Living with Neuroendocrine Tumours – the 14 year itch

Following a diagnosis of metastatic small intestine NET in 2010, I wrote a blog in 2017 entitled “The 7 year itch”. I thought I would re-release it having reached 14 years and almost 7 years since it was published.

When I wrote it, I was inferring a link between Lanreotide and my ongoing leg itching. After some years, I also started to see correlations between itching and many other things including but not limited to the seasons of the year (i.e. it seemed to be worse in the winter). As another example, I also noticed itchy skin could be caused by deficiencies in certain vitamins, noticing that it was some of those which I am tested for and which NET patients are at risk for. Not always a direct correlation my own case but the causal evidence is there. This can be expanded to the general population too – click here.

Another reason for re-releasing is that I am currently battling a hives issue which has lasted for almost a year and although I appear to have narrowed it down to an asthma med, I still notice one or two breakouts indicating multiple causal effects may have been involved. I keep a diary on this and also take an antihistamine tablet daily, even when asymptomatic.

The first 7 year summary

You can read my thinking and research by clicking here or on the picture below.

7 year itch — Click graphic to read more

The second 7 years

I mostly ignored this issue but I suspect I had removed Lanreotide as the main culprit by this stage. The link I was making between symptom and injection date had long been gone. My first few Lanreotide were administered in the winter, correlation and causation etc!

I really started encountering a renewed and different itching experience in 2022. Mainly on my back, I treat that with Dermol cream and that helps.

However, at the end of 2023 and for the first 6 months of 2024 and the odd occasion since then, Hives have been the new kid (culprit) on the block. I studied intensively and wrote down my research in the form of this blog post below. Click here or on the graphic below.

hives Ronny Allan — Click on the graphic to read more

Hope you find this post useful.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.

Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional.

Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.

Thanks for reading.

Ronny