Discussion Boards => Reactions & Stories => Topic started by: Ciel on September 10, 2014, 08:30:26 PM
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Title: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Ciel on September 10, 2014, 08:30:26 PM
Hi folks, I've missed you! I feel like I need to spend a few minutes here to try and process the events of today.
It went something like this:
7:45 am - get on subway to go downtown
8:50 am - arrive at school, rush to my locker to drop off a bag that I didn't want to carry around
9:00 am - class begins
~ 10:45 - 20 minute break, I ate 2 slices of apple, about 5 grapes, 2 rice crackers, and about 3 pinches of homemade trail mix containing sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, dried cranberries and dried blueberries. The seeds, cranberries and chocolate chips were labelled as peanut-free and the blueberries were well labelled with warnings for other items, but not peanut or tree nuts. I have eaten from the same batch several time prior without incident.
~ 11:00-11:20 - feeling flushed, hot, itchy, ears are burning and slightly swollen. Red blotches on my cheeks and under my chin (but not typical raised hives or welts).
~ 11:30 - starting to feel panic and cannot organize my thoughts. Class ended, I asked my teacher where I could go for benadryl in the school. He suggest the first aid office.
~ 11:35 - the first aid office does not keep benadryl on hand. She suggested I try the convenience store, which did have some for sale.
11:40 - return to first aid office, took 50 mg benadryl and was told to sit for a while for observation.
11:50 - throat feels tight but oxygen % very good, blood pressure low-normal. feeling light headed and slightly disoriented.
12:05 - use ventolin 3x. oxygen % still good, itching almost disappeared. throat and chest feel very tight. very anxious at this point.
12:20 - injected epinephrine and paramedics were called.
12:50 - transported to hospital via ambulance. started vomiting and having liquid diarrhea, chest pain/tightness and throat swelling (mild?)
I was given fluids, antihistamines and prednisone and observed for almost 6 hours. Blood pressure was 100/52, but oxygen % stayed over 90 the entire time. I finally got home about 30 min ago, just before 9 pm.
I feel like I have been through the washing machine but definitely feeling much better now.
I already have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders and 'disordered eating patterns'. At this moment I do not wish to eat anything ever again. I have no clue exactly how this happened or what I reacted to. The only thing I can think of is that I forgot to wash my hands and then touched my food as I ate it.
I need a little talking down right now before I end up in a perpetual state of panic (I'm almost there as it is). I am terrified that it will rebound later like it did the last time I used my auto-injector. Thanks for listening.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Jessica on September 10, 2014, 08:58:46 PM
:( I'm so sorry. It's frustrating and scary as hell when you don't know the actual cause. Praying you don't rebound later.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: PurpleCat on September 11, 2014, 07:59:46 AM
How are you doing this morning? So scary for you! Hopefully you can figure out the trigger. Meanwhile, you do need to calm your anxiety. Go back to basic eating until you are confident to eat again.
My own anxiety is not food related. It becomes a pattern and my doctor tells me it will not let up until I break the pattern either with medication, meditation or some other change like exercise.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: GingerPye on September 11, 2014, 09:27:40 AM
ciel, have not seen you here for quite a while! I'm sorry you are here because of anaphylaxis. How awful. How are you this morning?
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: lakeswimr on September 11, 2014, 05:16:16 PM
I'm so sorry that happened. I'm glad you are OK. How are you feeling today?
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Ciel on September 11, 2014, 05:45:09 PM
Thanks friends, your understanding means a lot. I feel much better today, mostly normal (whatever that means). I'm tired, my GI system is still upset and some eczema has popped around my eyes and nose. It's charming, trust me. Otherwise feeling pretty good.
The anxiety piece is not feeling good at all.
I forced myself to go out today because otherwise I might never leave my apartment again.
I forced myself to get on the subway and the bus today because otherwise I might never ride on transit again.
I forced myself to have a smoothie today because otherwise I might never eat again.
It's going to be a big scary challenge to walk back into the college on Monday. I'm communicating with my teachers now about the way forward, to start. I'm going to fight the urge to wear gloves indoors. And I will hope for the courage to go back.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: lakeswimr on September 11, 2014, 08:24:14 PM
((((hugs))))
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: SilverLining on September 12, 2014, 08:35:39 AM
Sorry you went through this. Hope you are able to figure out a definite cause.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: GingerPye on September 12, 2014, 08:38:07 AM
I completely understand that anxiety and I applaud you for getting out and forging ahead in spite of that scary reaction you had. :clap: You are so brave! Don't forget that!
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Janelle205 on September 12, 2014, 02:26:45 PM
I just wanted to say that I think that you're really brave for going out and getting food and trying to deal with the anxiety. Anxiety is HARD.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: LinksEtc on September 12, 2014, 06:35:08 PM
:grouphug:
Are you currently getting help for the anxiety from a professional that you trust? :heart:
I'm glad that your physical symptoms resolved with treatment.
:grouphug:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: CMdeux on September 12, 2014, 10:47:42 PM
Ciel, I hope that today was a better day than yesterday. :heart: That anxiety is THE WORST in the first few days.
I'm so glad that you acted promptly and did the right things to manage your reaction. You should really be proud of doing that. :yes:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Macabre on September 12, 2014, 10:57:20 PM
Oh, I'm sorry you had such a horrible reaction.
It's really good to see you. I was thinking about you a few days ago and wondering how you were doing. Reaction-wise and other health-wise I worry about you. This is going to sound really corny, but if you could see your way to just posting a note that you're doing okay once a month or two, it would be great to know that.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Ciel on September 15, 2014, 08:57:17 AM
Not corny, Macabre. Touching. I will do my best to stop by more often and I'll try to give an update in OT in the next week. I didn't think anyone noticed actually, so thank you. That goes for everyone who has offered support and encouragement -- Thank you.
Has anyone dealt with SEVERE reflux after anaphylaxis? It is awful. I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist tomorrow but would prefer some relief right now. The tissue is so irritated it is bleeding. Do popsicles help? I couldn't keep even a popsicle down this morning, maybe because there is so much inflammation and irritation going on? I just took a double dose of pantoprazole, fingers crossed.
I could use some good vibes to get me through today. I'm off to get some blood drawn for some testing and then down to the college for a class this afternoon. Between the anxiety,the reflux, the 'cannot-eat-itis', and the faded-but-still-visible rash on my face...I need all the positivity I can get.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: CMdeux on September 15, 2014, 10:25:21 AM
You got it. :smooch:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: MandCmama on September 15, 2014, 07:53:38 PM
So sorry you're going through this. It sounds like you're doing a great job of handling one thing at a time, one foot in front of the other. Anxiety is such a bugger on its own. Add in LTFAs and it's just so much for one person. I truly hope there is someone in your life you feel safe enough to talk some of this through with. Someone you trust. I pray you feel more peace each day :heart:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: YouKnowWho on September 15, 2014, 09:59:20 PM
Ciel - could it be the steroids causing the reflux? I gave up on steroids the last time because the acid was so bad (I was going through a huge mystery rash). Janelle has said that the liquid steroids worked better in regards to reflux.
I just want to offer :grouphug:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Janelle205 on September 16, 2014, 03:42:18 PM
Yes - pred bursts make my reflux really, really bad and painful.
I do double dose PPI in the morning (mine is omeprazole) and then double dose of an H2 blocker at night (mine is Zantac). A few years ago some research came out that PPIs work better in the AM and H2 blockers overnight.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Macabre on September 17, 2014, 06:55:44 AM
Popsicles are not good for reflux. At least for me. Sugary foods tend to kick up the acid.
I will take a Zantac. Not only does it help the acid reflux, it is a histamine-2 blocker.
Also--this is anecdotal. My allergist has me on a probiotic. I know. I rolled my eyes, too. But a University of Chicago study last month leads me to believe this could actually be beneficial for food allergies. (Study posted elsewhere in another thread).
Anyway, one day I was taking my probiotic pill and i was having awful acid reflux. The acid was really bad. I didn't know about changing the efficacy of either the Zantac or the probiotic if they were taken together, so I didn't want to do that. I also didn't want to take a tums with the probiotic in case they messed with it.
So I just took the probiotic. And wow--I did not need the Zantac or tums. I'm not surprised that the probiotic helps my acid reflux, but I was surprised to get any benefit with a single dose (it was my first dose). Overall I have noticed a significant improvement in my reflux. In the last week I've only had to take a tums once and no Zantac (it was before bedtime and I needed quick relief [ate tomato sauce for dinner], so I took tums). I was taking it four to five times a week (or more). Also, taking too much in the way of Tums causes kidney stones for me, so I was already trying to reduce them. The probiotic is making that better it seems.
I am not necessarily recommending that for you. I'm taking one because my doctor told me to--and a particular one (that is top 8 free). But I just thought if mention something that is helping me.
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Macabre on September 17, 2014, 06:56:29 AM
And duh--of course people notice when tire not around!
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Ciel on September 17, 2014, 08:54:35 AM
I think you guys are right about the steroids. I'm finished with the Prednisone now, at least.
I had my appointment yesterday with my Gastroenterologist/Internist. He switched up my meds again and prescribed Pariet (Rabeprazole). I was on Omeprazole for almost two years but it wasn't helping anymore, even with supplemental Zantac, so my GP switched me to Pantoprazole about 6 weeks ago. I've been on Nexium before as well. The pharmacist recommended liquid Gaviscon on Monday which actually helped soothe my throat tissue. Janelle, I'm going to ask about the PPI in the am/H2 blocker in the PM -- I hadn't heard that before.
I feel like the Pantoprazole it is less helpful than the Omeprazole so I wonder if the combination of steroids, the decrease in efficiency of the meds, and the systemic upset pushed everything over the edge. He also scheduled me for an ultrasound, a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy and put in a referral to send me back to the geneticist. And I need another referral to an allergist from my GP and I already have referrals in process for a dermatologist and CAMH. I'm overwhelmed!
I've taken probiotics for years off and on, I haven't paid attention to see if it helps my reflux. I've been lax about it lately so I will get back on it. Great suggestion. Vitamin C. has some anti-allergy properties too. Ginger, peppermint and/or nettle leaf tea were also recommended by my naturopath.
Right now I'm supposed to be in the class where the reaction started last week. I haven't even worked up enough courage to walk out the door yet. :-/
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: GingerPye on September 17, 2014, 09:55:35 AM
:grouphug:
Title: Re: Anaphylactic Reaction (Unknown Trigger)
Post by: Mfamom on November 13, 2014, 08:08:22 AM
Hi Ciel, i havent been on much lately and was thinking of you the other day. Came to see if you've been here and found this. I am glad you are okay and I'm so sorry you're having trouble. Hang in there. I hope you're feeling better!