<p>aveeno saved my D when she had hives from penicilon…we did go to emergency room to be sure, and everyday, she soaked in Aveno oatmeal baths </p>
<p>did wonders</p>
<p>Adding to the chorus of those who urge calling your MD - maybe you’ve already done this. My h is a doc who usually just grunts when I relate something I’ve read on line. This is the first time in quite a while that he’s stirred himself to respond - by saying “Make sure she calls her doctor!” Twice.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of the advice.
i called my doctor’s office the minute I realized that I had hives. The on call nurse said to take benadryl, and she said that since the reaction happened almost 12 hours after I had the IV dye, a throat closing reaation was not likely, but I should go to the ER if that did happen.</p>
<p>Thank you, too for the ifno that Benadryl causes drowsiness. I was wondering why I am so sleepy.</p>
<p>I wonder if I do have a shellfish allegery. The frist time that I ate lobster, I broke out in hives, but that was 40 years ago, and I have eaten lots of shellfish since with no problem. I will check with an allergist.</p>
<p>Thanks for posting! I was beginning to get worried!! (But then again, I’m a school nurse and have had orders for Epipens coming out of my ears for the past two weeks!!)</p>
<p>I just thought I’d add that it might take quite a while for the allergen to work its way out of your system. I’ve had an allergic reaction to medication that occurred AFTER I finished the prescription. I had to deal with hives all over (would migrate from one area to another randomly) for about three weeks. Benadryl was the only thing that helped. Good luck!</p>
<p>sjmom: D2 has several allergies, some more severe than others. We learned she was allergic to sulfa a year ago, when put on an antibiotic and steroid for a severe sinus infection. She was fine until just over a week later. Once the 'roids were out of her system, her body responded appropriately to the sulfa allergy, breaking out in hives EVERYWHERE. She ended up back on steroids, but before they could really kick in, I had my grad school graduation. She wore a long-sleeved turtle neck, skirt, and dark tights. She was trying to cover ever conceivable part of her body she could (good thing it was a sunny day, too - she wore her BIG sunglasses). </p>
<p>A woman I work with had a severe allergic reaction a few weeks ago after she took some ibuprofen. She has an appointment to see an allergist, but I’ll bet it was a dye used in the formulation after all the stories you’ve all shared, as opposed to the drug itself.</p>
<p>Entering late and hope the hides have subsided. I have had numerous allergic reactions that turned me into another creature. fortunately, none involved breathing problems. Had hives head to toe with disfigured features and feet that could not wear shoes. The antihistamines (benadryl, or RX atarax) have usually helped me with the itch but steroids are the only thing (for me) to get the hives down in a reasonable time. The steroids (oral) are rx items. Medrol dose pak or high dose prednisone has saved me many times. One physician gave me an rx so I could pop a prednisone when I felt it coming on-probably not the best medical treatment, but I was very grateful. I was also told that cotton/natural fabrics were best against my skin when I had the hives. fyi-benadryl is the ingredient in most over the counter sleep meds. Cold packs on my face helped when I had to go out for a brief time in public, heat makes my giant hives worse.</p>
<p>Benadryl is a staple in my travel kit. My doc recommends it as a sleep aid. So, it’s sleep-inducing properties are quite effective!</p>
<p>It is also my go-to medication for any allergic or possible allergic reaction. I even keep the melt-on-your tongue children’s type of Benadryl in the house in case of a reaction where someone can’t swallow a pill.</p>
<p>I hope you’re getting back to normal by now and not itchy!</p>
<p>I too hope you are OK now. I have an allergy to something unknown which has gotten worse and worse over the years. My throat swells almost shut. Benadryl is great. However, you can feel really shaky for several days after.</p>
<p>NorthstarMom…so sorry for your surprise hives! They can be dangerous, so I am glad you are not having throat hives. We take three shots a week from allergies which has greatly boosted our health but for us it is forever…all pets, pollens grasses and some foods…
A short course of prednisone or a steroid shot might help your immune system calm down.
Benadryll is a “downer” so don’t be surprised if you feel bummed taking it. It is the same drug as Sominex. I am amazed how many people don’t know this. Barely affects me but I do feel like I am in a bad mood if I take it.</p>
<p>Pulling this up to see how you are feeling, NSM, and to see how your auditions went (with or without hives)!</p>
<p>Hope you are feeling and looking better too!</p>
<p>BTW, Benadryl does not make me drowsy. It makes me horribly wired.</p>
<p>I had the same reaction to IVP dye many years ago. It went away by the next day with no peeling, so I guess I was lucky. I’ve had 2 episodes since with no known cause. ALWAYS list the dye as an allergy when ever you see a Dr.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking about how I’m doing.
My facial swelling has virtually vanished, and i’m just left with a few pimples and peeling.
I will be able to audition next Sun. I hope to look normal by then.</p>
<p>Best news of all: My medical test --CT-- was negative for cancer. I hadn’t mentioned that was what I was being tested for because it was too scary to mention, but that is why I had had the test with IV dye. I will have one more test to take, but the doctors expect that my only “problem” is having a slightly unusually shaped, but normal, kidney.</p>
<p>I am happy that my worst problem appears to have been the hives!</p>
<p>NSM-Glad to hear all of your good news! Keep us posted. Better to be shaped weird on the inside than out!</p>
<p>I am so glad to hear the good news too! I am sure that you feel relieved now that you have your test results. </p>
<p>I thought that your audition was yesterday. Well, break a leg (JK)!:D</p>
<p>nsm</p>
<p>we all love you–glad you’re getting better!!</p>
<p>yea for quick recoveries!</p>
<p>Northstar, what great news! I’m so happy for you. The “C” word has to be one of the scariest in the English language. What a relief you must feel! Oh, and glad to hear the hives are going away, too.</p>
<p>NSM…breath of relief for you! We appreciate your voice here and glad you are a free bird from worry.</p>