A productive doctor's visit!

Today I went and saw an allergist. We know that I'm not getting hives from allergies, but they are the hives experts, so I got a referral. I finally got some answers! After giving me the third degree and looking at my blood tests, they determined I have auto-immune urticaria, which means basically that my body is attacking my thyroid and the hives are one of the results. There is nothing we can do about it right now, just treat the hives. Nothing will make them go away permanently. I got a new prescription for a medicine that should treat them and not make me so drowsy, and they also prescribed an epipen!
This is an epipen. It is an auto-injector that administers epinephrine—and epinephrine is the definitive emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions. These reactions, called anaphylaxis, can become fatal within minutes if untreated. Because I sometimes start swelling (internal hives), they are worried that it might swell my throat and cause it to close. If this happens, I need to either stab myself or have someone stab me with an epipen. I have to carry it on my person at all times. Awesome! One more thing to worry about! :)
I'm really not too worried about my throat swelling, but I guess it's good to have just in case. I need to teach everyone that I spend a significant amount of time with how to administer it. That will be fun. I was researching it online and even found these cool totes for epipens!

Dang it! I so wanted malibu stripe! :)

Anyways, if you ever see someone struggling to breathe (especially me!), ask them if they are having an allergic reaction and if they have an epipen. To administer, you just take off the gray cap on one side, and then stab them anywhere in the thigh with the other side, the black side of the epipen. A needle will come out and administer the epinephrine, and viola! You just saved a life! Don't forget to call 911 too, just in case.

So, my doctor will just need to keep tabs on my thyroid. There's nothing we can do right now. And when I asked if stress was causing this, the allergists just laughed and said no. FINALLY! Someone agrees with me that this is not caused by stress! THANK YOU!

Yep...so...there's your update! :)

About this entry

Youre currently reading A productive doctor's visit!.

Previous:
Older Post
Next:
Newer Post
 

15 validations:

  1. IzeOfLight September 11, 2008 at 6:58 PM

    I'm thrilled you were able to get some answers! I know it can be such a pain to keep going to doctors and not getting anywhere, so I'm excited for you!

     
  2. Christa Jeanne September 11, 2008 at 7:07 PM

    Yay!!! I mean, not yay that you have a problem - but yay that you're finally coming toward a solution! I'll look up that disorder in my thyroid book and see if that can shed any more light on the issue.

    Too bad the Malibu tote's sold out - but the Emma one's pretty!

     
  3. Jules AF September 11, 2008 at 8:02 PM

    I totally thought that was a pregnancy test. hahahahahahaaa

     
  4. Kristina P. September 11, 2008 at 10:24 PM

    I totally know how to use an epipen. I would be happy to jam it into your thigh. That's what friends are for.

     
  5. Stephanie M. September 12, 2008 at 8:03 AM

    That's great that you finally got some answers! I hope you don't need to use your epipen, but it's good you have it just incase!

     
  6. Cal September 12, 2008 at 9:05 AM

    Wow, that's amazing. I had no idea.. I'm glad you are getting the treatment you need. I'm looking forward to your training on how to use "the pen". Maybe you should throw a party with all the people that need to know the information and do like a powerpoint, or make a instructional Movie! Yeah, and then post it so everyone who reads can know! You can even to a dramatization!

     
  7. Russ and Debbie September 12, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    hey we're auto-immune pals now! that's crazy! I bet you're happy that they finally know what it is! we need to hang out again soon--maybe RipTide next week? ummmmm... yummmmmmmm

     
  8. The Persson's September 12, 2008 at 11:15 PM

    I am so glad you are finally getting some answers! I too have to carry an epipen with me at all times. (I have MANY severe allergies and have had a few instances of anaphylaxis.) I have never had to use it yet, but I will get myself a cute tote! I love them - never seen them before.
    I hope they can get things under control for you soon!

    Jeana

     
  9. Hizzeather September 13, 2008 at 1:46 AM

    Thank you all for your kind words and support! It's good to know that I have so many dear friends who will gladly stab me if I need it! :)

    Julie - I will not be seeing any pregnancy tests for a looooong time...I hope!
    Kristina - I'm glad it's my thigh and not my back :)
    Callie - May I offer you the part of Anaphylactic Annie in the film?
    Debbie - I am so ready for some crab-stuffed jalapeno!
    Jeana - I had no idea! Good to know that when we hang out we can take care of each other!

    I love you all...thanks for always cheering me up!

     
  10. Unknown September 13, 2008 at 7:55 PM

    FINALLY!!! It kinda stinks that they can't do anything to solve it, okay that part majorly stinks! But I'm glad you know what it is!

     
  11. Andrea September 16, 2008 at 4:06 AM

    Hope that you never need to use this product!! A little FYI...Hobo Pies (aka foil dinners) are when you wrap up some meat, veggies and seasoning in some foil and cook it in the coals of a campfire. Look back on your days at Young Women camp. It'll come to you :)

     
  12. Sjauna September 16, 2008 at 4:49 PM

    I still think there's a good chance it's just voodoo.

     
  13. Hizzeather September 16, 2008 at 4:50 PM

    ha ha...to tell you the truth, me too. :)

     
  14. Karly September 16, 2008 at 10:26 PM

    I'm a little late, but YEAH!!! Glad to hear it's not contagious. JK. :) And I'd be happy to save your life by stabbing your thigh with the pen...though I might cry and freak out a bit - but hey it's worth it right?
    And I'm with Julie, when I first saw your blog I saw the picture and thought "they think she's pregnant?? Some doctor!"
    Glad you have some answers....
    Oh and I have a voicemail from you, I think I'll check it right now (I'm so bad at that lately.)

     
  15. Emily September 17, 2008 at 9:12 PM

    this is so interesting! My little neice who is four has this same problem, but with peanuts & her mom has to keep an epipen with her at all times. But I didn't understand anything until I read your post. BTW, I love all your posts, they are always so funny or informative - I'm not very good at leaving comments, but I love looking!

     

Post a Comment