Hives Hell & Homeless

Help! Painful and disfiguring hives cropped up on my face towards the end of August 2015 and lasted five weeks. Now the problem is back. As a result, I have nowhere to live, since my lodgings this time of year hinge on me being able to carry on the business activities below. 


Here is how the original five week bout went: My face itched, burned, turned bright red and swelled up for several hours. 


The next day, it was just red and swollen. Then, the skin would dry to a leathery finish, which would flake and peel off the third day.


Then the cycle would start all over again. Each time it spread further, eventually involving my eyes, which were partially swollen shut. The few people who saw me freaked out. Each flare up grew more intense and lasted longer than the one before.

(I certainly don't enjoy posting these unflattering selfies).

Trying to Find the Cure
When looking online , I saw comments from others  with similar symptoms -- some of whom have been dealing with the problem for years, unable to find the cause or any lasting relief with the help of doctors and dermatologists. When doctors can't pinpoint the cause of hives, they call it "idiopathic."

A comment from a fellow hives sufferer echoes our frustration:

"HIVES???? OMG…..been going on since i was a teenager (Im 49) Some of you spoke of “wanting to kill yourself”? Trust and believe….I’ve said that very same thing outloud MANY times!!...All the different meds…..fod logs..med interactions….stress or no stress….cool baths……sprays….lotions….timing…….I AM AT A LOSS! They say don’t drink alcohol????? PLEASE! At least i can somewhat COPE. Heard about xolair…my insurance wont cover it. NICE. Do I have to live this way the rest of my life? How do I do that with a 10 yr old active son? I m very frustrated at this point. This is the worst thing i have been through…..and ive been through ALOT. I dont deserve this….but mostly….my family doesnt……HOW DO WE GET HELP FOR THIS?????" November 16th, 2015 | 2:23 am

I have generally good health and never suffered from allergies. I suspect my problem is due to an overload of environmental toxins, That's just a guess. Right now, I would say my hives are idiopathic.

In an attempt to get at the root of the problem, I went to a homeopathic clinic that successfully helped my family for thirty years. I've told many people how the remedies and cures worked like magic every time -- and that was certainly what I expected again. But the three remedies that were prescribed didn't seem to have any effect at all.  After a month of fasting, organic fresh juice cleanse, supplements, hydrotherapy and exercise, the flare ups subsided. The whole experience set me back about $2,000 in all.

It's Back!
I was finally able to continue with my normal life -- until Thanksgiving day, when the hives resumed with a voracity that picked up where the previous ones left off.  The flare-up was so intense, it forced the natural oils in my face to ooze through my pores. There is raw skin under that crust -- whatever it is -- and I'm still waiting for it to come off.


During the first ordeal, I was unable to see clients and subsisted on savings and a couple of computer jobs. Now I'm back in the position of being unable to meet with clients.

Steroids Are Not Working
The savings is gone and I'm still playing catching up after the last bout. That's why I decided to go to the allopathic doctor, hoping for a quick fix this time -- even if temporary -- so I can continue working. She put me on steroids, which seem to be having no effect whatsoever. 

Make a Living on the Road
This time of year, I make my living on the road updating an annual guidebook. I personally visit scores of clients in a number of rural communities as I gather information and sell advertising that pays for production costs as well as my winter shelter and other living expenses. It's my only source of income at this time.

I was a few days into the program when the hives returned. I don't even want to be seen at the grocery store with this condition. It is impossible to meet with clients until it clears up.

I Need Help
My immediate need is for money to secure a living space near the doctor and clinic, where I can sequester myself during the current bout of flare ups, and continue the next phase of medical treatment. That includes whatever tests I an afford, getting back on the organic juice fast, and figuring out how to further detoxify.

I've always been a doer and a fixer, but I guess you can say, now my back is against the wall. That's why I'm asking for your help.

Thank-you!
Thank you so much to anyone who decides to help me with a donation. Be assured, I am willing to pay it forward when I am able.

Also...


Help for Fellow Sufferers?
...I am documenting all the things I tried that didn't work, and I want to share the eventual resolution with anyone who is interested.

One of the comments to the hives article linked above is this observation:

“About a week ago my husband began with the same symptoms as all of you for the past year of this site. It has become increasingly worse. The interesting thing is, as I researched, I found that thousands of people around the U.S. are getting this and it’s becoming more prominent as time goes on.

“All walks of life, all ages, genders, religions, etc… makes no difference in mountains, deserts, oceans. Would be interesting to find the common denominator. Could help in the the cure."