Guess what I have again? Hives! Wheeee! What fun, what fun. This time it was 24 hours since my last allergy shot, so now we get to try to rule out a few more things.
I was sick in August, and missed some allergy shots. I had two shots (ramping back up in dose) and then had hives in September – a week after my last shot (reactions normally take place within 72 hours). After the hives, I got *really* sick for over a week. Missed more shots. Finally started shots up again, had two shots, got the hives again. Not as severe as the first time, and again a week after my last shot. Got sick afterwards again. Missed three weeks worth of shots. Finally went in for a shot, made a sarcastic comment to the nurse that I really hoped I didn’t get hives again – and she refused to do the shot until I saw the doctor. I had called every time it happened, so I was a little surprised by her reaction. But I made an appointment for a week later (his first opening). He told me the same thing the other nurse told me, that having a reaction a week later was probably not due to the shots. I told him that while on the shots, I was congested, and a month off of the shots and I was feeling fabulous. He had them make me a new serum at a lower dosage than I had before, and the next day I had my first shot.
Yesterday was my second shot at the new dose, and 24 hours later – hives. Not as severe as the first or second time, but I itch, and the red splotchy look just isn’t pretty. To make matters worse, she had me take Clarinex for them (he gave me samples last time he saw me) and while the itching stopped for a few hours, I ended up with a massive headache and a stomach ache. Excedrin and food seemed to help that though, although my head still feels funky.
At least this time it was closer to the shot, and I personally suspect that is what is causing them. Just too much of a coincidence. And the perk of being a picky eater? It’s pretty rare that I try new foods – so that could not be causing this. If I still have splotches tomorrow (which I am sure I will), then it is back to the doctor again. I think it’s time to give up the shots.
Could someone pass the Benedryl? Please?
8 replies on “Scratch, Scratch…”
*passes the Benadryl* I’m sorry – that’s just got to be uncomfortable. I hope your doc realizes the connection and can provide you with some sort of relief.
Geez, I’m almost worried to come over to your house this weekend. I don’t want the plague or something. 😉
Kymberlie – I promise, it’s 100% the allergy shots. Nothing you can catch. 🙂
are you not supposed to get allergy shots when you’re sick? I got one Tuesday and I have either a cold or a sinus infection, not real sure. I’m supposed to get another one tomorrow but I don’t know if I should. maybe I’ll call and ask them in the morning.
It depends on what you are sick with. If you have cold-like symptoms after getting a shot, I would definitely call them and let them know. To some extent, it could be your body fighting in response to the shot; it’s always best to tell them.
I didn’t get shots the last two times I had hives; I felt fine when I got them, it was afterwards that wasn’t so great. I’ve been getting shots since January; this just started in September.
I really hate that itchy feeling…
I called them today and she told me not to come in. she said that she can’t be sure if the cold and the shot are related, but that my immune system needs to focus on my cold right now. so I’ll get one next week, I guess.
HI I also have hives- haven’t gotten em for years…they have overstayeir standard 24-hour ‘welcome’ ha as if I welocome them at all…went to a health foor store they gave me bilberry and alfafa and sent me on my way. I don’t have insurance so I’m avoiding the doctor unless I really have to go…have read that those shots can only make matters worse…best of luck!
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