urticaria? A warning sign?

Karen Weixel · 06-30-2007, 02:40 PM

I had chronic hives for 5 months (hands and feet), three years before I was diagnosed with bc. Along with the hives I also had a high AST level (liver enzyme). My docs ordered over 100 blood test and a liver biopsy to try and find out what was going on. Never could find the reason.

Karen

Andrea Barnett Budin · 06-30-2007, 02:55 PM

Karen, I too hope the rash stays away. It was likely a sign that your immune system was having difficulty. Which, in a way, is a good thing. Warning you to be alert.

When I recurred I had VERY SLIGHTLY elevated liver enz, picked up in ev 3 mnth comprehensive bld work. Doc called to say all was well, just this very slightly... I wouldn't worry about it. 3 mnths later, same exact conversation. 3rd time (6 mnths after it showed up) I asked for a "liver sono". You mean an abdom sono. Ok. I guess we could substantiate that. Then the radiol couldn't be sure he saw what he saw, sent me for a CT scan. Then came the liver biop and the rest is history. So, I am attuned to very slight change in my bld #s and my body in gen'l. I keep copies of every report ever written, every test and COMPARE. I believe I am being vigilant, not a hypochondriac, not obsessive, cautious -- as any sensible ca patient must be, now and forever. It's our new job. Full time. No one cares more about you than you.

Just stay attuned to your body and all "changes", with peace in your heart and full expectation of staying well and healthy. Let love and belief fill you up. FAITH AND FEAR CANNOT OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE! Fill yourself with loving belief in your ability to conquer this w/the help of the Universe and your docs and meds and trtments and the fear will dissipate. It will have no other choice. No room in your head for anything but loving belief! Sending you loving, soothing energy... ANDI

Hopeful · 07-01-2007, 03:53 AM

Interesting question, and thanks for raising it. The year before my dx, I had some blood work that showed possible sub-clinical hypothyroidism. My internist wanted me to try thyroid meds. I had problems adjusting to it, and he put me on a very low dose. After 3 months on the low dose, I developed severe urticaria which lasted for a full year after I stopped the meds. I remember itching in my axillae, and feeling a lymph node that was the side of a large marble. The itching was associated with large red welts, which looked like bug bites. The itching reaction is itself some sort of feedback loop, and, once the cycle of itching starts, it is necessary to break the cycle to make it stop. They could appear pretty much anywhere, but seemed to favor my axillae, inner thighs and buttocks. I finally got a steroid cream from my dermatologist which stopped it. My dx came following my abnormal mammo about 8 months later. I have been wondering ever since if the two are related. I know that thyroid hormones, sex hormones and serotonin regulation are all wound up somehow; I believe the urticaria was a signal of something other than an "allergic reaction" to the thyroid hormone meds. Something was definitely out of balance. Dang, where is an endocrinologist when you need one?

Hopeful

Andrea Barnett Budin · 07-01-2007, 11:36 AM

Hi! I recently went to an endocrinologst, in utter desperation, finding no help any where else for 22 yrs re my constant hot flashing. She told me that could be related to high bld sugar. Had a panel of bld tests and did the glucose tolerance thing. Clinically high bld sgr, not diabetic. Yet. (BTW, haven't had sugar since '04.) Okay, my body is producing it, or a problem w/it. Pancreas not doing its job. MUST MAKE A NOTE TO TALK TO IT ABOUT THAT, come to think of it!

Also hypothyroidism, being watched. Now recent test shows even lower #s. Due to see endocrin 7/18. Something is OUT OF BALANCE. (I do suspect *allergic* reactions may equate to being "out of balance". Yes -- all those hormones -- thyroid, sex. serotonin regulation counter in to the immune system which effects every thing. HOPEFUL -- YOU are the source of that information I've been straining my brain to recall!!!

The feedback loop and stopping the cycle going on and impacting your well-being coincides with Dr. Sarno's The Divided Mind theories. Great book!

Also, Hopeful, I noted your effected urticaria areas were all prone to *abrasion*, irritating the already sensitive area. I had the buttock's involved as you describe. Used steroid cream. Kept "telling" myself it was nothing to be alarmed about, as it came and went, and seemed to come when I was stressed, followed by the itching. When I finally BELIEVED that is wasn't cause for alarm, talking myself down -- and out of the cycle -- it went away. Was the cortisone cream finally kicking in, or ... ???

The more we know, the more curious I become. LOVING ENERGY TO ALL... ANDI

debski · 07-01-2007, 01:08 PM

My rash was called classic urticaria by a Doctor. It started one day out of the blue and was particularly noticable in areas under pressure or warm areas!!
Buttock, feet palms of hands and strangely enough my breasts too. It was in my hair line and on my forehead. Massive, raised red wheals. I even had swelling of the ankles once. Dr did a urine test and found protein- then did more tests and found urinary tract infection and raised liver enzymes. She told me I may have a fatty liver and to get it checked in the future. Well, the rash went on for two years and I am absolutely convinced that it had something to do with the breast cancer.

As I said- the last time I saw it was after I came round from the anaesthetic for my first operation. ( I had two further ops to clear the margins)

Love Debbie