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Does anyone have severe allergies? Tenderness/tightness near ribs?

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Posted 6/17/2007 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
My allergies have gotten progressively worse over the last 5 years. I saw an allergist and was tested. He only found me to be allergic to dogs (which I have always had...how did I suddenly develop this?), dust, and dust mites. I am on every allergy med possible..Zyrtec, Singulair and Flonase and I still have a lot of allergy symptoms. Since I have an undiagnosed AI disease, I am not sure if I can get allergy shots. Also, I am wondering if the AI is causing a viscious cycle with the allergies. I feel like I've been sick for 6+ months straight. My throat has been sore a lot, my glands swollen, and one of my tonsils is mildly swollen. I am at my wits end with feeling so lousy. The rheumy hasn't confirmed any dx yet but I think I need to start taking plaquenil to see if that helps anything. I also think I have sjogren's because I have had dry mouth and dry eyes that seem to wax/wane over the last few years along with other symptoms. I feel like I can't live being in this limbo and still suffering. I work 2 jobs and I feel like I can't continue to feel so bad most of the time.

Also, has anyone been tight/tender near the rib cage? Sometimes this gets so bad it feels like a brick is on my chest. Then other times it is just sore there if I touch it. Could that be costochondritis? Has anyone had that?

Thanks, Emily

IBS 1997, fibro 2003, HBP 2006, UCTD 2007

Current meds: Zyrtec 10 mg, Singulair 10mg, Flonase (all allergies), Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for high blood pressure, ibuprofen/tylenol for pain, amitriptiline 25 mg for sleep
Posted 6/17/2007 4:22 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Emily,

Sorry I can't comment on your allergy question, as I am fortunate in that I do not suuffer from any at all.

I do though have Sjogrens and to get a definite diagnosis of this you must see your doctor.  There are tests that they run to determine if in fact it is or not Sjogrens.  Good luck with getting a good doctor to carry out this test. 

Yes, I have costochondritis and have had it for a number of years.  As I can't take NSAID's because they interact with a lot of my other medications, I have steroid injections into my rib cage for the pain and discomfort.  This is only the treatment that was recommended for me  though.  Other people have different ways of treating it which are much less invasive. 

Good luck in finding out if you have it.  Again, it is only a doctor who can and should give you the diagnosis.

Take care.

goldenwings  yeah


Post Edited (goldenwings) : 6/17/2007 10:26:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/17/2007 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emily, I also can't help much with your allergy questions, just that I seem to have developed some seasonal/environmental allergies since I've gotten lupus. I do have costochondritis and it does sound kind of like what you are experiencing. But, like goldenwings said, a doc would have to diagnose you. Definitely talk to your doctor about it to see what he recommends for treatment. I sometimes use heat or cold, whichever sounds better. I can't take anti inflammatories for too many days in a row, but will take some Aleve if the costo pain gets too bad. Also prednisone seems to help the pain too. I don't know how you continue to work two jobs - I'm amazed. I was able to keep up my part time job for about 3 years but finally had to quit last August. If there is any way for you to cut back, I would highly recommend it. Hang in there and take care
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