Allergy shot question...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I just completed my second week of shots (2X per week) and on one of my arms, I seem to be developing a "hive" of sorts. Is that normal?

I have mentioned it each visit this week and they said to just make sure I am taking my antihistamine. I hadn't been taking it prior to the shot, so next week, I have to do that. 24 hours later, it is still very warm to the touch at the injection site and a little firm, slightly puffy--like a mosquito bite, about the size of a quarter.

I am just wondering if this is "normal" at the beginning of a series. The first week, there seem to be no reaction other than a slight "itchy" sensation at the injection site on my opposite arm after the first day.

 

[Christine]

My son has been getting allergy shots for about a year now. He is on a 2 week schedule now and WOW what a difference.

He sometimes gets a lump on his arm the size of a golf ball. That REALLY freaked me out when it first happened. He is on Zyrtec daily so there was nothing more we could do antihistamine-wise. The nurse told me that any time that happens that I should tell them prior to receiving the next shot--that way they don't increase the dose so much. Getting the lump is a sign that you are reacting quite a bit to the serum. It's a good thing but you don't want TOO much of one so they will try to back off of it if you get one. It could just be they pushing a tad to much at this point. But as long as you feel okay your reaction doesn't sound too bad.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My son has been getting allergy shots for about a year now. He is on a 2 week schedule now and WOW what a difference.

He sometimes gets a lump on his arm the size of a golf ball. That REALLY freaked me out when it first happened. He is on Zyrtec daily so there was nothing more we could do antihistamine-wise. The nurse told me that any time that happens that I should tell them prior to receiving the next shot--that way they don't increase the dose so much. Getting the lump is a sign that you are reacting quite a bit to the serum. It's a good thing but you don't want TOO much of one so they will try to back off of it if you get one. It could just be they pushing a tad to much at this point. But as long as you feel okay your reaction doesn't sound too bad.

I feel fine--it is just annoying!!

Why did they switch your son?

They start us out at 2x per week and then cut it to 1x three months into it. They explained why--but that left my brain, so I don't remember.

 

[miralys]

I have been getting allergy shots for five years now. Make sure you mention any reaction to the nurse the next time you get a shot. If you are worried, make sure to wait at least five minutes after the shot before you leave (in case it's a real allergic reaction).

I notice I get that "hive type" bump on each arm in two separate scenarios: when I start a new vial of serum or when I have a new nurse and she sticks the needle to close to the inside of my arm. Usually I'll have a bump and be sore for a day or so at the injection site when that happens. Sometimes it is warm to the touch like you described.

In general, my doctor says it needs to be the size of a quarter before they will take any action the following visit. Just be proactive and make sure to communicate. It gets easier the longer you are on the shot therapy.

 

[Wall-E1]

I used to get the golf ball sized hives when I first started getting allergy shots. I get three, 2 in one arm, 1 in the other. I'm down to once a month shots. I still get the itchy bumps, although now they are marble sized. I don't really pay much attention to them. They're generally gone the next day. The shots work great.

 

[Christine]

I feel fine--it is just annoying!!

Why did they switch your son?

They start us out at 2x per week and then cut it to 1x three months into it. They explained why--but that left my brain, so I don't remember.

He started at 1x per week and that went on for about 9 months until he reached a certain dosage. He then switched to 1x every two weeks. He will do that for awhile and then he will go on maintenance at 1x per month. I think the whole process might take 3 years but it really depends how much serum he can handle in each dose. He gets two shots each time. Yes, he's allergic to everything but horses. And that's only because he's never met a horse.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have been getting allergy shots for five years now. Make sure you mention any reaction to the nurse the next time you get a shot. If you are worried, make sure to wait at least five minutes after the shot before you leave (in case it's a real allergic reaction).

I notice I get that "hive type" bump on each arm in two separate scenarios: when I start a new vial of serum or when I have a new nurse and she sticks the needle to close to the inside of my arm. Usually I'll have a bump and be sore for a day or so at the injection site when that happens. Sometimes it is warm to the touch like you described.

In general, my doctor says it needs to be the size of a quarter before they will take any action the following visit. Just be proactive and make sure to communicate. It gets easier the longer you are on the shot therapy.

They mandate for us to stay for 20 minutes.

Good to know that others have had similar extended "reactions".

I am wondering if that arm is getting the grass..it is my worst allergy.

 

[dejr_8]

Starting Aug 1 where I get my shots (UNC) all patients are required to carry an epi-pen.