Whew...big scare averted

Well, last week I noticed a small rash on my chest and didn't think much about it.  Well, it spread a little - never really a big deal, but decided since my surgery is about 2 weeks away to go see my dermatologist just to be safe.  He tells me I have hives!  I have never had hives in my life.  He acts like this is a HUGE deal - horrible things will happen to me if I don't take 35 (THIRTY FIVE!!!) days of the steroid, prednisone and 2 different histamine blockers.  Well, I am FREAKING out...he tells me that no surgery can be done with the rash - mind you, these aren't bad AT ALL...not like the pictures you see.  So I think I'm going to have to postpone my surgery.  I call Dr. B and he says I can still have surgery as long as 1. I don't take the steroids but do take the histamine blockers and 2. the hives don't get worse.  Whew...I was worried.  Just sharing... Robyn

Robyn, I'm so happy for you!!! I've had to stop all steroids and also the immunosuppressive drugs I have to take for lupus to have surgery. So far, so good! I have to stop for 30 days pre-op through 2 weeks post-op. I'm hoping your rash/hives go away and that you're all ready for surgery in plenty of time. Does the ra****ch? I've had hives several times and it's the worst itching I've ever had! If it isn't itching, I'm doubting that it is true hives. Keep us posted.

Robyn: You made a good call there to check in with Dr. B!!  Keep on keeping on and you will get to surgery with flying colors!!! Just remember you have great resources and great medical people at WW to help you through just about anything!  Weirdly enough, I (rarely) venture outside of WW for anything medical even though I should.  I always check things through the Dr B and Dr W first because I think they know me better than anyone else now!  I also do not have a regular PCP anymore - I need to find one I guess!! (BAD RUTH!) Hang in there and we'll get you into that operating room without any issues!  Let us know what you need and also if you need support at the hospital, tell us!!  We'll be there!! R

Did he say what caused the hives? I get hives when I am nervous.. for example knowing I am fixing to have major surgery... I got them so bad when I was working that my doctor started telling me I was allergic to work... which I use to this day as a wonderful excuse not to work..lol.. if they are from nerves about all you can do is take the histamine blocker to keep it from itching. Best of luck hun and god bless you .. your in my prayers

Poor thing! I'm so glad it is all working out for you! I know how you feel.  I got a really bad sore throat 4 days before my surgery and was terrified it was strep or something or that it  would trigger my asthma and postpone my surgery (and I had met my out of pocket so it would cost me $2000.00 more if it was delayed to the new year.)  I ran to the urgent care center and told them about my surgery date and they gave me antibiotics and all was well.   I think everyone has a fear their surgery would have to be postponed. 

Robyn, I hope the hives are better by now. Did you ever get a chance to talk to Stephanie today? Talk to ya later.