Things were going great! Went to Italy in July. My third umbilical hernia surgery was successful in August. No infection this time. My bladder issues have also resolved. I was set to go back to school feeling great!

It was not to be. My son (age 34 - lives at home) come down with a horrible case of hives that's entering it's fifth week? Claritin and Zyrtec didn't help. Low dose of Prednisone for a week - then they came back - he's on his second cycle of one week Prednisone. The itching is awful. He's had to miss several days of work. He's had this twice before in his life and the hives lasted for 6 months. It was from meds those two times. His immune system is known to overreact. This time it's hard to trace. (Working the night shift, sometimes double shifts, irregular eating, emotional stress at work(he's an EMT)?

We are such a close-knit family unit - we see each other's pain 24/7. Our support system is almost non-existent. My husband and I are so upset about this.

I know, in the large scheme of things, we shouldn't complain. I'm so sorry if someone who reads this is dealing with major issues. Please forgive me. But just a few weeks of everything going well would have been nice. Just a few weeks.

Anyone have any insight on hives? Not the two or three day type - the type that last months.

Thanks everyone.

Helen

(((((((((Helen)))))))))))))

I am sorry this is going on. No matter what it is, when your child is stressed and ill, you will worry! Just because your troubles SEEM smaller to some than others does not mean that they are less to you so do not apologize.

I have no experience with the type of hives you describe and wish I could help.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

Helen, has he been feeling ok other wise? Has he been screen for lupus? There is such a thing called lupus rash> don't get alarm just maybe ask the doctor next time. Like turn over every stone!

Jeaninne, thank you for your kind words. They help. As I said, our family and support group are both incredibly small.

Snowmoon, my son is seeing an allergist/immunologist who doesn't seem too concerned at all. I'll keep your suggestion in mind. Thanks so much.

Helen