Bad reaction to heart monitor

[tigercat]

Because of chest pains my Dr. wanted me to wear a monitor for 48 hrs. No problem except it seems that I have had a bad reaction to the gel that is used to keep the monitor leeds on. It was suppose to stay on until 10:20 this morning but by 6:30 last night I couldn't stand it anymore and off it came. I am a mess right now with big red welts on the 5 spots the leeds were on. I am so sick and tired of having reactions to everything. I wish there was something I could do. I really hurt and itch and there really isn't anything they can give me to use so I just have to wait it out. At least the ER was really fast and helpful this morning as I had thought that maybe it should at least be looked at. I am going away in a week and a half and on a cruise in 2 and they told me that it may take that long to heal it. AHHHHHHHHHHH
tigercat

 

[DisneyObsessed]

Sorry to hear you had this problem. Try some Benedryl for the itching. Here's some PD for a quick recovery and a great trip.

 

[Dan Murphy]

You'll be all fine for that cruise, tigercat, just watch!!!!!

 

[Cruisin]

Poor tigercat

Here's hoping you recover quickly and don't look like a spotted tigercat when you are sunnin on Castaway Cay.

Hope your monitor results are all okay too.

 

[chell]

Sorry you have had such a rough time. I know how you feel being sick of stuff like that.

Have you tried putting a cold wet washcloth or some ice on there? The ice is too cold for me and causes other problems, but a cold washcloth has helped with my hives.

You'll be all better by your cruise! I'll be praying for you!

 

[tigercat]

I may have to buy some benedryl, the only thing is I take reactions to EVERYTHING and worry about the effects of it but at this point the pain and itchiness is getting worse not better. I also have to go to the Dentist tomorrow and I have to take a pill there as well (I hate going to the Dentist) so am not sure how the 2 will react together. Things stay in my system a reeeeeeeeeel long time. Thanks for the encouragment though and I may try the ice when I get home from my parents house. That is going to be tough as well because she doesn't know I had the test and I have no intention of telling her. I will have to make sure I don't wince while I am there.
tigercat

 

[damo]

Tigercat, have you tried the allergy medication Aerius? It is excellent. You can ask the pharmacist for it since it is an over the counter drug. Shopper's Drug Mart carries it. Many of my friends swear by it for hives. Aveeno cream also works really well. Hope you feel better soon so you can post your recipe for cheese soup!

 

[nativetxn]

YIKES! I'm so sorry you had an allergic reaction. I know those hives are very uncomfortable. I hope they go away long before it's time for your trip.

 

[tigercat]

Boy things are not getting any better. At the hospital they told me that basically the gel was "eating" through my skin that's why it is so bad. I called and was told that I should call my Dr. tomorrow and have her prescribe an antibotic cream for it. Boy was it hard to keep it from my Mum, as I was in so much pain. Glad to be home again.
tigercat

 

[DocRafiki]

So they think it's infected? (re: the antibiotics)?

I would have swallowed some benadryl and smacked some steroid cream on those puppies asap.

 

[tigercat]

I wish it was so easy DocRaffiki. I will have to be very careful what I put on them as I seem to get reactions from most creams. Obviously gels are really out now. I am using an homeopathic cream which hopefully will work by tomorrow. I really don't want to make things worse, which has happened before to me when I have had reactions to different things.
tigercat

 

[Cruisin]

Gee, Tigercat, I hope things start to look up for you soon. It is no fun not feeling well and not being able to do anything about it.
I hope tomorrow will be a better day for you.

 

[DisneyJules]

Gel? Really? When I had a hault monitor on, my mom and my dad have also had one in the past as well, they used tape to stick all those suction cup type things on. Sorry to hear you had a reaction like that, I hope all works out for you.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by DisneyJules
Gel? Really? When I had a hault monitor on, my mom and my dad have also had one in the past as well, they used tape to stick all those suction cup type things on. Sorry to hear you had a reaction like that, I hope all works out for you.

I bet she can't use tape either. Oh how I feel for her.

 

[tigercat]

Actually the gel is in the center of the pad, it's so that the contact with the skin is complete and there is not air between the contact and the skin. And I really am allergic to tape. It is really fun to get blood taken (when they can find my vein which they have a real hard time doing) and the first thing I have to tell them is NO tape. That stuff is lethal to me. Well I am going to put more calundula cream on and take a couple of tylonals and try to get to sleep tonight so that I can go to the Dentist in the morning. As was said in another post, what a bad week.
tigercat

 

[chell]

Just wanted to check up on you tigercat to see how you are today? Better I hope. Hope the dentist appt. went well!

I'm allergic to tape also, but it doesn't sound like it bothers me as bad as it does you.

 

[Cruisin]

Hellooo, tigercat.....where are you??

Are you feeling better today?

 

[tigercat]

I spent the entire morning at the dentist. They gave me a little pill to help relax me. This time it worked. I am really zonked out and I have a meeting to go to. The calundula cream seems to be working but I can't wear shirts that really cover everything because anything that touchs the spots hurt. Boy I think I should clarify that. I can wear shirts but the buttons down the front for a bit I leave undone. The air is starting to heal them, as they are not as itchy today although I still can't touch them. Thank goodness. At least I didn't need any needles at the Dentist so my mouth is fine, so I guess I am on the mend. My Dr. told me that it could take a while before they are cleared up as some of the skin was "eaten" away but hopefully it will be cleared before we leave next week. Thanks for all you thoughts, I really needed them. NO MORE GEL for me.
tigercat

 

[Cruisin]

I have an idea for you, tigercat.

When you are home, crank that heat up really high, and.....

LET IT ALL HANG OUT!!!!!!

Maybe you can speed up the healing and then NOTHING will be touching those nasty old spots.

Happy healing.

Robin

 

[chell]

Thanks for the update tigercat! I've been thinking about you a lot today. I'll keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery!