I have suffered from ‘chronic idiopathic urticaria’ for over 20 years.  It has appeared with major life events, and hung around for 2 weeks to over a year. they started when I entered UW, then appeared again when I had my daughter, again with the end of my marriage, then a quick stint at the end of 17 yr marriage to Nordstrom.  most recently they’ve joined me with my move to SF.  this bout started in August, but it hasn’t beat my longest bout which was over a year.

what is chronic idiopathic urticaria you ask??

The common definition is: hives, and whatever it is called, chronic idiopathic urticaria is a painful, demoralizing condition. Chronic idiopathic urticaria occurs when a person suffers from wheals or itching, almost daily, for over six weeks, with no obvious cause. The word “idiopathic” means the condition stems from an unknown cause. Hives, in general, mean some kind of allergic reaction is taking place. The body is, in effect, seeing something as an enemy and reacting to dispel the intruder. <my body is fighting itself and I can’t seem to call a time out!>

Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a disorder that often baffles dermatologists and allergists alike. Without a known cause, it is nearly impossible to prescribe an effective treatment. Without effective treatment, the patient continues to suffer. The skin often becomes scarred and otherwise damaged from the wheals and scratching. Chronic idiopathic urticaria can cause secondary depression because the sufferer is continually miserable, embarrassed by his skin and pessimistic about ever being free from the disorder. <–yes, all of that has been true for me!

endless Benadryl, all kinds of prescription antihistamines that leave me grogggggggy all day and the feeling of always wanting to be OUT of my skin is driving me to try natural options.

the cleanse….

tomorrow I embark on a journey to rid my body of toxins by starting a 5 day juice cleanse.  I will track my progress here, the highs, the lows, and the hunger pains.  I have no idea if this will help calm my hives, but at the 9 month mark I’m trying everything I can think.  I’ve never been able to tie my hives to food, and allergists have tested me for literally EVERYTHING.  This cleanse will allow my body to be off sugar, dairy, and meat for 5 days — and I will ease myself back into foods one thing at a time. 

the hives are frustrating, and this cleanse feels a little daunting, but I’m excited to try.  

– xoxo itchynat

http://www.pressedjuicery.com – my juice source