Chronic Autoimmune Urticaria and Angioedema

Dana, you sound like my soul sister. I was just put on Imuran too and tried to stop the MTX but got so bad so quickly that I'm back on it until the Imuran kicks in. I hope you don't have that experience as well.

As for the Chronic Autoimmune Urticaria, I just started with that problem about a month ago, but it happens whenever my hands or any other body part touches something cold. The skin turns bright red and gets very itchy. There are no wheals or blisters, just bright red skin. It stops about 15 mins. after I stop touching the cold item (like frozen vegetables, for instance). Is this similar to what you have? My RD called it something, but I have to admit I didn't pick up on the name and have to ask him about it again, but he said to try taking one aspirin a day. I haven't done it...don't want to add yet another pill. I just try to avoid the cold as much as possible.

Regarding Angioedema, I don't know what that is. I'll have to look it up.

I was just looking at your post again and was wondering if you tried the MTX injections? They work better than the pills and bypass your stomach so you shouldn't get nauseated. The MTX injections worked so well for me but I just couldn't stand the constant face blisters so I'm trying Imuran next. Anyway, the injections are just something to consider if the Imuran doesn't work as well as you would like.

Hi Jesse,

Thank you for responding. My hives and swelling of the eyes started about 6 weeks ago, really out of the blue. My doc said that it is another autoimmune disease and that I was more suseptable to it because I already have 2 other autoimmune problems. (diabetes adn lupus).

Mine get worse with sun, heat or stress, so I have found. Other times, it just shows up for no reason. I just wish that if it was going to attack me, that it wouldn't do it on my face. I look just ugly when it does.

I haven't tried the Mtx injections, my doc doesn't want to give me yet another shot to take ( Insulin and Byetta). Honestly, I don't think my legs or stomach could handle more jabbing!

I started the Imuran today, 1/2 of a 50 mg tablet for one week, then 1 tablet for a week then 1 1/2 tablets. I see him again in December. Unfortunately, he said that this could take up to 12 weeks to really get in my system and offer any relief. I am getting relief from the Lyrica and Ultram for the muscle and skin pain. I can handle joint achiness better than muscle.