Mast Cell Activation

Posted by danmlee @danmlee, Jan 17, 2017

Is there anyone that has MCA?,I live in Duluth and have just begun all types of testing for this nightmare (I.e. Blood test and bone marrow and 24hr Urinalysis)and they always come back negative in the since of trying to diagnose but I have been dealing with this since last year but didn't know what the heck was going on in my body.It started with just a skin rash at first but since last year till now I have developed allergies to foods I never had and now my body is so sensitive to heat change because within seconds my feet start tingling then swelling starts then my hands start swelling and the full breakout begins (niacin flush type feeling begins and doesn't stop)little scab like rash (like what fibromyalgia patients get)then the felling of vomiting begins.So I am so frustrated because all test keep coming back negative to get "DIAGNOSED"for MAST CELL to see how to treat it,even though I know that it is even the Oncologists and Allergist believes it is MCA so having to be my own advocate and research I have begun the "Low Histamine Paleo Food Change" But trying to cope day to day and for the most part living in my bedroom because I don't want to freeze out my wife or just feeling like my life is being robbed and my personality and to make things worse Dr.Afrin is booked out till 2018 and someone told me here in Duluth that is who you must see,so there goes that idea.I just sometimes want to give up because sometimes this Mast Cell makes you feel like you are loosing your mind.And I have no one to talk to that can relate to this,so there is my ramblings is there anyone who I can talk to that has this "CRAP".

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @antessa. Thanks for sharing the insight; I'm sure @defeatedsteph will appreciate the information. May i ask what brings you to Connect?

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I would definitely take that to your doctor asking what it means. Also with your medical history as listed I would look into hereditary alpha Tryptasemia testing. It’s new and thus currently only available out of pocket, but any doctor can order it and I beleive it’s around $160 out of pocket. It’s a new genetic test for a disorder they recently named and it includes a cluster of disorders such as Eds, pots and mast cell disorder or severe allergic reactions

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@patrick6726

I'm from Duluth MN as well. Saw your news tribune article as well. But like you have been struggling with this for years now. I was dealing with an undiagnosed chronic sore throat-cough and moderate digestive issues for a few years prior that I never got checked out....at the time it was a very annoying nuisance, I was somewhat miserable, but at least I could function decently enough. It wasn't until after I took something. Just like your cortisone shot, there was a trigger for me. two supplements together, niacin and chromium....took them in the morning, and immediately felt a odd cooling sensation of what felt like water, up my neck, and then down my left arm. Didn't think anything of it at the time. But then like 12 or so hours later, I had the worst psychological feeling I've ever had in my life, just like a sinking death, impending doom, oh my god something is wrong type feeling. Then A few hours after that, wow did things go to absolute hell. Shortness of breath, alternating massive burning sensations and whole body going completely numb, i Couldn't even sleep for the first 2 days or so. Every time I tried and started dosing off, I would get jarred back awake by my body. I thought it was the end. And well, 4 years later kind of wish it was actually considering the life it's given me or lack thereof. Been to emergency room twice since initial onset. Just React to absolutely everything now. There's a mine field of triggers that are just impossible to avoid. And the kicker is that medications-supplements-herbs are one of the worst triggers. How can I get better if I can't tolerate something that's meant to heal me.? I realized less is more when it comes to quality of life.....but it just hasn't been nearly enough. It seems the only way would be to live in a completely sterile bubble in which I wouldn't have to eat or drink anything. And that's obviously not very plausible. Not a lot of hope left. Anyway, I don't know if you'll see this a year or so later. But have you found anybody else in the Duluth area who's dealing with this? And have you been able to improve your health?

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You might find more help by checking into the mast cell disorder groups and discussions on the insight webpage. Or ask the mastocytosis society at tmsforacure.org

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@kedening

Hello All, I am doing research to find a clinic that will accept patients without a bone marrow biopsy. My allergist and I tried the Brigham Hospital in MA, but they were super unhelpful in the process of getting in. Even the staff wouldn't talk with my doc! Its such a frustrating process to get in where there is experienced people who really can speak on this disorder. Does anyone have suggestions of places they have tried or tactics in speaking with specialized places? What does Mayo offer in terms of this?

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Unfortunately a lot of the specialists are being overwhelmed by patients who think they have mast cell disorder, many of whom may. This is part of what is making them set strict and often seemingly unreasonable limitations. Have you checked out Facebook groups for mast cell activation many patients are willing to message each other there or on insight with recommendations what to do next. Doctor Afrin switched to conscierge so he’s only out of pocket and thus out of the price range of many. Mayo does have a mast cell clinic but getting in can be tricky and they currently seem to be focused primarily on mastocytosis

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Hello @smbryce1,

I sincerely appreciate your follow-up of posts in the Mast Cell Activation group on Connect – welcome!
You mentioned, "...after I posted this it showed me lots of replies," and as moderator of this group (Skin Health), I thought I'd also clarify that it's an active conversation, especially with the shared experiences and valuable responses offered by other Connect members in this discussion. I also hope that @danmlee has found good resources and some relief for coping with MCA.

The benefit of sharing in the community is that you can receive information and support from a knowledgeable group of people; it is awesome that you have chosen to be a participating member of the Connect community; would you be comfortable in sharing more about your treatment and what has helped you led a better quality of life?

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@patrick6726

I'm from Duluth MN as well. Saw your news tribune article as well. But like you have been struggling with this for years now. I was dealing with an undiagnosed chronic sore throat-cough and moderate digestive issues for a few years prior that I never got checked out....at the time it was a very annoying nuisance, I was somewhat miserable, but at least I could function decently enough. It wasn't until after I took something. Just like your cortisone shot, there was a trigger for me. two supplements together, niacin and chromium....took them in the morning, and immediately felt a odd cooling sensation of what felt like water, up my neck, and then down my left arm. Didn't think anything of it at the time. But then like 12 or so hours later, I had the worst psychological feeling I've ever had in my life, just like a sinking death, impending doom, oh my god something is wrong type feeling. Then A few hours after that, wow did things go to absolute hell. Shortness of breath, alternating massive burning sensations and whole body going completely numb, i Couldn't even sleep for the first 2 days or so. Every time I tried and started dosing off, I would get jarred back awake by my body. I thought it was the end. And well, 4 years later kind of wish it was actually considering the life it's given me or lack thereof. Been to emergency room twice since initial onset. Just React to absolutely everything now. There's a mine field of triggers that are just impossible to avoid. And the kicker is that medications-supplements-herbs are one of the worst triggers. How can I get better if I can't tolerate something that's meant to heal me.? I realized less is more when it comes to quality of life.....but it just hasn't been nearly enough. It seems the only way would be to live in a completely sterile bubble in which I wouldn't have to eat or drink anything. And that's obviously not very plausible. Not a lot of hope left. Anyway, I don't know if you'll see this a year or so later. But have you found anybody else in the Duluth area who's dealing with this? And have you been able to improve your health?

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Hi Patrick - I am from Duluth! I have been having symptoms of mast cell disease, like anaphylactic reaction, what I thought were food allergies, digestive problems, weakness, fatigue, heat rashes/sensitivity, body rashes, etc. for years with no answers as to why.
After I had my last episode, I went into my PCP and thought I needed to get allergy testing done. I was referred to Dr. Alaaddin Kandeel in the Essentia Health allergy department. After I explained my symptoms and different reactions, Dr. Kandeel told me about Mast Cell Disease. He took his time to explain the disease to me. It was the first appointment I’ve had where I felt the doctor really listened to what I had to say and answer every question I had. He did not make me feel rushed at all. He had blood tests done for me that day. He then had me do the 24 hour urine test, and I am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. I highly recommend Dr. Kandeel at Essentia Health. Take care!

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Finally someone that understands my plight. Yes, this disease is a nightmare and when I have an attack, my face almost gets disfigured due to extreme swelling and allergy type breakout. This in top of extreme itch that makes me want to use a knife and peel my skin off. One of my doctors states there is now a vaccination for mast cell, with conditions. First off you must have experienced this under Dr care for at l ast one year before being considered for the vaccine. He stated currently it is basically out of financial reach for those who need it (such as me) because it’s over four thousand a month, one vaccine and must be continued for around ten-twelve months in order to become effective. I failed to write down the name as he cost was enough to know I’ll never be getting it. Oh, and insurance as I am on Medicare, won’t pay any portion. This may change in the future however I shall not see this in my lifetime more than sure.

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@jennybay

Finally someone that understands my plight. Yes, this disease is a nightmare and when I have an attack, my face almost gets disfigured due to extreme swelling and allergy type breakout. This in top of extreme itch that makes me want to use a knife and peel my skin off. One of my doctors states there is now a vaccination for mast cell, with conditions. First off you must have experienced this under Dr care for at l ast one year before being considered for the vaccine. He stated currently it is basically out of financial reach for those who need it (such as me) because it’s over four thousand a month, one vaccine and must be continued for around ten-twelve months in order to become effective. I failed to write down the name as he cost was enough to know I’ll never be getting it. Oh, and insurance as I am on Medicare, won’t pay any portion. This may change in the future however I shall not see this in my lifetime more than sure.

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@jennybay that is really horrible that there is something that could probably help you but is beyond reach, financially. Maybe they won’t pay because it’s effectiveness is not yet proven. If so maybe it will eventually be covered.
The pharma companies are so greedy. Young people who want to make large incomes typically gravitate toward pharma, knowing the opportunity for big bucks is there. A young woman we know works in that field and is easily a millionaire at this point, with many perks.
JK

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@jennybay

Finally someone that understands my plight. Yes, this disease is a nightmare and when I have an attack, my face almost gets disfigured due to extreme swelling and allergy type breakout. This in top of extreme itch that makes me want to use a knife and peel my skin off. One of my doctors states there is now a vaccination for mast cell, with conditions. First off you must have experienced this under Dr care for at l ast one year before being considered for the vaccine. He stated currently it is basically out of financial reach for those who need it (such as me) because it’s over four thousand a month, one vaccine and must be continued for around ten-twelve months in order to become effective. I failed to write down the name as he cost was enough to know I’ll never be getting it. Oh, and insurance as I am on Medicare, won’t pay any portion. This may change in the future however I shall not see this in my lifetime more than sure.

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Ah, good to hear such kind and hopeful words. I need that hope as do many. Any and all information on MCD is much appreciated.

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@patrick6726

I'm from Duluth MN as well. Saw your news tribune article as well. But like you have been struggling with this for years now. I was dealing with an undiagnosed chronic sore throat-cough and moderate digestive issues for a few years prior that I never got checked out....at the time it was a very annoying nuisance, I was somewhat miserable, but at least I could function decently enough. It wasn't until after I took something. Just like your cortisone shot, there was a trigger for me. two supplements together, niacin and chromium....took them in the morning, and immediately felt a odd cooling sensation of what felt like water, up my neck, and then down my left arm. Didn't think anything of it at the time. But then like 12 or so hours later, I had the worst psychological feeling I've ever had in my life, just like a sinking death, impending doom, oh my god something is wrong type feeling. Then A few hours after that, wow did things go to absolute hell. Shortness of breath, alternating massive burning sensations and whole body going completely numb, i Couldn't even sleep for the first 2 days or so. Every time I tried and started dosing off, I would get jarred back awake by my body. I thought it was the end. And well, 4 years later kind of wish it was actually considering the life it's given me or lack thereof. Been to emergency room twice since initial onset. Just React to absolutely everything now. There's a mine field of triggers that are just impossible to avoid. And the kicker is that medications-supplements-herbs are one of the worst triggers. How can I get better if I can't tolerate something that's meant to heal me.? I realized less is more when it comes to quality of life.....but it just hasn't been nearly enough. It seems the only way would be to live in a completely sterile bubble in which I wouldn't have to eat or drink anything. And that's obviously not very plausible. Not a lot of hope left. Anyway, I don't know if you'll see this a year or so later. But have you found anybody else in the Duluth area who's dealing with this? And have you been able to improve your health?

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I am moving to the Twin Cities shortly and am hoping to find a doctor at the Mayo. Any suggestions are appreciated for Mayo doctors that specialize in mast cell! Thanks!

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I live in St Cloud and have suffered from multiple health conditions over the last several years. At many times I was overmedicated which just exasperated my problems. Trying to get anyone to listen to me was almost impossible. I have been misdiagnosed more times than I can count. I can pinpoint to one time where I became very ill, high fever, severely lethargic, sore throat, headache. I couldnt get out of bed for 4 days and didnt have access to medical care. Ive never been the same. I started having severe gi issues, losing 65 lbs in 3 months. So severely nauseous I couldnt eat and had severe diarrhea almost daily and have had for the last 18 years. I was diagnosed with ibs but have had no resolution. Due to some life events i became severely depressed. I was put on antidepressants which rather than providing relief they started creating a new set of issues. The more I said they werent helping and the more side effects I was having, drs kept adding new medications. At one time i was on over 30 medications. Last summer I was diagnosed with mast cell. Allergy tests came back normal, but biopsies were done and confirmed mast cell. Sometimes I feel like im the one doing all the diagnosing. I have had to research and push for every test ive had. In December of 2017, i figured out that side effects to my depression and anxiety meds were what was causing the severity of my mental health symptoms, to the point of almost ending my life multiple times. Also, discovering multiple food allergies and medication allergies and sensitivities.
They seem to be growing in numbers. I have malabsorption issues and vitamin deficiencies as well. I have reduced my med list as much as possible. Ive even tried medications for mast cell but they only cause more problems. I am currently fighting three infections in my body that ive had since June. No meds are working, only creating more problems. I will be seeing an infectious disease specialist to help me. Im hoping i can gather some information from him about what to do in the future as i struggle with infections, symptoms, allergies and ever-growing side effects. This is definitely a frustrating disorder and can definitely contribute to feelings of hopelessness. I would love to hear from others with mast cell. Side note: Dr Afrin has moved from the U of M to Armonk, NY. His clinic does not accept insurance and is strictly out of pocket.
Best of luck to anyone struggling with this disorder.

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