Hi Amey,
Sorry to hear what a difficult time you are having of this.
I can pose a couple of questions that might be helpful to you.
Has the dermatologist you have seen thus far, tested you for the Mastocytosis disorder I referred to in my posting recently ? There are a number of ways he could test for it. You could suggest he refer to this article for ways to test for this
' rare' (but more common than earlier believed !) entity. Here is the link for that:
www.tldp.com/issue/210/roleoftheb.htm
But it might be beetter received if you print it for the dr.and hightlight the most important areas - tests section, and opening or concluding paragraph. it is written by a Dr. Gunner Heuser. (MD).
Also, since you keep having exacerbations after two weeks, it may be that your body is developing a tolerance for the medications much sooner than usual. Perhaps, you could consider rotating the meds two weeks on one than after you have done one cycle (of the tree or four of them), you repeat the cycle. Thgis could proide you with ongoing successful coverage.
Another suggestion is based on the comon finding that you might be very ensitive to medications as well. If this is the case, try starting each medication at the very lowest recommended dosage. This leaves you the option of increasing the dose as needed.
Finally, I cannoty emphasize enough how much DIET is so critical here. You can take all the medications in the world, but they won't be succesful in the longrun unless you identify what is CAUSING the problem in the first place. It is like putting a bandaid on a cut with glass in it. Unless you ID and remove the incitat, the glass in this case, the bandaid is oly partially and temporarily of any benefit.
Often, it is a matter of excessive HISTAMINE in the body that is either consumed (drugs, or foods, even bottled water. This is because some people like myself can be sensitive to a component of the plastic ineverything. There is also a highly specialized test for that which is not doen rtoutinely at all labs. Also topical substances such as skin creams, shampoos, latex in gloves and a host of other products (ie support hose, etc. )...anything could potentially be a trigger. You need to be your own investigator. So start off methodically keeping track of everything inn a diary. Start first with the (most likely) foods, then cnsider which medications you are taking. Many have filler andn additives that you might be sensitive and reacting to. Even the ones that could potentially help you. For example, try another antihistamine if one bothers you. There is what is referred to as the active ingredient (the atual part of the drug that acts to accomplish its intended goal. This usually is ok but must be observed for reactions as it varies in the percentage contained in that particular brand (ie. 70% versus 85%) .
Paying attention to this could help but you must be careful with the fillers, additives and colorings. They might be the problem.
If your present dermatologist is not board certified, find one who is reputable and is. Don't be afraid to look until you find one who specializes in Mastocytosis or whom at least is familiar with it and has some experience working with patietns who have been identified and treated. They woulkd validateyour legitimate concerns, work collaboratively with you, listen to you , and actually be of real help to you.
Hope that this helps. Stay in touch and let me know if this does make a difference to you . When it does, this sort of thing really makes my day ! Best of luck for now.
Rochelle
hope it works .