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...we ended up going to the NHS walk-in centre (kind of like a free mini accident and emergency type thing, staffed by nurses), and as the receptionist was taking my symptoms down there was a nurse behind her.

The receptionist said "sorry, we have a 2 hrs wait, is that ok?" - I was like fine, it'd be even longer at the hospital. BUT the nurse heard and came over to look - she examined the rashes on my hands and arms, and looked at my eyes and, by this time, now ridiculously swollen lips. She said it definitely looks like an allergic reactions - measles would cause painful rashes not itchy ones. She also took my temperature which was fine.

I'd mentioned my IBS when she asked what medication I was taking and she was lovely - she says since I had IBS and wouldn't particularly love the 2 hr wait she'd look at me then, and did. She said to keep taking the antihistamine I've been taking (Zirtek, which I take for hayfever anyway), and also to top it up with Piriton tonight. Other than that use a good barrier cream on my lips. She said if it was worse tomorrow, or any new symptoms appeared to go to the doctor tomorrow - because even if it's an allergic reaction they might be able to give me something to help, which the nurses can't.

(Side-note - was really embarassing, as the reception is in the waiting room and there's all these people there with a 2hr wait, babies and everything, and this nurse examined me at the reception!

Jamie had to pop back in when we'd done to get the code to get out the car park, and there were 5 people at the desk complaining!

Don't feel too bad tho - think we were due a bit of luck...)

SO.... My lips are still killing me, and so swollen, by the eye swelling has gone down a little. They checked my breathing was ok to rule out a really serious reaction, and asked if I'd changed anything - food, medication, face wash, face cream, etc, and I haven't, at all. All the stuff I'm using hair/face-wise is stuff I've used for months and months, and I can't think of any different food I've had.

My mum thought though that it might be something in our garden - I've started gardening over the past couple of weeks, and thinking back I actually had a rash on one of my fingers a couple of weeks back, that's grossly scabbing over now.

What does everyone think - some plant in the garden?

PS - edited to add: I did forget to mention the lumps on my tongue and my bright yellow D, but I'm thinking she would've still come to the same conclusion...

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Edited by Blondie13 (05/29/06 10:28 AM)

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