20th Episode of Anaphylactic Shock!

Saturday, July 27, 2013
Another visit to the ER for Anaphylaxis. 
I went to Sutter Hospital this time as my symptoms started at the Movie theater nearby.  This is my 20th attack.  No cure in site.  It happened less severely from home on Thursday July 25th and I was able to contain it from home using my Histamine blockers from the doctor.  It is always very clear when I need to use my Epi-Pen and head for the hospital since the symptoms come on strong and fast. I drove myself to the hospital know it was about a mile from the theater.  Walked fast into the ambulance entrance and fell on the floor. 

Could not open my eyes or move my legs as usual.  I was able to drag myself with help onto a floor level gurney.  Felt like a drama queen yet there was not choice. The ER doc and nurses were great!  They gave me the Zofran right away and it was such a big help.  Sometimes the hospital ER will do everything else first and make me suffer with the nausea, even though I am begging for it and the pain in my stomach is so painful they don't do it and I am not sure why.  

It all begins with intense sweating, painful stomach and nausea, itching hands and redness from my head to the bottom of my feet.  When I wait to long I loose the use of my hands and feet, plus cannot open my eyes.  If only the doctors could find out why.  More tests this week.

Didn't use my Epi-Pen.  Scolded by the Doctor for driving and not using the Epi-Pen!

Identifying Anaphylactic Shock! Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous of all allergic reactions. A decrease in blood pressure leaves the brain starving for oxygen. Often, there will also be inflammation in the lungs resulting in severe shortness of breath. The combination is deadly. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that involves more than one body system. A typical allergic reaction may cause itching or some wheezing in the lungs, but an anaphylactic reaction will cause both or a combination of several other less common symptoms. Answer: There are two important ways to tell if someone is suffering from anaphylactic shock. First, by identifying the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Second, by identifying the exposure to an allergen that causes anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock is primarily an allergic reaction. To identify anaphylactic shock, first look for symptoms of allergy: Itching Red, raised, blotchy skin (hives) Wheezing Anaphylactic shock happens when the victim shows signs of low blood pressure: Confusion Weakness Pale color Unconsciousness Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock often have symptoms of shortness of breath: Unable to speak more than one or two words Sitting straight up or with hands on knees Gasping for breath Pursing lips to breathe Using neck muscles to take breaths

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that can affect all age groups

• The severity of previous reactions does not predict the severity of subsequent reactions
• Intramuscular adrenaline is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, with intravenous adrenaline reserved for unresponsive anaphylaxis or circulatory collapse
• Early use of adrenaline in anaphylaxis is associated with improved outcomes
• Any patient with a systemic allergic reaction should be considered for an adrenaline auto-injector with emphasis on identifying at risk features
• There is a clear need to improve the education of both patient and physician on the use of, and indications for, adrenaline auto-injectors

Anaphylaxis Symtoms

Help for Anaphylactic Shock

Started my leave of Absence
Because my job requires 100% travel so I started my leave of absence last week.  The first week I just rested all week.  It is strange not having to do anything for the job each day.  For anyone that has had Anaphylactic Shock you know that it can affect your memory and make you feel pretty exhausted for a while.  It is not easy to have this and go back to work.  I am not sure if I will get back to work ever again should this continue.  Hopefully we find the cause.

Rare Disease Connection

I have joined an online group at https://www.rareconnect.org
They have others with this disease and I am hoping if I keep reaching out there will
be someone that has some answers for this.

How many anaphylactic shock episodes have you had?
15! Yes, 15 since November 2012.

How do I know the anaphylactic shock is coming on?
For me it is itchy palms, then my face, neck, ears, scalp and the rest of me begins to itch like crazy!  My stomach hurts, nausea begins, then sometime my throats starts to close and I have trouble breathing.

What do I do when all this happens?
I have started getting better at keeping the shock symptoms from being really severe.  The allergist has told me to take 75mg of Benadryl, 1 Zyrtec, 1 Zantac and a prescription dose of Gastrocrom.

The Gastrocrom is for people that have Mastocytosis which is a group of rare disorders of both children and adults caused by the presence of too many mast cells (mastocytes) and CD34+ mast cell precursors in a person's body.  Mast cells are granulated cells that contain histamine and heparin, an anticoagulant.  More information about these can be found by a google search.

Usually, these drugs just slow down the symptoms so I can get to the ER.  When this happens I have to use my EPI-pen and call and ambulance.  

My Anaphylaxis reactions
Since November 2012 about every 2 to 3 weeks I have an Anaphylactic Shock reaction.

The cause is unknown.  I have had many tests and seen several doctors without a diagnosis.  If anyone else out there has experienced this and has had a doctor figure it out please let me know.  Or if you are having a similar experience and would like to talk about it please leave your comments on my blog.

Symptoms

Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes, however, anaphylaxis can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure. Anaphylaxis symptoms include:

• Skin reactions, including hives along with itching, and flushed or pale skin (almost always present with anaphylaxis)
• A feeling of warmth
• The sensation of a lump in your throat
• Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. 
It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to, such as a peanut or the venom from a bee sting.

The flood of chemicals released by your immune system during anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock; your blood pressure drops suddenly and your airways narrow, blocking normal breathing. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include a rapid, weak pulse, a skin rash, and nausea and vomiting. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.

Anaphylaxis requires an immediate trip to the emergency department and an injection of epinephrine. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can lead to unconsciousness or even death. (Mayo Clinic definition)