hundreds of those little babies that swell up. But make sure...okay?

May I recommend for your leisure reading:

The following information is in regard to connections of illness with thyroid and allergic disorders.  A few interesting web sites:

Autoimmune Reactions ()

ACAAI            News from the ACAAI: Hives (Urticaria) May Be a Symptom of Serious Illness According to New Medical Guidelines / ACAAI        MEDEM.com         What I know:

FUNCTIONAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Functional hypothyroidism manifest itself gradually of years with the progressive and insidious development of one of the following symptoms and signs.

1.    Low Energy/Fatigue

2.    Decrease Sexual Desire

3.    Cold Hand & Feet

4.    Cold Sensitivity

5.    Dry Skin

6.    Pasty Skin

7.    Slow Speech

8.    Fluid Retention of Hands, Feet or Face

9.    Difficulty Losing Weight

10.    Headaches

11.    Poor Short Term Memory

12.    Difficulty Concentrating

13.    Anemia

14.    Skin Disorders

15.    Muscle Weakness

16.    Hair Loss/ Thinning Hair

17.    Coarse Hair

18.    Infertility

19.    Menstrual Irregularities

20.    Depressed Moods

21.    Constipation

22.    Tingling/ Numbness in Extremities

23.    Tiredness after Full Night's Sleep

24.    Restless Sleep

25.    Allergic disorders

26.    Recurrent Infections

27.    Elevated Cholesterol/LDL

Functional hypothyroidism is a commonly overlooked and undiagnosed medical problem that can severely impair and individual's quality of life. If left untreated, then it can lead to a host of medical illnesses. The patient plagued with this problem has usually sought the care of several different physicians and has been prescribed numerous drugs with no benefit. Continued complaints lead physicians to categorize the patient as a hypochondriac and antidepressants are often prescribed to no avail.

The routine thyroid blood test taken by most physicians fail to detect functional hypothyroidism. This disease entity cannot be diagnosed by blood testing alone. The diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion on the part of the physician, coupled with a detailed questioning of the patient regarding the symptoms caused by low intra-cellular thyroid function.

   

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland governs the body's metabolism and development through the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones set our body's metabolic rate, the rate at which our body's cells produce and utilized energy. If your thyroid glands were removed, and you were not given supplemental thyroid, then you might live one year. You would unwind like a toy soldier on Christmas morning and you body would go to room temperature. The thyroid hormones are essential for life.

The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located on the front of the neck in front of the trachea, which is commonly known as the "Adam' s Apple". The thyroid gland produces two active hormones:

tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroxine (T4) is produced twenty (20) times more, than T3. Tri-iodothyronine (T3) contains three (3) iodine molecules and T4 contains four (4) iodine molecules.

The thyroid hormones are secreted into the blood and carried to each of the 100 trillion cells in our body. It is in the cells, not in the bloodstream, that the thyroid hormones accomplish their purpose.

In the blood, 99.95% of the thyroid hormones are bound to proteins, primarily thyroid binding globulin (TBG). When bound to protein, the thyroid hormone is inactive and cannot be utilized by the cells of the body. Only .05% of the thyroid hormones, that is 5 parts in 10,000, remains unbound in the bloodstream. This is known as the free thyroid fraction (Free T4). Only the unbound, free thyroid fraction can be assimilated into the cells of the body.

In the cells, the thyroid hormones facilitate and catalyze the production of energy. This is needed to drive all the biochemical reactions that are necessary for life.

Most of the food we eat is broken down into a sugar molecule, called glucose. The molecular bonds in the glucose molecule contain energy. In order for our cells to extract the energy from the glucose molecule, a series of biochemical reactions must occur. The oxygen we breathe percolates through the bloodstream and enters the cells. As oxygen mixes with glucose through a series of biochemical reactions called glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, energy is extracted from the glucose molecule and transferred to the energy molecule of the cell, called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), ATP is the energy currency of the cell. The thyroid hormones catalyze and facilitate this energy transfer reaction which is formally known as oxidative phosphorylation.

In the cell, the ATP energy molecule is transported to areas of the cell where biochemical reactions occur. It is these biochemical reactions in the cell that produce proteins, hormones and other substances essential for life. The high energy is release in order to drive these biochemical reactions. The excess energy is converted to heat. Thus, the thyroid is also the thermo-regulator of our body's temperature.

If our cells do not assimilate enough thyroid hormone, then energy contained in the food molecules will not be efficiently converted to the energy molecule of the cell, ATP. This results in decreased energy production and a lower metabolic rate in our bodies.

Common Causes of Functional Hypothyroidism

Women have thyroid problems at least four (4) times as frequently as do men. This is because the female hormone, estrogen, causes the liver to produce higher levels of thyroid binding globulin (TBG). Even when the thyroid gland is producing sufficient amounts of hormone, TBG will bind the thyroid hormone, lowering the free, unbound thyroid hormone fraction (Free T4). Consequently, the cells will not receive the bound thyroid hormone and the metabolic rate will decrease. Birth controls pills, pregnancy and postmenopausal estrogen supplementation all lead to increased TBG. Commonly, women complain that their metabolism changed after one of their pregnancies or when they began birth control pills or supplemental estrogen. The male hormone does not increase TBG; therefore, men have fewer problems with low thyroid function than do women.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is another cause of poor intracellular thyroid function. In this disease, the patient's own immune system is so unregulated that it produces antibodies to the individual's thyroid. This immune system dysregulation is frequently associated with allergic disorders. Low intracellular thyroid function and allergies travel together like thieves in the night. In my allergy practice, approximately 40% of the female patients and 20% of the male patients have circulating antibodies to their thyroid glands. This is far above the percentage you would find in the general population. The thyroid hormone is prevented from being properly assimilated into the cells.

Every cell has a receptor site that receives the thyroid hormone, enabling it to perform its function in the cell.

Another rare cause of the hypothyroidism is pituitary gland dysfunction. The pituitary gland is located in the brain and regulates the thyroid gland by secreting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When there is not a sufficient amount of thyroid hormone in the blood, the pituitary gland increases the production of TSH. If the pituitary gland is diseased and unable to secrete TSjI-I, then the thyroid gland will not synthesize thyroid hormone.

Some drugs, such as Dilantin and Lithium, can cause functional hypothyroidism.

Evaluation of Thyroid Function

The single most important tool in determining a patient's thyroid status is a thorough review of the symptoms of hypothyroidism presented at the beginning of this article.

Secondly, the basal body temperature (BBT) must be accurately measured. The BBT is the core body temperature prior to arising from a full night's sleep. The BBT reflects the body's metabolic rate and energy production. Remember that energy in our bodies is converted to heat, giving our body a temperature. If our energy production is low, then the temperature of the our body will be lower that normal. A normal BBT is BBTween 97.8 and 98.2 degrees.

The BBT may be taken in the following manner: Upon retiring, a glass thermometer should be shaken down so that the mercury is below 94 degrees, and placed upon the bedside table. When the patient awakens, the thermometer should be placed against the skin under the arm for ten (10) minutes. After this time, record the temperature.

Treatment of Functional Hypothyroidism

When indicated, the patient is usually prescribed an initial dosage of one (1) grain (60mg). The dose would be less in children. This may be increased at future follow-up visits depending upon the patient's symptoms, basal body temperature and free thyroxine (T4) level. Supplemental thyroid will increase the free, unbound thyroid in the blood making more thyroid hormone available for assimilation into the cells.

The goal of thyroid supplementation is to increase the energy level and consequently, the metabolic rate, eventually leading to a resolution of the symptoms of low thyroid. Elevated cholesterol and LDL levels will decrease and will usually return to normal within a year's time. Natural thyroid is obtained from the thyroid gland of cows and pigs that are slaughtered by meat packing companies, such as Amour Thyroid Packing Company. The thyroid glands from the cow or pig are removed and desiccated (dried). After the glands are dried, they are pulverized, ground into powder, emulsified and finally, punched into tablets. These tablets contain the exact same thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that our bodies produce, as well as nutrients from the thyroid gland. Natural thyroid hormone should be thought of as a natural supplement, similar to vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

In the early 1970's synthetic thyroid hormone was developed. The most common form in usage today is Synthroid. Synthroid contains only one of the thyroid hormones, T4, and no nutrients from the thyroid gland. It is twice as expensive as natural thyroid. Natural thyroid is much more effective than synthetic thyroid in treating hypothyroidism. Because thyroid and allergic disorders are commonly associated, many patients treated for allergic disorders who were already being treated for hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid. Most have significant symptoms of low metabolic function, even while taking synthetic thyroid. Once patients are converted to natural thyroid, and given the appropriate dosage, their symptoms of hypothyroidism resolve.

Synthetic drugs are oftentimes not as effective as their natural counterparts. Many synthetic drugs have serious and harmful side effects. For this reason, recommend natural substances, including natural thyroid, whenever possible. Functional hypothyroidism is a condition which can easily diagnosed using the proper methods and inexpensively treated. Although the symptoms of functional hypothyroidism are many and diverse, virtually all will improve or resolve upon treatment of this condition.

Copyright 1996 by Dr. Hotze

Adrenal Fatigue: The Use of Natural Cortisol

The two adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and are the size of a walnut. The adrenal glands are our stress glands and produce many powerful hormones to combat stress. You may be familiar with adrenaline, which produces the "fight or flight" syndrome in the face of a stressful condition. The adrenal gland also produces cortisol, which is the natural adre