The Ups and Downs of Chronic Hives

Recently, I was taken off my medicine of Xolair injections due to the ineffectiveness of the drug on my body. It has been over a year with the injections, and from that time, there really has been no significant improvement in my chronic hives, nor the relief from flare-ups that come with the territory.

Searching for relief with chronic hives

This decision really scared me at first. It gave me fear that there was no real answer for me. But, my allergist suggested taking a different route, one that was a last resort for most, but due to the intensity of my hives, one that may very well set them back into remission. That drug is commonly known as Cyclosporine.

Now, before you freak out like I did, the dosage is much lighter than most individuals use it for. However, after a two-month trial of this medicine, I have seen amazing improvement, no hives, and a slight glimpse of normalcy back into my daily routine. But with all that good news, there is still a slight tinge of fear in my belly and mind as I wait for the other shoe to drop.

The never-ending cycle

When you have chronic hives, you never see the end of the cycle. One day, you’re normal, and the next, you're covered like a leopard. It can be excruciating, itchy, and exhausting, and you live in a constant state of sitting and waiting for the next flare-up. I wish, at times, I could snap out of it and appreciate the good days while they are here.

But ultimately, there is always a moment of panic when I have several good days. My mind thinks, “Oh gosh, they will return any minute.” or “Don’t be too hopeful,” which is entirely unfair to my body and brain. I would be happy if I had a temporary solution. But that isn’t the way chronic illnesses work. You are always waiting for the drug, solution, or therapy to stop and throw you back into the cycle.

Appreciating the good and the bad days

So, to be kind to everyone going through something similar or maybe hasn’t found that “thing” that works for them, I say to be positive. Stay as hopeful as you can be. The world can’t be over just because you have a chronic illness or hives haven’t appeared in a few days. There is always going to be a risk or a chance of rain. If we stayed in this negative mindset, we would all fail to see the brighter moments.

Maybe you had a good few days; perhaps you found a therapy that helps, like a red light or a diet, or perhaps you found a fellow hiver on a social channel with which you can collaborate. These are all things that can bring joy to the ever-sucky moments that you find yourself wallowing in. You have to appreciate the good days and know that you have advocates fighting to help find that one working solution to “fix” the bad days. Keep your chin up. We’re all in this together.