UPDATE - I finally got in to see a Dermatology Specialist at the Mayo Clinic on Monday. I spent the two weeks prior to my appointment taking none of my prescribed medications (for Grover's and Hives) and I stopped the Cilantro smoothies. I wanted them to be able to make a clear assessment with nothing in my system. The Dr. spent quite a bit of time with me. Asked a ton of questions. Took 11 vials of blood, urine sample and two punch biopsies. I got the results today. There is currently NO sign of Grover's Disease. Thank GOD! I tested positive for elevated Eosinophils which are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. (So needless to say, I am a little freaked out by the cancer thing) They are sending my blood off to a hematologist to further investigate. BUT, the Dr. thinks that it just may be an allergic reaction type thing related to my chronic hives, and that most people with chronic hives have a very difficult time figuring out why they have hives and what is causing them (which came first, the chicken or the egg?) In any case, I also have elevated TSH (Thyroid Hormone) and an elevated TPO in thyroid. The presence of TPO antibodies in your blood suggests that the cause of thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. In autoimmune disorders, your immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack normal tissue. Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause inflammation and impaired function of the thyroid. She told me that oftentimes people with thyroid disease have chronic hives. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's when I was 10 but never had to go on thyroid replacement therapy until about 10 years ago, and I have remained on a very low dose with no issues until recently. So the good news is no more Grover's. (for now anyway) Was it the smoothies or was it just time for it to go? I really don't know for sure. But I do know the smoothies seemed to be the only thing to work in knocking it out of my system. I am no longer drinking them as it seems there is no need. I will resume if necessary. Now I just have to wait for the results of the additional tests. In the meantime, I am on massive doses of antihistamines (4 Claritin a day and 4 Allegra a day. It seems to be helping. My hives are at a minimum with only a few small outbreaks these past few days. I am hoping they get to the bottom of this, so I can be totally off meds. But if not, at least I know I have had a thorough work up and hopefully the results will bring a positive outcome.

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