Let's hear it for the hives

Well, its official. I have a full blown case of the hives. In fact, one of the worst I can remember.
Woke up this morning and one eye was basically puffed up from underneath and the other was a big puffy eyelid. That was in addition to the hives that grew like a relief map across my stomach, hips, legs, back and arms. Oh... and the best part -- my hand and fingers are puffed up to the point I can hardly bend them.
So, broke down and called the doctor. Couldn't get into see the regular GP, so I called Dr. Kaplan, the allergist. They got me in at 10.45 in Highland Park. Since I was in such a state, mom drove me down so that Jim could finish packing and spend time with the kids.
Dr. Kaplan agreed that is definitely hives. (DUH!) and again didn't know what to make of them. All we have ever been able to figure out is its a reaction to my body breaking down a virus or bacteria. That would be true again since I had been sick since I arrived.
Left Dr. Kaplan's office with four (yes, four!) prescriptions. A new antibiotic in case the Bactrum was making me worse, Allegra for maintenance, prednisone to start putting the hives at bay starting on Wednesday and more of the Atarax to knock me out and hold off the hives. That was in addition to the lovely cortisone shot I received in the left butt cheek. Fun Fun Fun. Now I just have to go back and see him again on Monday for follow-up. Hopefully they will all be gone by then...
At least mom took me to Once Upon a Bagel for lunch. Nothing like good Jewish Kreplach soup and a toasted sesame bagel to kick start the healing. Probably wouldn't have gotten there otherwise, so it was worth it in the end.