prettybabyblues
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Posts: 3
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Hi, my name is Heather and I am 43 years old. About a month ago I went to see an Allergy doctor after having these "strange" attacks for over a year. That is exactly how one doctor described these attacks, he said "That is so strange"...lol...like I was some oddity.
These attacks would happen suddenly, I would have severe stomach pain and my blood pressure would drop, I turned pale and started sweating, and my hands and feet start itching. These attacks would last about 30 minutes. The very first attack I had, I also flushed and broke out in a rash and I collapsed going down the stairs. The first attack my family doctor suspected I got a bacteria from the fish I had eaten earlier that day, he gave me a benadryl shot and sent me home. Then as time went on I had the attacks without the rash or flushing and the ER doctors all said I was having vagal attacks. It wasn't until the rash and flushing resurfaced that the doctor suggest I see the Allergist. I was almost certain I was having an allergic reaction to something, but I couldn't figure it out because one day I would be fine eating something and the next day I wouldn't. I have discovered over the past month or so that I can not eat left overs, they cause me to go into shock. I am staying away from fermented foods for now. And I can not eat stevia. The other day coffee made my mouth itch (never had that happen).
The Allergist suspects that I have systemic mastocytosis and says these attacks are anaphylactic shock. I was tested for carcinoid syndrome and that has come back negative. I have not had a bone marrow biopsy yet, but the doctor has mentioned it. He said either way my treatment will be the same, gastrocrom, singular, zantac, cetirizine, and hydrxyz.
I am very thankful I have my insurance, at least for now. I have really spooked my employers and co-workers by collapsing at work several times. It took months to get into the Allergist. They seem to have become more at ease knowing that the medicines seem to be working, however, I was wrote up at work and told that I could loose my job. Of course, after they found out I truely have a serious condition, they have said I have nothing to worry about, however because my job is seasonal and everyone gets laid off for a few months, I wouldn't doubt that I loose my job and they don't call me back. I guess it remains to be seen.
Strange thing, after reading about mastocytosis, I think I had it as a baby. My mother has passed away now so I can not ask her anything further, but she told me that as a baby I was allergic to the sun. She said that I would break out in hives all over. Sounds like mastocytosis to me. I guess it went away as I got older because I have no recollection of it.
Over the years I have had some random symptoms and a lot of them. I have never been able to take anything with codeine and have had a fear of moraphine (not sure why). I would get sick after having iodine dyes for tests one time, and do fine the next. I had an allergic reaction to a tetanus shot. I would get light headed, pale, and feel like I was going to pass out, but these spells would be random and just every once in a while and go away. About 13 years ago I started having very bothersome palpitations and about 6 years ago chest pain. My heart has been tested and it is fine. I would go through periods of time I was ill and for no apparent reason and then periods of time I would be very well. Sometimes I get these very sore spots in my abdomen like my lymph nodes are sore, but when I would tell the doctors this they always thought it was "strange" or would not really pay attention. I also get very itchy rashes in the winter.
I have always known something was just not right, but never suspected Mastocytosis. I am just not sure if this has been underlying all these years and dormant, or have I had this ever since a baby? I don't know. However, I am very thankful for this forum. It is comforting having someone who understands and knows that your not a bunch of "strange" symptoms.
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