Chronic Urticaria..my first post

Hi

I have suffered from Chronic Urticaria, on and off, for 30 yrs and until very recently was unaware that it was so common, or from what I was suffering.

It is some comfort to know that many others suffer from this and the opportunity to let off steam to others that may understand is too much to resist, so please bear with me. Any comments/advice will be most welcome.

I have had this for 30 years. It comes and goes, seemingly, at random. I have been diagnosed with all manor of intolerances and allergies (none of which have ever been confirmed), given more anti histamines than I can recall, yet always it returns.

It has been back since Xmas last year with the normal symptoms. Gradually manifesting from initial itching at the hair line and wrists, to the total body coverage. With varying degrees of appearance in between. There appears to be no catalyst.
I suffer from delayed pressure at feet, wrists, waist, etc. A reaction after sunbathing, perhaps 24 hrs later. A reaction after manual work and an ordinary form.

When it appears, my life revolves around it, the itching and chronic fatigue are intolerable, I become almost reclusive. Combined with the stress of not knowing how bad it will be from day to day, life becomes very difficult.

I have recently, since my self diagnosis of this complaint, that Aqueous Cream, can give some temporary relief from the itching and (i'm afraid) Alcohol takes away the itching completely, albeit temporarily.

I have been advised by the Doctor not to bother joining the queue for the one, apparent, Dermatologist in the SW of England as the wait is insane, so what am I to do?

The only relief, I have now found is that I am not alone in suffering this awful condition.

If anyone wants to post any kind of comment, please do. I am just glad to finally be able to talk about it.