Severe Allergic Reaction

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I recently picked up a cold which rarely happens to me. I've been having severe allergic reactions to common over-the-counter common cold medication (I won't say which) that I took for my cold. Really kind of freaky. It's like bicycle pumps have been attached to me at various spots of my anatomy, then one spot after another inflates. It's happened to me before and when it does, I have allergic reactions even to things I'm not allergic to. Even my thought processes seem affected. The doctor told me that sometimes it can choke people to death if it happens around the neck region. The only thing that's helped is cortisone IVs.
  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    Thunderbird, I'd be finding out exactly what it is you are reacting to and staying away from it in the future.

    In my experience, the severity of the reaction worsens with each exposure to the source.

    I cannot use a hair rinse nor hair dye. My head swells so bad, the doctors can't even feel my bones. My eyes swell shut. The only way to tell where my nose is are the nostrils.

    I would have to take large doses of prednisone asap before I choked to death.

    I've been told by specialists that one more time, this will kill me.

    I can get highlights, as they put cap over the skull which protects my scalp from the solution. My hairdresser doesn't like to do it though.

    I used to be able to wear 10kt gold earrings and necklaces before this began. Now I can only wear 24kt earrings and necklaces. Yet I can wear a 10kt gold ring or bracelet. Sterling silver isn't even an option.

    Bottom line, other symptoms can result at a later date from exposure to whatever it is you are reacting to.

    Same thing happens with a lot of occupations. Employees are exposed to XXX, only to pay for it years later.

    Best of luck to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    TB - I know what you are going through. I had so many allergies when I was a kid that they almost killed me more than a few times. Anaphylactic shock is NOT a good time. Trust me on that one. I usually don't take drugs at all, but when I start to get an allergy reaction I snort a Benedryl. Yeah, snort it, just like it was cocaine. Reason being is that I don't want to lose it if whatever I ate makes me upchuck, it works faster, and will drain down the back of your throat coating your nasal and throat passages keeping them from swelling. Then I hit the primatene mist a few times (ephedrine - i.e. synthetic adrenaline). Then I drink as much water as fast as I can and purge my stomach of any of the offensive element. Then I fill a bath tub with baking soda and warm water to take care of the hives.

    Using that method, I haven't been in anaphylactic shock for almost 20 years. Of course, if the poison wasn't eaten, stomach purging doesn't do any good.

    Benedryl and primatine can get you back to a doctor if you are bee stung or snake bit (rattler), before it's too late, too.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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