Hi - I've had hives for much longer than than three years. If I were you I'd get tested for gluten intolerance/celiac (see enterolab.com) for which the resulting leaky gut leads to hives, which is my case and I know others who had hives too b/c of it. I found out after 15 years of food allergy hell in June 2008--it's probably the basis for all my other acquired food allergies . Currently I take an H2 antihistamine 30 mins before meals called ketotifen (it does make me somewhat sleepy/lethargic), stick to 100% gluten avoidance diet and doing immunotherapy (shots) for the foods I have tested allergic to (except for gluten, which avoidance is the only solution at this time). Not fun, but that's how life goes sometimes.

Mine started when I was 14 lasted for 8 yrs, was on benadryl for the latter part of the duration after being on all different kinds of meds and trying everything. Then boom they left for 2 years. They disappeared 8 months after getting married and using oral contraceptive. Thought I was home free. Then in June just 2 months ago, they are back, benadryl no longer works. I had 25 vials (or whatever they are) of blood taken and tested for everything, nothing. This time around Tagamet is working along with Allegra if needed. When I first had the hives tagamet didn't work - weird! I'm currently 3 weeks into an herbal drink supplement and soon to start a liquid mineral supp. These hives are just ridiculous! I have the greatest sympathy for those with this problem! It's miserable. Hang in there, pray, make things happen, try any natural remedies, in my opinion there is a cure not just meds to mask the problem. Blessings to you and good luck.

My MIL has chronic hives for 2 years . She also has hypothyrodism. I am just wondering if there is a connection, between chronic hives and thyroid.
Did you get your thyroid checked?