mysterious skin allergy

I'm posting this in general, but specifically--Deanna--I haven't been skipping class because I want to!  It's because of this dag-gum rash! Okay, I've been battling this mysterious body rash for over a month now.  It started with what I thought was related to some vigorous yard work that led to this rash on my arms.  I thought it was just some poison ivy or something and when it didn't get better in a week, I went to the MEA.  They treated me with a shot and some steriods, but for good measure gave me the name of a dermatologist I could see in a few weeks if it didn't improve. Long story short, it took me three weeks to get into the dermatologists office and in that time the rash spread from my arms to my back and outside my underarm area.  I was losing sleep and feeling horrible because it itched ALL THE TIME.  No amount of benedryl or hydrocortisone helped at all.  The dermatologist said, "oh it's a contact allergy.  Change your soap, detergent, etc. etc."  Well, I did all that.  and guess what/!   IT SPREAD.  It's now on my neck, arms, back, stomache, groin and legs!  The whelps come and go, but the itching is always there.  I've even brought blood (unintentionally) from scratching.  SOOOO>>>. back to the dermatologist.  they did a biopsy yesterday and started me on some cyclosporin.  that's the medicine that shuts down your immune system.  scary, ain't it?! I keep asking don't they want to do some bloodwork and make sure that it isn't a deficiency thing.  i keep asking if it could be my IUD.  I haven't changed ANYTHING in the past month that would start this thing.  why won't they do some simple labwork for me?!  i'm so frustrated. i've left messages with my WLS surgeon, but he hasn't called back yet.  I think he's on vacation and his nurse is new, therefore she won't do anything without talking to him first. this is so aggravating.  i was FINALLY to the point of enjoying going to the gym.  Now I'm pumped up on steriods and who knows what else and all i can do is sit in the air conditioning and eat.  blah.  i'm angry.  can you tell? anyone else have mysterious rashes? 

I absolutely though that was the reason you were not at class today - I know if you felt like it, you would be there - Really hate it for you !  and I miss ya in class - as do ALL of the ladies.  You know they all asked about you.  They are just so wonderful, so vibrant .... That has got to be so frustrating - Really hope "they" can find out what it is sooooon ........ I misses you !   D

Well, guess what.  the biopsy came back that this is a MEDICATION allergy.  not contact.  The doctor immediately told me to stop taking my vitamins, and I had to confess that I don't take them every day like I should--so that probably isn't the culprit.  I asked if a hormonal IUD counted as medicine.  He said absolutely.  I need to get the IUD out.  I'm allergic to it. i'm so frustrated.  i spent $750 of my own money on getting the IUD in (my insurance wouldn't pay on it) and that was only a year and a half ago!  life is so complicated. mary

But you've had the IUD for 1.5 years ? or new ?  are you just now allergic to it ?  I'm glad you are on the way to cure though, at least know it is a drug allergy... but they can not tell which drug ?  life is complicated - Ha D