Sunday, July 20, 2014

End the Anaphylaxis episode- The Meds

I use zophran when my anaphylaxis starts.  The zophran is great for taking down that awful stomach pain. Then I take my benedryl, with my allergy meds 6 Atarax and then the epi to rush the meds into my system faster. The benedryl takes down the itching a lot because I take a triple dose. That is 75mg.  The allergist said start all the meds when the flushing starts. I do that and then I have a couple prednisone on hand to keep it all from returning.  This has been working so well that I did not even go to the hospital this time. But with a child I would always go to emergency just to be sure.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Still going on

On March 15 I had another full episode and a few close calls. Today I had another huge episode.  Taking all my meds when I feel it coming on is the key for avoiding a trip to the hospital.  I keep hoping it will go away but it still keeps trying to take me down. Thank you mom for being with me through this. You saved me again today. Love you.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Another episode of Anaphalxis

The morning of February 15 3:00am I had another life threatening attack of Anaphylaxis.  There was no time to get my epi-pen. I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital.  They give me the worst care to date for my condition.  No one understood my rare condition.  They waited two hours before giving me what I needed to reduce the agony of my stomach pain and pounding pain in my head. I had the shakes really bad and none of them would came in see that I was in severe shock. This was a terrible experience.  Unfortunately this disgusting hospital is the only one near my new home.  I thought I was going to die for sure this time. My blood pressure was so low I was not able walk or open my eyes. The EMTs had to carry me downstairs to the ambulance and banged my head against the wall. This is my 23rd episode.   I am still here. Yippee!

Monday, July 29, 2013

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
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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