Understanding Chronic Hives & Swelling: Causes & Relief

Question
I've had one episode of acute hives 5 years ago. Treated with prednisone, benedryl, renitidine. 7 months ago I got it again. Tried the benedryl, rentidine with no success. Saw a Doctor who told me to try claritin and reactine. Was working for relief of the itch. A week ago my ankles started to swell, pitting edema. So I stopped the claritin and reactine. How long will it take my feet and ankles to go down. BP 150/78
Thank you

Answer
it is unlikely that the ranitidine or the claritan caused the ankle swelling.... You should talk to your doctor about a workup to find out what did cause it......  The prednisone could cause swelling, but from your note, you didn't take prednisone this time.  

I hope this helps.