Surviving on rice, chicken and pears - Vitamin causing angioedema?

If the vitamin has PABA in it, that is one possible source of your allergic response. Another possibility is sensitivity to a type of preservative called sulfites (actually there are 6 types of sulfites, all of which may be used as preservatives). Many vitamins contain sulfites because they are derived from corn, and all processed corn is sulfited. I've had systemic reactions to vitamins myself, so I understand your concern. You might try Country Life brand - they are much more careful about quality control than some of the less expensive brands. I get mine at a local health food store (I don't have any financial connection w/ Country Life, I'm just a satisfied customer).

Have you tried H2 blockers (Zantac, Pepcid, etc.) in addition to the usual H1 blockers (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Tavist, etc.)? Sometimes you have to block more than just one type of histamine to see a response. Also, histamines are only part of the puzzle....the late phase of allergic reactions isn't blocked by antihistamines. You might want to talk to your doctor about trying Singulair while you are waiting to get in to see the Allergist, to see if that helps some too.

Good luck,

You might ask the Allergist's office if they have a cancellation list you can be put on, or call them every few days and ask if there have been any cancellations.

Another trick to help speed up getting in to see a specialist is to have your Primary Care Provider call and say you need to be seen urgently. Or sometimes discussing your symptoms with the specialist's nurse can get you in to see them a lot sooner.

I hope this helps - good luck,