Hi all
I've just been though a tough day or two. I'll start off by saying that my medical history is short--I am young, with no major afflictions, and have been healthy most of my life. Until last night, my roughest ride was appendicitis. I have never had an allergic reaction to any medication. Basically, normal average young guy.
As many of you know, with young children come many sicknesses. Colds, ear infections, sinus infections, the dreaded stomach flu. Most of us have been there. My general reaction to my children's maladies have been to get a sinus infection--usually caused by lack of sleep and exposure to one of their bugs brought home from pre-school. So, a trip to the doctor, and another antibiotic.
I sit down last night, take the first dose of an antibiotic that I had just taken for another sinus infection at the beginning of March. I had just eaten (following the "take with food" instructions on the label) and drank a glass of water--again following the label instructions. I resume my work of housecleaning and random home tasks.
In less than a half an hour, I notice that my throat was tightening when I coughed, and that my hands were starting to itch. I began searching for my prescription drug handbook, to no avail. The tightening got worse, and my tongue was swelling. I grabbed two 25mg benedryl caplets, took them, and sat down. My wife took one look at me and asked if she should dial 911. I agreed.
Long story short, by the time the EMTs arrived, I could barely breathe. They stabilized me and transported me to the ER for 4 hours of treament. Everything has worked out--though I feel like I've been hit by a truck.
So where is the advice in all this, you ask? Funny thing is, I dropped off my prescription at lunch yesterday, hoping to get it filled on site and start my dosage immediately. I COULD have had this reaction on the 20min drive back to work, or at work. I had nothing to worry about, right? I had taken this med before, and never had any allergies.
My lesson learned--take the first dose of a new prescription medication at a time and place where you can be quickly treated for an allergic reaction. Sounds paranoid, but I would have been in a tough spot had someone found me at work or on the road. I was unable to talk by the time the EMTs arrived.
Just some food for thought from someone who has been there.
One last humorous thought--I regularly give to the local volunteer fire dept. that responded to my 911 call last night. Today, I received their latest fundraising brochure in the mail. I would say that their timing is Perfect
I hope all is well with the rest of you. I am exhausted, but alive and recovering.
- Bam-Bam
I've just been though a tough day or two. I'll start off by saying that my medical history is short--I am young, with no major afflictions, and have been healthy most of my life. Until last night, my roughest ride was appendicitis. I have never had an allergic reaction to any medication. Basically, normal average young guy.
As many of you know, with young children come many sicknesses. Colds, ear infections, sinus infections, the dreaded stomach flu. Most of us have been there. My general reaction to my children's maladies have been to get a sinus infection--usually caused by lack of sleep and exposure to one of their bugs brought home from pre-school. So, a trip to the doctor, and another antibiotic.
I sit down last night, take the first dose of an antibiotic that I had just taken for another sinus infection at the beginning of March. I had just eaten (following the "take with food" instructions on the label) and drank a glass of water--again following the label instructions. I resume my work of housecleaning and random home tasks.
In less than a half an hour, I notice that my throat was tightening when I coughed, and that my hands were starting to itch. I began searching for my prescription drug handbook, to no avail. The tightening got worse, and my tongue was swelling. I grabbed two 25mg benedryl caplets, took them, and sat down. My wife took one look at me and asked if she should dial 911. I agreed.
Long story short, by the time the EMTs arrived, I could barely breathe. They stabilized me and transported me to the ER for 4 hours of treament. Everything has worked out--though I feel like I've been hit by a truck.
So where is the advice in all this, you ask? Funny thing is, I dropped off my prescription at lunch yesterday, hoping to get it filled on site and start my dosage immediately. I COULD have had this reaction on the 20min drive back to work, or at work. I had nothing to worry about, right? I had taken this med before, and never had any allergies.
My lesson learned--take the first dose of a new prescription medication at a time and place where you can be quickly treated for an allergic reaction. Sounds paranoid, but I would have been in a tough spot had someone found me at work or on the road. I was unable to talk by the time the EMTs arrived.
Just some food for thought from someone who has been there.
One last humorous thought--I regularly give to the local volunteer fire dept. that responded to my 911 call last night. Today, I received their latest fundraising brochure in the mail. I would say that their timing is Perfect
I hope all is well with the rest of you. I am exhausted, but alive and recovering.
- Bam-Bam
