Sheila
Michelle, I have had chronic hives for about 4 months now. I know how you feel...sometimes I think that I can't take it anymore. Somedays aren't too bad, then wham, I will have a big break out. With it being winter now, its not so hard to wear long sleeves to cover my arms and pant to cover my legs, but I am dreading summer. Sunday I was getting ready for church and was trying to find something to cover my arms and was so frustrated!! I finally, just gave up and wore a short sleeve blouse...and then looked like someone had abused me (with all of the red marks on my forearms). I am taking Zantac and Zytec in the morning and then 3 Hydroxyzine at bedtime. This kept it managable with just a few breakouts for about 1 month. But its started to wear off (if that's possible). All I know is that this weekend they were back. I have had them so bad that sometimes I couldn't wear pants and had to miss work. My allergist has tested me for Lupus and it came back a little high and then on my second blood test, it was lower. I will go back in a few weeks to get another blood test. I have done some research and some people with Lupus develop cases of hives. Sometimes, I feel like at least that would be a "reason". I know my husband and children must be getting tired of my moaning. I'm really trying to be considerate. But, when I'm having a flair up I just don't feel like having anyone touching me...I just want to go sit in a room by myself and not move. Oh, well...hopefully the end of this will come soon. I try to remember that "it could always be worse" :) Thanks for letting me vent. I hope that your condition is getting better. If you would like to write back, please feel free.