Yesterday, I went up to Shands to meet with a doctor in the Immunology/Rheumatology department. After speaking with him, he then brought in more doctors. I swear I was just waiting for Dr. House to walk in. I was their little guinea pig for the day. I was there from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.

This is what they want me to do. I need to find an Immunology/Allergist in my area so I don't have to keep driving to Shands. The doctors from Shands will work the this new

doctor once I find one. In the meantime I am going to do more labs and then all the doctors I have seen will work together and diagnose me. They are very certain what I have is this.

Hereditary Angioedema:

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is caused by low levels or improper function of a protein called C1 inhibitor. This problem affects the blood vessels. People with hereditary angioedema can develop rapid swelling of the hands, feet, limbs, face, intestinal tract, or airway (larynx or trachea).

Unlike an allergic reaction, there is usually no itching or hives. Swelling of the gut can cause intestinal cramping. If swelling closes the airway, it can be deadly. Attacks of swelling can become more severe in late childhood and adolescence..

Many attacks occur without reason. However, anxiety, stress, sickness (including colds and the flu), and surgery have been shown to trigger certain attacks of hereditary angioedema. Dental procedures increase the risk of attacks in patients with HAE.

For more information visit:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/001456.htm

I will have this for the rest of my life. I will have to  make changes and be on medication. When I am extremely swollen I am to sleep sitting up so I don't stop breathing or my throat will not close.

For those who don't have a clue of what I go through I have attached a picture. I think yesterday was the worst I have ever been.

I have been dealing with this since June of 07 at least I know more today then a year ago.

Thank you all for supporting me on this.