copperdriver17 said:I really want to nail down the root cause, you know? Like, why is this even happening? Is it just that humans aren't perfect and we all have some kind of glitch in our code? Or is it because we're being absolutely blasted with additives in processed junk food or... who knows what else... and I wonder if there's any connection to digestion?
But honestly, now that I've laid it all out and actually thought about it, maybe running around to different hospitals would just be a massive waste of my time, especially since I've already figured out how to keep this Cholinergic Urticaria under control...
if you're looking for something to be scared of, 🙂 go read up on celiac disease or gluten sensitivity—though, again, the "cure" is pretty much what you already discovered. You're eating healthy, and 99.99% of it's fantastic, so just enjoy life 👍
copperdriver17 said:Man, I'm dealing with the exact same thing. I can't believe there are other people out there suffering through this too!! If this wasn't actually some underlying illness, I'd at least be happy not being alone in this mess... Basically, it's this brutal rash all over the body, like I spent half an hour rolling around in weeds, and my lymph nodes behind my ears even swell up during exercise once my temperature climbs and my heart rate picks up. I think there's a connection to those huge temperature swings, too, because one summer when it was scorching out, I went for a swim in the local river—sweltering outside, freezing water, and boom, the rash shows up in full force...
When this nightmare first hit me 7 years ago, the allergy specialists over in Chicago had absolutely no clue what this "disease" was; they were literally just flipping through medical encyclopedias, trying one pill after another. They basically just kept pumping me full of different antihistamines until I eventually built up a tolerance and they stopped working entirely, so I finally gave up on that whole "treating symptoms instead of the cause" nonsense.
Eating food without preservatives, tons of fresh fruit and veggies, drinking loads of water, staying strictly GLUTEN-FREE, plus regular workouts (5 times a week) with heavy sweating—sweating is key because it's how you flush out those "toxins" you might take in, or at least that's how it feels to me—and that cut the rash down by 90%.
I also did some liver detoxes with certain tinctures, and combined with the diet I mentioned above, I felt 99.99% better. I felt so good that I let my guard down and convinced myself the problem was gone, so I started eating whatever I wanted, and now the rash is back with a vengeance..
One more thing I should mention, which might seem totally unrelated at first, but I've always struggled with heartburn, and later on, stomach cramps; heavy stuff like bakery goods, pizza, pasta, or lasagna would really wreck me. Once I changed my diet to deal with the rash, my stomach issues vanished. Is it possible this rash is just the next stage after a weakened digestive system fails?
I'm planning on seeing a specialist again to see what they have to say this time and how they'll actually figure out the root cause of my rash. Does anyone have a good doctor to recommend in New York City?
That's awesome you found a way to manage it; clearly, there was something in your old diet that was messing you up. But why even bother going back to a specialist? (Speaking from experience, we still don't know much more about allergies than we did 7 years ago. They just keep prescribing antihistamines and telling people to cut certain foods out. Every time you add a new med, you're just risking new side effects and sensitivities)
this just isn't my vibe. I can't even deal with the plot, and don't even get me started on Paul Walker... honestly, nobody’s forcing my hand here. it feels like pure masochism. 🙂 what a damn shame for him.
the movie is basically just one annoying string of disasters caused by some clumsy scientist dragging everyone else down with him, but—hey, at least there are Malamutes 😍
Since you seem to have your whole wellness routine dialed in, I’m guessing it’s a bit redundant to ask if you’re staying on top of your hydration? Like, actual plain water, not just juice or tea...
Also, didn't mention if you're taking any regular meds or supplements or anything like that?
You said you went for a full physical and everything checked out fine—did that actually include a cardiology screening?
If there isn’t some underlying medical condition, then honestly, heavy carbs at dinner, or especially alcohol, can totally trigger that feeling of weakness... plus sleeping in a room that's way too hot. Maybe try propping your head up a bit more.
Why on earth did you have to go for allergy testing so many times? Are you dealing with any other weird symptoms?
This is kind of turning into a little detective mission. You really need to pinpoint what's different on those days when you aren't feeling all bloated and swollen.
Look, if your kidney function is totally fine, we might be looking at an allergic reaction here. It could be anything you ate the day before, or even something lurking in your bedroom environment...
So, my advice? While you're cutting back on salt, try playing detective with your diet. Start cutting out food groups one by one—maybe dairy, then nuts, then processed meats—just to see if the reaction shifts. Also, take a look at your bedding. Check your pillows, mattress, sheets... look for different detergents, fabric softeners, dust, maybe even feathers or something. There’s actually a whole other thread dedicated to allergies if you want to dive deeper.
(Heh. I just remembered how I used to freak out over using the wrong makeup remover. Seriously, cosmetics and random lotions can trigger these kinds of reactions too...)
You mentioned you're young, healthy, no anemia, bloodwork looks perfect, living the dream—so what exactly needs fixing here? Like... is it the lack of color in your skin? Do you flush when you work out, or if it gets hot, or maybe after a glass of wine? Honestly, tons of people have super pale skin, it’s just a thing, not some medical emergency.
And you saw my first post, right? Using a little bit of makeup—and I mean not caking your entire face in heavy foundation—isn't going to wreck your skin, even long-term, as long as you're using stuff that actually works for your skin type and you wash it off regularly.
Eye creams might help a tiny bit with hydration or those under-eye bags if they're actually an issue (not sure if they are), but the key word there is "tiny." If you were dealing with water retention from kidney issues or something, you wouldn't be claiming to be perfectly healthy, would you?
The page about dark circles even goes into all the different causes too, it's not just talking about getting surgery.
If you just layer 1. a tiny bit of concealer under the eyes, 2. some blush on the cheekbones, and 3. a quick swipe of mascara—your skin basically just does its own thing, but you look like a whole different person.
I actually found this PDF from Sephora that breaks down which products are comedogenic (you know, the stuff that clogs your pores) and what’s safe. Honestly, a light daytime look doesn't even need foundation. Just make sure you wash your face before hitting the hay and you're golden.
Stay healthy and keep that flawless complexion going 👍
Dennis Davis5 said:I was wondering if there's any way to get an adrenaline rush? I don't drink anymore, haven't touched drugs, and haven't in a long time. Just looking for some kind of natural way to feel more relaxed while still getting that adrenaline kick. Thanks 🙂
Here's the thing—you're asking how to be more relaxed and get an adrenaline rush at the same time, but those two things are total opposites.
Adrenaline is basically the hormone your body dumps when you're in danger or freaking out—that whole "fight or flight" response. When that hits, your surface blood vessels constrict (which gives you that cold skin or shivering feeling) just so your body can redirect all that blood to your heart and muscles to defend itself. Your pulse spikes, your breathing gets heavy, your blood pressure climbs, your pupils dilate... it’s pure tension, not relaxation.
Look, man, it’s contagious, so just deal with it. Right now you’re only looking at some patchy facial hair, but let’s be real—there isn't much difference between hair on your head and hair on your chin... it doesn't mean you should just let it spread everywhere.
edit: fine, whatever, go see a dermatologist and let them tell you for sure what it is. I was just giving you my take on what it probably is.
It’s most likely some kind of fungal infection like Tinea capitis, but honestly, you can't be sure until a doctor actually takes a look and runs some tests under a microscope... if that's what it is, they usually go with Griseofulvin tablets. It's a solid fungistat, but here's the thing—you have to take it orally. Just slapping cream on it won't cut it because the meds need to hit the hair follicle right at the root... They also use Fluconazole, which is great because you don't have to take it for nearly as long, but it's pricier and carries a bit more risk for liver toxicity.
So yeah, you really need to see a dermatologist... unless you're looking to lose even more hair.
Karen White4 said:Since I can't make it to the hospital for my OGTT right now, can I get it done at a private clinic instead? I don't see any option to have insulin levels checked alongside it... everywhere just lists the OGTT, nothing about adding insulin testing
Private labs definitely do this, but they usually bundle that specific test under their hormone panels:
Karen White4 said:The thing is, I’m really hoping to get some of this done by Thursday or Friday without having to pre-schedule everything... where can I actually go? I heard there might be a spot somewhere. I’ve got an appointment with my endocrinologist on Monday, so I seriously need to have these results ready by then...
If you hit up a private lab, you won't have to deal with any waiting lines
you ever think about how tiny a 100 mg aspirin actually is? like... seriously... they're so small. just little little specks... you don't even have to try to swallow them, they just go right down
You can grab Allegra or Claritin over the counter if things haven't shifted much lately... but honestly, if your allergies are seriously kicking your butt, it’s totally worth hitting up a doctor to get a prescription
Tyler James5 said:Nah, if you look at that photo, it’s clearly just saltwater, pretty much like Aqua Maris...
Are you guys 100% certain this is actually a pollen allergy and not just rhinitis or a common cold? Like, have you ever even gone in for actual testing?
Usually, Nasonex requires a prescription, so I'm assuming you already got some professional medical advice? There should be a dosage guide right inside the box too.
Basically, feel free to rinse your nose with saltwater (or saline solution) as often as you want. But those vasoconstrictors? Use them as little as humanly possible—only when you're absolutely desperate. As for Nasonex, you just spray it once a day, two sprays per nostril (that's the adult dose), specifically during the season when whatever plant you're allergic to is in bloom.
Besides, you just take the Nasonex once a day with two sprays in each nostril—if that actually clears everything up for you, then stick with it.
Like I was saying, Aqua Maris, that Quixx stuff, basic saline solution... it’s all just plain old salt water for rinsing out your nose. Use it as much as you need.
If those allergy symptoms start getting nasty again, go ahead and ask for an antihistamine. They're just pills you take once a day to help block those heavy-duty attacks during peak season.
And seriously, stay away from whatever's triggering you as much as you possibly can.