Ciclosporin and chronic idiopathic urticaria

[BadRoly]

After suffering from urticaria for years and a major flare up since February ths year, the immunologist has referred me to a dermatologist. I met the dermatologist today and she is proposing putting me on ciclosporin.

She has sent me away to get blood tests with a pile of information - some of which is terrifying! I understand that the worst case scenario will always be given but has anyone any experience of taking ciclosporin that they'd be willing to share with me please?

I know lots of kids who've taken it for immune conditions and generally good reports with few major side effects. It does sound scary and it's hard to get your head round. Ds will be on it next year I think. We've had a while to get used to the idea.

I know lots of kids who've taken it for immune conditions and generally good reports with few major side effects. It does sound scary and it's hard to get your head round. Ds will be on it next year I think. We've had a while to get used to the idea.

Thanks merci, rationally I know they wouldn't put me on it if they didn't think it would help. But she was telling me I'd have to have regular blood tests for kidneys and cholesterol plus blood pressure, then the notes go on about skin cancer... I just had a moment if panic. But anything has got to be better than constantly itching!

How long would you be on it for? Yeah, for us the irony is it's to treat a kidney condition - main side effect - kidney damage! They keep a really close eye on kidney function and stop it if there's any sign. With the skin cancer thing, it's just about wearing good suncream really - not much of an issue in our climate lol. They also have to test blood regularly at first to get the levels of meds right. I know people who've been on it for years absolutely fine. Some people talk about their legs feeling heavy, bit like walking through treacle.
Are there other immuno-suppressants they could use? We have more modern versions as well like mmf that some people try and apparently have less side effects. Could be worth asking/internet searching.
Sorry for the double posts btw - blackberry glitch

How long would you be on it for? Yeah, for us the irony is it's to treat a kidney condition - main side effect - kidney damage! They keep a really close eye on kidney function and stop it if there's any sign. With the skin cancer thing, it's just about wearing good suncream really - not much of an issue in our climate lol. They also have to test blood regularly at first to get the levels of meds right. I know people who've been on it for years absolutely fine. Some people talk about their legs feeling heavy, bit like walking through treacle.
Are there other immuno-suppressants they could use? We have more modern versions as well like mmf that some people try and apparently have less side effects. Could be worth asking/internet searching.
Sorry for the double posts btw - blackberry glitch

I don't know, it was a really quick appointment and she basically said read up on it then when they the bloods back, I can go back with a list of questions and we can decide what to do next.

Dr Google would suggest that 3mths is the initial course but it could be years if it returns again (I'm desperately hoping assuming it will work!).

As for wading through treacle, my feet are currently swollen and sore from the hives so wading through treacle might be an improvement on walking on hot coals!