known connection between IC and hives?

[innej]

From what I understand about the possibility of IC deriving from increased numbers of mast cells--also responsible for releasing histamine--I cannot help but wonder if the chronic inexplicable hives which I have had, could be related. I had two cycles of chronic hives (each lasting 2-3 months), though they did not coincide with my worst IC symptoms. My case boggled allergists and dermatologists, much as I did urologists for a time. . The only hive relief I found was prednisone, which I understand also to be used sometimes, for IC. . any thoughts?

[Katrina]

:welcome: to ICN! That is very interesting. I don't think I have ever heard it before although there has been a connection in many of us with IC and allergies. Infact we often find out that we have an allergy to many foods that are affecting our bladders. Thats all the thoughts I have right now. Keep in touch!

[ICNDonna]

I live in a family of allergies. All of my children have at least some allergies --- however, I am the only one with IC.

I have take prednisone for an allergic reaction. I wasn't flaring at the time so I don't know if it had any effect on my IC.

Donna

[Sarojini]

Interesting... a year before my IC got really bad, I developed hives during my last year in graduate school... they just would not go away. I went to the doctor and was given Zyrtec and Tagamet and the hives went under control. But I've always been prone to episodes of hives (in fact, right now I have a weird hivey rash under my chin), and also have severe allergies and asthma. I have always found the connection between IC and these things very interesting.

As for predinisone, I've taken it for severe asthma flareups, and once it seemed to help my IC and once it seemed mo make it worse.... it's just such a weird relationship!!!

[LeahT]

Hi and happy Christmas Eve! This is interesting because--I was just diagnosed with IC after a year of tests for this that and the other. However, all of last year I was just sick with everything, even hives! I've never had hives or allergies before and in fact, I work with horses in a barn and out in active fields! I had the strangest hives all summer! IC probably explains it! Fun to talk with you all, Leah.

[shennan]

after my ic symptoms came about...

shenna

[mayray518]

I have never had hives or any kind of allergies. The only thing I can relate to my IC was that when I went into peri menopause at 39 and my periods started to change I got IC a month later.

[kadi]

Yes, a rash on my neck worsens when my IC is flaring. I always have it, but when my bladder pain acts up it becomes redder and I also get small sandpapery bumps on my forearms. I saw an allergist, got diagnosed with a bunch of allergies I'd already suspected (fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, legumes, tree nuts), but she said the rash was just dry skin. (I don't believe it's dry skin, but since it's intermittent, I have no idea how I'd get a new patient dermatologist appt when it's actually present... )

Just before I got IC I had crazy bouts of insomnia and intense itching in my fingertips and toes, with no rash or anything obvious,(though it was right after I stopped taking Lexapro, so I wonder...) my primary care doctor gave me a couple of days sample Zyrtec, said "Weird" and "maybe it's a virus". Of course this same doctor also misdiagnosed my IC, so I don't know what any of that is worth.

Just thought I'd put this into the mix.

[michie]

hi my name is michelle and i just wanted to say i was just diagonised but i have the same problem when i get flare ups i get rashes like sandpaper on my back and arms and also the itching i don't know if its connected but it drives me crazy.

[IcRuthie]

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/images/smilies/smileteeth.gif What you guys have said made a light bulb go off in my head. I had an allergic reaction to a generic medication (long story on the how and why)that caused diahhrea and nausea and then a huge rash and itching even inside my ears. I went downhill fast...couldn't sleep, eat, and the diahhrea was bad...so I keep up with water so not to get dehydrated...then I came to the point that my medications I believe were being malabsorbed and not working the way they should. This was not "fun" for sure. As I am on pain meds...and heart meds and am diabetic. I can't be sure of this but it seemed logical. I can only make guesses and try the best I can each day.

I take Elmiron and because of the acidity of the urine from nausea and such and mainly drinking and liquid nutritional shakes and whatever is happening to me I lost the Elmiron lining in my bladder...I actually saw the Elmiron come out in flakes in my urine...or so it seemed...I didn't take a picture...wish I had...so am in a huge and terrible flare.

But I do know after that happened the pain was unbelievable. Back to where I was before Elmiron and meds for IC. I was so sick I wasn't able to do my IC exercises and gee...these things do work is really coming clear as a bell...am so thankful I was on them and grateful I will be able to build them back up into working order. I have the tools now and the knowledge and in finding this wonderful ICN message board I have such hope I will figure all of this out.

I had not thought that that there would be a connection with the rash and my bladder in the way you are saying it could be. I always have a reddish raised rash on my arms...I thought it started after taking Elmiron? However, I really don't remember...so long ago now. I just thought well Elmiron says a rash can happen and if I have to have a rash on my arms to have it work so be it?

I now am allergic to my dog and can't go downstairs in the basement because the slightest mold causes me to break out so I figure the mast cells are having a field day with my body.

Thank you for listening.

Ruthie:smile tee in MI

[ngazerro]

Six years before I was dx with IC, I had chronic hives for about two years. I went to allergist & dermatalgist, but no one could figure out why. Prednisone was the only thing that cleared me up for about a month and then it happened all over again. Finally after about two years they just went away and never came back.:woohoo: After that I was dx with raynaulds. I Believe my IC started shortly after that and it took them about three years of trying everything including removing my ovaries, until Jan 07, when I was dx with IC. My uro sent me to an allergist to see what foods I need to stay away from. I did not have too many, so I can eat more things than most people with IC. You might be on to something with the hives..