And because it’s been long term and low level, it knocks down your immune system. I’ll bet you have picked up something else too by way of virus causing the coughing and sore throat and fever.

Honestly – the hive type reaction along with the thick throat and the relief with anti-histamines… it screams allergy. This is a serious deal because with an allergy you could have a life threatening reaction – far worse than hives – at any time.

If possible – wean off the meds you’ve been taking (not the anti-histamines!) cut your diet back to a beginning allergy diet and start from there to add things in. It’s a long boring annoying process – but it will tell you if something you eat is causing issues.

Remember – allergies build on each other so if you are allergic to more than one thing – they will increase the reaction when they come together.

Start here:
http://www.food-allergy.org/

If it’s not food allergies – then all you’ve done is waste a bit of time and had a bit more difficult menu for a while. If it is food allergies – you’ll feel better quickly.

Remember though – food allergies generally take some time to appear. For instance – foods that cause my migraines take about 24 hours to cause symptoms.

Good luck!

Seriously, I hope you’re feeling better soon.

Kate,

Have you been checked for Hives? Sounds like the same symptoms. Red spots, itchy, disappear then reappear. – Elliot

I know when I was on (different) anti-depression medication a few years ago, I had a horrible case of hives (that term really doesn’t due justice to the misery I suffered), among other things. It also took several weeks for the side effects to manifest. (Also, on some medication, I would have the exact OPPOSITE of the most-common side effects — i.e., a medication that generally caused insomnia would knock me out for hours within 30 minutes; luckily, my doc knew that was an infrequent, but documented, side effect.)

As I’ve aged (forties), I find that I am much more susceptible to side effects.

Something to consider.

He diagnosed my shingles a few years ago when I went in on a Saturday because I was so miserable – I switched to him immediately. And, since he is a civilian doc, he will be there forever. My husband switched to him, also, and we are getting much better treatment than we did before.

Also, there are several auto-immune diseases like Lupus, etc., that can cause rashes. They really should check for those, too. And how about your thyroid? Have they checked your blood levels?

And this is why I’m looking for after service work which includes insurance. If one doesn’t cover it, hopefully the other will.

Ask your new doc if it could be that. For your sake, I hope NOT! ! !

Oh well. Feel better.