So, a while ago I posted about what I thought was an allergic reaction to the medicine I was taking to raise my blood pressure. So, I stopped the medication right away (the rash happened the first time I took the meds) and the rash kept coming about once a week or once every two weeks. So, when I went and saw my RO I finally got some answers (my ENT and endocrinologist were baffled). And then I forgot about it all together and the rashes were becoming less frequent and I never updated on here as to what the cause was! So here you go!

After a long discussion with my RO, who I'm pretty sure thinks I'm really a five year old based on how many times I interrupted him during our discussion with more questions, I found out that my rash is actually a common after effect. Basically what is happening is that anything that increases the metabolic rate in my head and neck, increases the amount of lymphatic fluid in the area and since my lymphatic system is not back up to par yet, the fluid just sits there causing there red itchy hive-like annoyance that is a rash. Basically it can be an after effect from radiation, or from surgery, but he said in my case since I had both, I drew two short sticks! (those are my words, not his...he had a much nicer way of putting it). For me, the culprit is usually sunshine, but I'm beginning to think that the space heater in my office causes it as well. When I asked my RO about what to do, he basically told me that common sense would tell you to avoid whatever causes the rash. Basically now I just keep up with the UV index and try and limit my time outside. So there you have it!

Oh yeah, and the reason I thought about posting this now is because I broke out in a rash yesterday - just in time for friends to come in to town this weekend to visit! Yippee!