Barbara V

Try to find a really good dermatologist and see if they can start you on Xolair injections. They were a lifesaver for me for a couple of years. I had to switch to another injectable because they were causing me migraines.

I had a gastric sleeve a little over 3 years ago. Had a pretty bad local allergic reaction to the steri strips used to cover incisions. Took a week of prednisone and got better. Shortly thereafter, I broke out in horrible itchy hives. Was tested for every allergy and disease possible and everything was negative. Had to go on biologics/ immunosuppressants and am still on them to this day. My theory is that I’m allergic to the metal staples they use to close the stomach pouch after the gastrectomy. Anyone else dealing with this or have an opinion on my theory?

No allergy medicine on the planet helps my hives and itching. Prednisone helps but you can’t be on that forever. I’m on my fourth or fifth biological medicine (now taking Humira injections). I was on something called Cimzia last year that was working and then I had a brain aneurysm. Don’t know if the two are related. Next month it’ll be five years since my gastric sleeve and I’ve gained back all the weight I’ve lost plus some. Most of this is my fault but I’m sure prednisone doesn’t help either. I’m having to take it off/on until Humira kicks in.

I’m new here. Is there a way to respond to individual comments/replies? I had food allergy testing, changed all my vitamins to the best quality I could find, even stopped them altogether. For about six months, I wasn’t even taking any meds. Even went gluten free for awhile I haven’t had metal allergy testing yet because it’s not covered by insurance and even if I test positive, I don’t think the staples can be removed. Yesterday I made an appointment to see a new bariatric surgeon to see what his thoughts are.