Hives .... yikes!

I think we are finally getting to the bottom of this allergic reaction/skin deal that has continued for the past five weeks. Today I saw an allergist (who happens to go to our church) and he said that the swollen skin area around my mouth is a form of hives! Thankfully, someone cancelled an appt. and I was able to be seen much sooner than normal. The cause of it is really unknown, but basically it is swelling that comes on suddenly and causes pain on the deepest layer of skin. Emotional stress and intense exercise can make it worse …. both of which I’ve had occurring since the end of August. Supposedly it will get better with time and in the short-term the goal is just to control the uncomfortable/painful nature of it. He prescribed three medications that will hopefully cause the hives and skin to settle down.

We did blood work today too, although he was fairly confident that it would come back normal. If it was a food allergy, he said that I’ve had figured out by now what the food was that caused the swelling & it would be something fairly obvious. My lipstick is not the culprit because it is an internal problem. The good news is that it is something that should subside with time …. keep praying that it gets better sooner than later. I really want to feel better for our Chicago visit in two weeks. Last weekend was good because I took the steroid medication, but this is not something that I can keep taking long-term.

I wore a “loafer” style – closed toe – shoes to work today for the first time. I can’t even remember the last time that I wore a closed shoe …. easily two years. My physical therapist’s office is sponsoring a three mile walk/run next Sunday, and I signed up to be part of their team! I am walking and not running, but it will be a big “score” for them (& me) to be part of their group, after all we’ve been through.

Hope you have a great weekend!
je