Allergy shot reaction? - Allergies Message Board

goingcrazy41 · 08-27-2006, 01:15 PM

I'm very concerned about what might be going on w/me. This past Thursday would've been my 4th injection. I get 2 shots once a week. At my first session they made me stay extra because after my shot I told her that I was having alot of new drainage down my throat and then proceeded to cough from gagging from it. They made me do a peak flow and some other things and finally decided that I could go. Then, they dilluted my vials and slowed it down. That 1st set I was on prednisone and they say that might've kept me from having a bad reaction. So, naturally I was nervous about the 2nd one. It did ok...still had some drainage...but every since the 1st one I was getting sicker...then by the 4th one I was on an antibiotic and had a mysterious rash/on my cheeks,nose and neck. I decided not to do my 4th one. I went to my regular dr's office and was told that it was near certain a reaction to my shots. About a year ago I had started w/this acne looking stuff that I though was appearing hormonally...but was nothing like what started after these shots. Here's what my nurse practitioner said it was "papular erythematous w/confluence. It started off being like a flushed feeling...and the bumps were swollen...now it's little bumps and still a flushed look but not as hot feeling. However, I have a crawly feeling occasionally...like needles poking me. And still not completely well. Anyone got an idea about what might be going on?? Or know anyone that has had a similar experience?

Thanks in advance!!
Shanna

Titchou · 08-27-2006, 04:20 PM

OK, some of this is a little confusing but I'll try to sort it out. You are going to two docs for this? I'm assuming it's an allergist or immunologist for the injections. So, first of all, you should be staying f0r 15-20 minutes after your shots. That's normal. If they only ask you to do so when you complain, I'd find another allergist. Second, you should take an antihistamine the day of your injections. That will help with reactions. And third, you may have to find this out, what color is the top of your serum vial? The ones they draw the injections from. There is a color scheme to the strength of the dosage.
(Bet they didn't tell you that...it's a relatively new regulation and you should be wathcing as they draw it to be sure the right level is being used till you get to maintenance - red). Hope these things help.

goingcrazy41 · 08-27-2006, 04:36 PM

I go to an allergy dr for the injections and yes, they always make you stay for minimum 20 minutes. The 1st time...AFTER my 20 min had elapsed is when they asked me how I felt and I told them about all of the drainage. And they made me stay 20 extra minutes. (total 40). They told me that the amt that they were giving me there after would be a lot lower...in fact the next 2 times were exactly the same. I just want to know about what's going on w/my face.

Titchou · 08-27-2006, 07:15 PM

Well, obviously you are allergic to the antibiotic if you got a rash while you were on it. And the drainage would not be a reaction to the shot. Don't know why they said that. The reaction that soon would be localized or anaphalaxis. Try the antihistamine before...that should help. And be sure to ask about the vial top color and have them explain that system to you. Watch them everyt time too...you can't be too vigilant.

sneezydiva · 08-27-2006, 11:09 PM

I agree with Tichou, the rash is probably from the antibiotic. That is actually not an unusual side effect from antibiotics. Also, have you ever been evaluated for roseaca? Your symptoms sound similar.

Why were you on the antibiotic? Was it for a sinus infection? My allergist doesn't give shots while I'm on antibiotics. Was the nurse aware you were on antibiotics?

Don't be afraid to tell your nurse the shots are still giving you trouble. They had to dilute mine twice before I could handle them.