applepie

Hey everyone. I don't have long tonight, since I've orientation in the morning. I couldn't resist sharing some of the most ridiculous news I've ever had with everyone. I can't decide whether I wish to be mad or just amused over my predicament.

Have you ever heard of an allergy to cold? No joking, it is a true allergy. Someone can actually be allergic to cold temperatures and exhibit the same signs as say someone who has a peanut allergy or one to bees. I thought it was a big joke, and never counted it serious. So, a couple of months ago I told my hubby that I thought I was just allergic to the cold. I only seem to breat out and have issues if I get chilled, so it was all in good fun.

Anyway, Mom and I take the kids to the park today, and I start having quite a bit of trouble with being short of breath and I break out in hives while we are outside. They get worse when we go inside, and my skin began to warm. Mom mentions that there is such a thing as being allergic to the cold, and I just laugh. Big joke, :lol: :lol: :lol: then she goes online to some reputable medical sites. Turns out it is the real deal. There isn't any known cause, but it is a somewhat rare allergy that some individuals develop. Mom suggests that she thinks it may be my issue. One of the doctor sites suggested a test where you expose a patch of skin to an ice cube for one to five minutes. If you develop a hive, then it is very likely you have this allergy. Soooooooooo, I do the test, and sure as anything there is a hive on my skin. Not only is it a hive, but it swells into what looks like bug bites or poison ivy within moments of removing the ice. I'm afraid I've been convinced. Combined with the fact that all my other symptoms fit, I'm sorry to say that I am one of the few individuals who is actually allergic to the cold:sick:

Given that I've been having issues breathing it means that I'm not able to take my kids to the zoo or much of anything outdoors alone for the time. My reactions are pretty severe on the scale, and I've no desire to pass out or something when my kids are outside with me. I'm hoping to have my insurance switched over to the new region soon, and then I'll see the doctor about medication that is affective on this type of allergy. What I've been taking hasn't offered any relief:sick:

Just had to share my odd news for the day. Who would have thought that you can actually have allergy symptoms brought on by the cold?????

Take Care Everyone,
Meg

P.S. Had to add some links to information:) This one is for the mayo clinic [URL="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy/AN00693"]http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy/AN00693[/URL]
[URL="http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Bernfeld/signs.html"]http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Bernfeld/signs.html[/URL]
Just out of sheer disbelief I tested on areas all over my body. I did my hands, arms, legs, neck, even the middle of my back. I have the same hives everywhere, and I'm afraid it is time to go talk to the allergist. Maybe this is what I get for putting it off for so long. I'll be sure to update when I make it to the doctor, but (to my disgruntlement) I think it is the real deal. I guess it wasn't the best time of year to move home to Ohio;)