Allergic Reaction - Need some help

[chell]

Thursday night I started having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and started with Benedryl as soon as I could get my hands on some. What else can I do to kick this stuff out of my system? I'm still itching and getting hives and rashes. When I went to my doctor yesterday she said to just keep taking the Benedryl. Isn't there anything else they can do to help me? I'm just so grateful that it didn't close up my throat.

My doctor was sort of ticked off at me because I didn't want to pay for my visit since I was back because of her mess up. So I don't know if she told me all she should have. She didn't seem to be too concerned about it. I've considered going to the ER today to see if they can do something more, but I can't really find what else they can do.

Sorry for the rambling here. I'm just so uncomfortable!!!

I'm doing my best not to scratch, but I can't help it.

My file at the doctor's office says that I'm allergic to PCN and anything dealing with eggs in any way shape or form. But for some reason the doctor and the drug store didn't catch that what she gave me had ampicillin in it, it was some mixture that I had not had before. I was pretty much out of it when I started taking it because the flu was messing with my head pretty bad. I need to file a complaint against her too.

Any suggestions besides an oatmeal bath and more benedryl?

My body gets used to meds real fast and I'm afraid the benedryl won't work too much longer.

If I had had any trouble breathing I would have gone strait to the ER - just in case anyone wonders about that.

 

[pumba]

and she had to go on bendryl and also alveeno baths......try that to soothe your skin.......she may not take any more sulphur drugs which is what her antibiotic was......her face swelled and so did her ears and eyes.......she was a mess for almost a week ......it took that long to get it out of her system

 

[my3kids]

After terrible reactions, I've been put on oral prednisone or given injections of betametazone..I think that was the one(a corticosteriod) You can almost see the hives disappear.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

The only solutions I know of are by prescription only. If you do go to a doctor or to the ER, you should ask for an ointment called "Elocon." It's a steroid cream and it works very well and instantly on severe itchiness. Also, a prednisone burst would probably help your problem. I don't know why you weren't given anything but Benedryl. There's lots of things out there that can make you more comfortable. Good luck to you!

 

[damo]

Have you taken Benedryl before? You could be allergic to the food dye in it and that is why the hives won't go away. It is a very common allergy. You might want to ask your phamacist for a brand with no red food dye. Otherwise, hives can take up to a week or so to disappear. You must be going insane!!!!!!!!

 

[chell]

Originally posted by damo
Have you taken Benedryl before?

Yes, I have taken it before. The hives seem to get worse just about 1/2 hr before time for the next dose.

Thursday night I maybe had 2 hourse sleep. I kept a cold washcloth with me to put on the worst spots.

Monday I guess I need to file a complaint against the doctor. Apparently I wasn't the first one she's done this to. Her attitude about it wasn't very good either.

I may have to see about the prednisone. The shakes will be much better than the hives.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[my3kids]

As far as the OTC stuff goes, have you tried Clortrimaton? That has usually worked better on hives than Benadryl for me. Also, Claritin, maybe? If you have Zyrtec for seasonal allergies, that does better on hives for me than any of the other antihistimines.

 

[CarolA]

I am currently battling chronic hives. I don't think Benedryl does squat besides make you drowsy!

My suggestion is actually Clartin which you can get over the counter.

For immediate relief get your doctor to prescribe a steriod or give you a shot. That works every time. The ER can give you the shot. I have visited lots of them in my tours!!!


Also, the aveeno bath must be COOL! If it is the least bit warm all you are doing is enlarging the blood vessels allowing the hives to spread. WHen I have one of my spells I cannot take baths of any type!

Of course we have NO idea why I get them! This outbreak started before Thanksgiving and we are playing with the antihistimanes to block them, but.....

 

[chell]

Carol have you been tested for food allergies? The first time I had they hives as an adult was when I developed the allergy to eggs. I had them for about 10 months before they did the testing for food allergies. Luckily, they weren't anywhere near as bad as they are this time.

Good luck in getting rid of your soon!

I'll have to try some Zyrtec or Clartin. I think I have Zyrtec.

 

[Rajah]

Suffering from hives myself for 3 months, I can say the only two things that have made a difference to me are the benadryl (temporary solution) and using a neutrogena lotion called "soothing relief".

You might try tagament or zantac, both over the counter stomach medicines, but they have been known to cut hives when combined with benadryl.

If you can find one you can get in to that your insurance covers and don't have to go through your PCP, you might try finding an allergist if this continues.

BTW -- I have to take *two* benadryl every 4-6 hours, not the 1 the OTC dosage says.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by Rajah
BTW -- I have to take *two* benadryl every 4-6 hours, not the 1 the OTC dosage says.

This morning I learned that the hard way. I thought I would try just one to see if it would work so I wouldn't be so sleepy. But it didn't really help, so I'm back up to 2. It's hard to stay awake now, but I can't sleep all day and all night.

 

[Rajah]

Oh, I've also been told to take claritin in addition to both benadryl and zantac/tagament. Yes, it gets rediculous. Yes, it is difficult to function with all that drowsiness-causing stuff.

 

[julie_yet]

Take some laxatives so the toxins have a way to get out of your body. And drink lots of water.

 

[sue1013]

Benadryl does nothing for me either. Either go back to your doctor and tell her to give you a shot or go to ER to get one. That will clear it up immediately. You shouldn't have to suffer because the doctor made a mistake. I've had that happen so I know your frustation.

 

[CarolA]

The first time I got these, I took Benadry till I was blue in the face. I think the reason it makes the itching bearable is it puts you to sleep!

I have been tested for everything under the sun. Food allergies, mold, cats, grass.. etc.... The first outbreak about 10 years ago turned out to be an immune system reaction to a chronic sinus infection I did not now I had. (I had no symptoms) Sinus surgery fixed that one.

The potential exists it is a food allergy, but probably to some type of perservative or additive and there are THOUSANDS of these and no good way to test.

For me what works is what I call my Antihistimine cocktails. Clarinix in the AM, Singular and Atrax in the evening. It keeps them down to a manageable level. (Which means people looking at me don't see them since most of them are on my body, not my legs, face, arms!)

I have seen lots of allergists, dermatologists, etc.. My best results have come with an allergist who does clincal research at Vanderbilt University, but he only practices one day a week so it is hard to make an appointment.

 

[Serena]

The reaction just takes time. Just be very good to yourself until it's all gone.

 

[chell]

Thanks everyone! I went to the urgent care center this morning and got a shot. They also gave me 2 other meds.