Chronic hives can be an incredibly frustrating condition to deal with, both for those who suffer from them and the practitioners working to help find solutions. The itch, the redness, and the discomfort can be overwhelming, yet traditional treatments often provide only temporary relief or mask the underlying issue without actually addressing it. If you’ve been struggling with chronic hives, you know the drill: antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other symptom-masking treatments, but no clear answer about what’s truly causing the hives. 
I recently underwent cataract surgery—an outcome of a trauma cataract from a detached retina nine years ago and the laser procedure used to treat it. While the surgery itself was straightforward, my biggest challenge was overcoming the anxiety leading up to it. Two years ago, I struggled with severe menopause symptoms—low hormones, heightened anxiety, and full-blown panic attacks. Even a routine retina check-up sent me into panic mode. The night before one appointment, I was convinced my retina had detached again, leading to an intense panic attack.
