Feeling comfortable in my skin

Spoiler: I'm not. I'm talking about physically. Like, getting daily hives outbreaks at any pressure point of my clothes - bras, underpants, elastic pants waistbands, you name it. If it puts pressure on my skin, then you can bet it will be a large welt or hive by the end of the day when I remove the pressure. 

My rheumatologist thinks it is a condition called dermatographia - literally, skin writing - in which the body releases excessive histamine in reaction to small stimuli, such as a scratch or pressure from a bra strap. Out of concern that it may have been triggered by the anti-inflammatory medication, I am taking a break from the medicine (and all NSAIDs) to see if the condition improves.  

According to my preliminary research, there does seem to be a link between EDS and mast cell activation disorder (MCAD), a condition that results in hyper-response to various stimuli and may encompass dermatographia. I'm hoping I don't have MCAD, and that it's just an isolated incident of dermatographia. New diagnosis or new facet of old diagnosis, it sucks. It's itchy and uncomfortable. 

In the meantime, I've been experimenting with new bras, sports bras, and my new special - a tank top under my bra. As weird as it is, so far the tank top under my bra has been the most successful deterrent to hives. Stay tuned. 

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