Allergies? - De Pere,WI

Ugh, how frustrating! I think you have tried it all, but have you tried another allergist? They don't have to do scratch tests, either. They can draw a little blood and do serum tests in the lab. I go to the allergists at Eisenstadt Allergy and they have been fantastic. Keep trying and hang in there!

I would find another doctor. However I also know someone who breaks out in hives from water. My son got hives once when he was really little and nothing worked to get them to go away. Then someone suggested olive oil. We put olive oil on the hives and watched them disappear. It worked right away and they stayed away.
I'm 53 and when I was a child I would get hives when I would get overly stressed and when I went outside to play and got overheated. At that time the doctor gave us little green pills which I found out many years later were antihistamines. The did work but it took days and I missed school because the pills put me to sleep.

I agree with the mother who suggested you see a natureopathic/holistic/Integration/Function medicine doctor. I am 40 and have suffered from chronic conditions my entire life. In Feb this year, I became extremely sick. My conventional doctor (I'd been seeing him for 10 years) had no idea what was wrong and "kicked" me out of the clinic. I found myself a new PCP doctor/clinic, and then took it upon myself to find a different type of doctor, in hopes someone could finally help me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If you live in WI and are near Madison, I see Dr. A. Stanger. The reason I go to her is because first, she is a medical doctor (MD) and second, she is a natureopathic doctor (ND) specializing in Integration/function medicine. I was diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury, barium, thallium, platinum, niobium, arsenic; halfway to being poisoned in antimony, aluminum, and rubidium). I also had a genetics test taken (CYP2C9 alleles), which confirmed that my body is a poor metabolizer and is unable to detoxify itself of heavy metals (this also includes over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines as well as pest/herb, etc.). It is known that 35% of the Caucausian population does not have the CYP2C9*1 alleles needed for their body to protect itself against these contaminants. Even young children can be affected; in fact, I just had my daughter tested, as Dr. Stanger suspects that her medical problems are also from metal poisoning.

If your daughter is that sick and nothing the conventional doctors are telling you is working, I would definitely recommend seeing a different "type" of doctor. I am currently detoxing and am slowly beginning to feel like myself again (detoxing could take 3 years or longer, given my age and how many metals I have in my body). Yes, you'll have to pay to see her and take the tests yourself, and it does get expensive, but most Flex Plans have something called "Medical Preventative;" this is where you would put any "alternative medicine" billings. I used it for massage therapy, and they covered. Also, I found a very understanding woman Internist, from whom I received a recommendation on Dr. Stanger, and she is working with me and Dr. Stanger on trying to "cover" or "facilitate" as many lab tests as possible through her clinic/my insurance company. That was how I managed to afford having the genetics genotype test done (that one costs $500-$600).

It is very frustrating when a person is sick and "no one" can figure out what's wrong. The first appointment when I saw Dr. Stanger she told me to take a heavy metals test; Bingo! That was the problem. Interesting, isn't it, that she knew the problem in the first visit?

Please keep us informed as to how your daughter is doing. I feel for any child who suffers from something and "the doctors" have no idea what it is -- nor are many of them overeager to find out "what" the problem/cause is.

My prayers are with you and your family.

I am SO sorry to hear what she is going through! I can only think of a few other things to try. One is to make a daily clothes journal -- some people are allergic to certain fabrics, and Two, get a second or even third opinion!

I just reread your post, and maybe it's something on her bed or what she's laying on? Do you/did you have any pets? Also, if they get worse in the bath, have her take a shower and see how that goes. She may also be having a reaction to something in the water -- chlorine, salt, etc? Sounds odd, but maybe if she sweats, it irritates her skin?

One other thing you could check into is Multiple Sensitivity Disorder. Some people think it's all in the person's head, but regardless of that, there are physical symptoms that occur. My mother has it and it can get very bad for her, though hers is more of a respiratory reaction.

However, my son will break out into hives if he touches peanut oil and then wherever else he touches (usually his face - UGH!). I get itchy with wool. So, we all have our issues...it's just a matter of figuring out what is the trigger...and it could be a matter of stress, too.

That's about all I can think of for now...best of luck to both of you!!!

Have they checked for allergies to medications? My middle son is allergic to amoxicillin and it took nearly a week to get his baseball sized hives to go away with around the clock benydryl.

I agree with the other moms see another allergist... they can do blood work and/or scratch tests. There is NO reason why your doctor should not do these, it only can be helpful for your daughter. Go to someone else for a second opnion and I hope you find some answers to help your daughter. Medicine may not always be the asnwer, docs tend to push it too quickly in some cases... I hope a different doctor will help you and your daughter better then the current one!

I don't have anything new to add really. I just wanted to tell you that the stupidest thing I have ever heard is "some people just need to be on medicine!!!!" That being said when I was visiting my daughters first allergist for the first time there was a line of sales reps at his office all waiting to be seen by him. Now where do we think they get the idea that some people just need to be on medicine? Anyway what everyone else has said it would be highly shocking if it weren't allergies. The reason they are probably avoiding the tests is that you can't pin it down to anything and so they have no place to start. What I have learned is that you have to do most research (food diary etc.) on your own and give them some exact details.

I ditto everything Cassandra said. You have done a great job trying to get your daughter some relief. Sometimes Dr.'s can't get to the bottom of it and a naturopath can do non invasive diagnostics. Pain and stress free!
I hope you find a solution!

Have you watched lotions, sunscreens, or similar products? I have broken out/swollen from using new products. Just another thing to check. Good Luck, I know it's miserable.

For bath time, try using an oatmeal bath. My dd (11 months) has broken out in hives regularly due to different foods. But the only thing that seems to calm some of the itching is putting her in a warm bath with REAL oatmeal (not instant). I put the rolled oats in a sock and tie off the end and then let her bat it around in the tub. The milkier the bath, the better. After a couple minutes her itching slows down and she's happier again.

I hope this helps!

I am so sorry to hear that your daughter has suffered so. I know with chronic conditions, it's easy to become complacent and think that this is "just the way it is". Your daughter doesn't have to suffer; there is help out there.

<<The allergist didn't feel we would find the problem if we did scratch testing, and said "Some people just need to be on medicine.">>

This is the craziest thing I've heard in a very long time! I am really shocked they haven't done any blood tests or even the simple scratch tests on her. Either the allergist you saw is lazy, or they're getting some nice kickbacks from Big Pharma, or both.

I really recommend you take her to a Naturopathy Doctor who can get to the bottom of this all. There are some simple blood tests that can be done to determine what is giving her the hives; it could be some very obscure food ingredient or environmental allergen, and then other things, like your water and yes, even the Zyrtec, are simply making it worse.

I don't know how far you are from St. Paul, MN, but Dr. Amy Johnson-Grass is wonderful, especially with kids. She has a fabulous reputation around here. (In MN, Naturopathy services are not covered by health insurance. However, we found Dr. Amy's rates to be very reasonable. We met with her for 90 minutes, and it was $150. Please contact her for more information on current prices. Flex spending dollars can be used for Naturopathy costs, but I'm not sure how the MN/WI dynamics would come into play.)

http://www.dramyjohnsongrass.com/healthfoundations.htm
http://www.bastyr.edu/academic/profiles/people/ajohnson-g...

Deenah, sounds like some sort of food allergy, and in my experience, Drs are NOT very good at that. My daughter is lactose intolerant, and we were not able to catch it until she was almost 4, and still the doctor was skeptical. In our case, we had to eliminate all obvious dairy, but also watch for 'whey' and milk ingredients in all foods. We also happened to have a soap (Dial) that had milk as an ingredient! Who knew? The soap and also a lotion with Buttermilk (Burt's Bees) gave her hives. Some allergy medicines have Lactose as an ingredient (!!) - I can't vouch for Zyrtec, but I know that some versions of Clariten do. Worth checking into!
Also, my son is allergic to pennecillyn - he gets hives from that, so another avenue to check into is if she has been on an antibiotic repeatedly.
Good luck - it's so frustrating. There are a couple of kenesiologists in the area that specialize in figuring out allergies when drs. aren't successful. Hopefully someone will know a good one. I know there is a Dr. Wilson near Lake Calhoun who does this with great results - if you don't figure it out soon.
Your daughter needs a new doctor.

Please see another allergist for a second opinion. She is old enough that allergy testing is accurate- if they do not want to do the skin scratch test, they can do a blood test. There is no reason for her to be miserable and have hives all the time.

Good luck!

After the antibiotics, she could have systematic yeast. Try a a very low carb, no yeast, no sugar diet for one week. Supplement with fish oil. You can get a kids version that she can chew. Garlic is good. So is meat and broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc. If she improves on this diet, yeast could very well be your problem. Do your own research. I had to diagnose myself after 17 doctors couldn't find a thing wrong with me. Now I'm 49 and have 3X's the energy I had when I was 20. Good luck. Medicine won't help yeast. Diet is the only answer.

Deenah,
Sorry to hear that your daughter has to go through this.
I am wondering if she might have a small allergic reaction to the Zyrtec or Xyzal or if by switching medicine the medicine in her system is reacting with new medications to cause the reaction.
My husband went through it last year when a medication he takes regularly for his health was taken with a cold/sinus medicine for his sinus infection it caused horrible hives all over his back, stomach, face and arms. It was because the 2 medications were not to be taken at the same time or together. Would recommend talking to the Pharmacist to see if there could be any possible reactions with the medicines she's been taking.

I would see a specialist for it- maybe allergies or something.

I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION! FIND A DIFFERENT DOCTOR UNTIL YOU FIND ONE THAT ACTUALLY LISTENS TO YOU AND HERE'S YOUR CONCERN!!!

If insurance is no problem, then go to a different doctor.

Keep asking questions, Write everything down.

Watch your child's every move. Your daughter might have an allergy to the furniture, the chemicals in the carpeting, the clothes she's wearing, A CERTAIN TOY, STUFFED ANIMAL, etc. There are so many chemicals in people's homes today that one just doesn't know what brands to trust anymore. The government doesn't protect us. They make too much money from the chemical companies!

So anyways, check everything. Check , double check.

My heart goes out to you.

God Bless!

J.

Hi,
I just wanted to response even though my condition is completely different. When you said the bath makes it worse it reminded me of my rash. I have PUPPP which is a pregnancy induced rash and no doctor knows what causes so no real good medicines to treat it. If I take a warm or hot shower my rash gets soooo itchy, I have to take a cool shower, hard in winter to do. I don't know if that is a case with your daughter or if it is the water in general. I have found something that made my rash start to disapear and I thought I could pass it along, even though your daughter may be allergic to something this soap might help relieve the symptoms until you figure this out. It's called PUPPP relief soap and cream from Rainer soapworks. You have to order it from the interent and if you google it you will find it. I use abath sponge to get a good lather which they recommend to let sit for a few minutes then rinse after the bath put some cream on, just a thin layer works. It took about 1 1/2-2 weeks to notice it was disappearing. It smells good and all natural. Also I read rashes start from too much of chemical, hormones, etc in the liver. Liver detoxes are suppose to help, being pregnant I wanted something safe(also with a child) I read lemon juice detoxs the liver. So I squeeze a whole lemon juice in a glass of water and add some sugar to help the tartness. I drink it every day. It is basically like fresh lemonade. If your daughter likes lemonade it is worth a try. I wouldn't buy lemonade, who knows what is in it and how lemon juice is in it.
Also I would go to a new doctor, allergist or even a dermatologist.
Good luck and I hope she finds relief soon. Nothing worse than being itchy and sick.
M.

When I'm not getting any satisfaction from visiting Dr.'s etc I turn to alternative health folks. You might try a naturopath or homeopath. Oftentimes they look in a different way. We've had great success going that route when none of our regular Dr.'s seemed helpful.

I agree with the responses that say - See another doctor!!

I have had hives and rashes repeatedly from medications. I don't believe you can treat a reaction to one medication with another...

Go to another allergist and request a scratch test. That is the only way that we found out what Ryan's real allergies were. It doesn't take them that long to do a scratch test and they get the answers right away. If they say it wouldn't be helpful, tell them that you want it becuase you want to know that it isn't one of the common allergies. Having a special needs child I have learned that if you want something and they don't think it is necessary then I have to demand it or I tell them that I will go somewhere else where they will do it. Most times when I demand it they do it, so I don't have to throw in the then I will go else where to get it done. Sometimes with the medical professions you have to be demanding or they will walk all over you, they keep encouraging the office visits because that is how they get paid, more visits more money. I used to work for a pediatrics office. Like I said being a mom of a complex special needs child you have to become that childs advocate. So just be a little bit demanding about the scratch test, if they say it won't be effective ask them why, question them then tell them that you still want it done.

Hope this helps, if you need anything else just email me ____@____.com

M.
mom to Ryan 9(DS, severe ADHD, complex behavioral problems, Bipolar, anxiety, allergies and asthma)
Abbey and Alexa 3(my normal princesses)

Deenah-
I was sending you a note and suddenly the screen disappeared so if you get this twice, sorry! Have you tried another allergist? "Some people just need to be on medicine" is NOT a good answer for a child. Officially I am not allergic to anything on a scratch test. In reality I am allergic to one antibiotic - I get hives. I am allergic to spider bites - I swell up at the site like a softball and if out in the woods and get a lot of bites I will feel nauseous and get puffy & short of breath. Have you had your water tested? When I have had hives the water normally feels good, quelling the itching. What about putting baking soda or oatmeal in the water? Have you tried, with dr. consent, taking her off all meds and starting over? Have you examined your household? In college I moved into an apartment and within the first month I started getting itchy, watery eyes, rough & itchy skin etc. I found Mary Kay products helped some with the skin issues but I couldn't wear my contacts due to the eye problems. After I moved out the symptoms all disappeared within a week. Something, I am guessing a cleaning chemical for the walls or the carpet, was too strong for my system and caused issues I have never experienced again. It did leave me one leftover problem. I can't be around strong dyes/chemicals. E.g. - leather watchbands make my skin get hives - just under the band. In the meantime, Aveeno has worked wonders for my sensitive skin. One of the very few products that actually helps. I use it for both my 4-yr-old and my 5-mo-old as they both are sensitive to Johnson & Johnson products. Just keep working at it - you will eventually find the answer. Obviously the drugs aren't working like they should - so why make her be on them if Benadryl will work just the same? Be sure to consult the docs but it sounds like you have a handle on this and you will figure this out! Good luck!