All that grease around my neck is coconut oil keep the itch at bay.

I am so frustrated. This is after 2 Benadryl, 2 ceterizine and 2 famotidine, all this morning. It’s my steady diet. My lips are starting to swell a bit and there is no relief at all from the antihistamines as yet. All that grease around my neck is coconut oil. Someone on here recommended it and for me it helps keep the itch at bay.
I have steroids here but I am so wanting to stay away from those. If this continues I won’t be able to help myself. I’m also using the “arctic towel” around my neck. It doesn’t seem to stay arctic for very long and don’t let them tell you it doesn’t get your clothing wet. I live in Arizona, possibly the sunniest state in the country. So here I sit in my bedroom the only air conditioned room I have.
Normally we cool with a swamp cooler but during monsoon we need airco to sleep. I’m 65 years old and have had this for 4 months. I can’t believe I am likely spending the rest my life this way

Discussion

Maggie Maye Oh I am so so sorry…I hope you get some relief, soon

Lisa Arévalos Oh, I’m so sorry this is happening. I pray you get some relief quickly and it clears up. Wishing everyone a hive free day and life

Sue Elshire Hargrave Oh, Terry, it is so difficult to deal with. 11.5+ years and counting. Have your doctors talked about medications besides antihistamines? There are meds that work for some people. Xolair, Cyclosporine, and Plaquenil are just a few of them who have helped people get their lives back. Don’t lose hope. I have not found my “help” yet, however, I have learned how to live with it, and with many life changes. It’s still with me, but I work around it. No, it’s not fun, but you can live with it. Hopefully, you will be able to chat with your specialist, take in all the e-brochures from our files, and get some results!

Pamela Vance Wollam So sorry..I feel your frustration

Ana Garcia If push comes to shove take your preds for relief

Karen Schepartz Harmon 20 years with itch. I found that morning and evening doses of allegra, zyrtec and Claritin have been keeping me itch free. No dairy. Fingers crossed. This was from my dr. I hope you find what works for you. Ask, who knows.

Yvonne Visée Clohessy Terry, pls talk to your Dr about the meds Sue suggested, xolair didn’t work for me, but cyclosporine has had me hive free for 2 yrs. also check the map on the ‘pinned’ post at the top of this groups page and see if there are any Drs in your area that can help with this. I’m your age and this is my 3rd go around with this stuff. 1st time 20 yr remission (meaning no drugs).

Terry Duke Allen Honestly, I don’t know that I’m not afraid of the meds more than the hives. I don’t take medication well. When the doc added Singulair I had every neuropsychiatric reaction to it. And I hadn’t read the side effects so it wasn’t a self fulfilling prophecy…lol. I’ve had bad reactions to other drugs (Tramadol when I broke my arm last year) in the past. So Xolair and cyclosporine scare me. Up until a few months ago I seldom took anything stronger than a 500 mg tylenol. But it’s clear I’m going to have to make some sort of decision. My immunologist is in Phoenix. Because I live so far away (in the scenery in northern AZ) I’ve only seen him once but I’ve talked to him several times on the phone. I know pred isn’t good for me but I also know it works with no immediate side effects (like screaming or suicidal thoughts). This is my second day this bad. Since it started in March it has never gone away completely. Even with steroids I could see it lurking just underneath. Thank you all for your support.

Terry Duke Allen Susan Belloni, I started with 10 mg, waited an hour and when nothing was happening took another 10 mg and probably jumped the gun with my third but I was getting scared. I can talk myself into the worst scenarios. Tomorrow I will try just the 10 mg and see if there is progress.