I've read that total avoidance of nsaids is unnecessary if one's reaction was only a few hives. true? been avoiding but really could use them!

Be careful: Not true, as the next reaction would be more severe, avoidance is still the right thing to do until you make sure that wasn't a true allergic reaction, you might need to get a test dose or a challenge under a controlled setting supervised by an allergist, please visit an allergist/Immunologist, check aaaai.org or acaai.org for an allergist in your area,use alternative medications instead till seen