I found out recently that I have a rare condition called masocytosis which affects less than 200,000 people in the US. I had some reddish dots on my thigh and when I went for my check- up at the dermatologist in August she did a biopsy of one of the lesions. It came back and it was called urticaria pigmentosa. This condition means that there are mast cells in the skin.
I asked whether the mast cells could be in any other organs and she said yes and to look it up on the Internet. When I did I found out that this condition could cause fainting. As I read more about the condition I realized that all the symptoms I have experienced over the last 2 years fit. The triggers for my attacks-heat, stress, exercise. What happens is there is an excess of mast cells in the blood which granulate and bring on my fatigue, anxious feelings and fainting.
I went to an allergist who took a blood test to look for excess tryptase in my blood and It came back very high-36. This confirmed the diagnosis of mastocytosis. (Hey that rhymed)
I hope this will help some of you out there who still are looking for answers regarding your fainting spells.
Beth
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mastocytosis
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4 comments:
Elevated tryptae doesn't necessarily mean systemic mastocytosis. You still need to get a bone marrow biopsy.
Welcome to the spotted family.
Have you had the bone marrow biopsy? If so, is it painful?
Yes. I know it's scary but it is really not bad at all. More pressure than anything. Do you have a masto specialist in your area?
Thank you so much for writing. I don't have a specialist yet and my doctor doesn't have much info or interest. I live in New Jersey but I will probably find someone in New York.
I hope you are doing well. Thanks again for the info.
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