During the year 2009 I started feeling itching all over my body. I thought it might be some allergy and would disappear soon. As days passed by the severity of itching increased and within a month or so I could not tolerate it anymore. I consulted a dermatologist and he confirmed it is hives and my body is producing histamines on its own and the root cause could not be determined so easily. It could be due to change in the weather condition, any recent change in my food habits, body care, things in my surroundings, etc. and he prescribed me a course of anti-histamine. He also mentioned that the hives would go of eventually as my body starts fighting it and there are no specific timelines by when this would heal.
My family and I started praying for my healing from hives. This was our first year in faith life after we encountered Jesus at the Potta retreat held in Bellevue at 2008. The intensity of the hives increased day after day and without the anti-histamine I could not pass a day. The anti-histamine prescribed was extremely drowsy and even if I take it on the night, I would be down for most of the next day. I completed my first course of anti-histamine but there was no improvement. I almost consulted the dermatologist thrice, he then suggested me to consult an Allergist. The allergist collected my blood samples for various tests but none could provide the root cause, however there was a pointer that my thyroid levels could be elevated. He also prescribed the same anti-histamines and asked me to consult an Endocrinologist. I had so many obstacles in getting an appointment with the Endocrinologist. We continued our prayers, also asked our friends to pray for this healing. After a couple of consultations and blood test results the endocrinologist confirmed that I have elevated thyroid levels and prescribed me to take thyroxine daily and mentioned there is no cure for this. Also he could not confirm if my Hives is related to this. My Hives intensity level continued at peak for several months (9-12 months) by then. I continued to take the anti-histamines.
I was very frustrated, disappointed and helpless. There were times when I could not intercede for others as I have been lied by the satan that I am going through this suffering as I pray for others. I prayed to my Lord Jesus that I could not intercede anymore and the Holy Spirit lead me to realize the truth (John15: 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one?s friends.) that Jesus laid his life for me and still continues to intercede for me with my Heavenly father. I was encouraged to pray for others and started interceding joyfully irrespective of whatever I am going through. Our prayer meetings really helped me and my family to continue to keep our focus on Jesus and we trusted that our loving God will not allow anything beyond what we could carry. I know for sure the hives lasted for more than a year and I slowly started realizing that my body could withstand the hives (and itches) without having the anti-histamines. I was healed from the Hives in 2010. The prayers of my brothers and sisters were answered. I know that I have been healed by the stripes of Jesus and during this time of 1 year, the Lord taught me to love my neighbor the same way as he loves me. He molded me (and my family) and helped us to grow more in Him, to trust and lean on His strength. Thanks and Praise be to Jesus.
Francis
Bothell, USA