Has anyone ever had a severe allergic reaction to anything while banded? Can hives cause your stomach to swell and cause problems with the band? I need info from anyone to help understand what happens to your body during a reaction.

This fear didn't occur to me until last night. You see, last weekend I ended up in the ER about 2 hrs after eating shrimp. I love shrimp, I was craving it, and I've NEVER been allergic to it or any type of fish. I can't say for sure it was the shrimp b/c I had also taken my birth control, Vitamins & Biotin as usual that day.

My palms starting itching, felt pressure on my ears and when I looked in the mirror, I asked my SIL to take me to ER (I was in OH visiting). Within a very short period of time the hives were unbearable and I have bruises & scratch marks still today from where I was scratching them. My BP was 170/101 when they checked me in. I could feel tremendous pressure on my ears, but thought it was from swelling & not BP. After 2 shots & 40 min later, my BP dropped to 128/72. I felt much better and went home.

I really didn't think this was a big deal since I was able to get treatment ASAP. I didn't see where this should cause a problem for me in the future. Now I'm wondering.....:Banane13: worrying.....:phanvan. Is this a shell fish reaction? Does that mean I can't eat fish like cod or talapia? What if I was banded? What would happen to my band with such a reaction?

First thing Mon, I called my nurse, surgeon, & hopistal where I'm having my pre-op tests next week. They all said to bring my bottle of prenidsone just to make sure they document the dosgae I have been taking.

This is the second time in my life that I've had hives that have taken me to the ER. The first time was over 10 yrs ago after getting my hands in some fertilizer while planting. I have regular seasonal allergies, but don't suffer from any other allergic problems. Is my body changing? Could I develop an shell fish allergy out of the blue?

Thank you in advance to anyone that could answer any of my many questions.

Hi 3loves!

It's very important to tell the hospital personnel of your allergy when you go for surgery - multiple times - tell anyone you have contact with. Most hospitals use a betadine solution to prep the skin and the iodine in it is what triggers the allergic reaction. If they know this ahead of time they can use an alternate skin cleanser and eliminate the possibility of another reaction.

If you ever have to have a future radiologic test performed where they use a contrast medium they should ask you if you are allergic to shellfish. The radiology techs also have alternate choices to use if you are.

I'd definitely be tested for allergens - whichever way you choose - just so you know what bothers you and those triggers can be avoided. Good luck and I wish you a very successful surgery!

Andy Liz

Watch out for sea salt scrubs, too!

Definitely get tested. It could have been an allergy to something other than shellfish. Like maybe nuts. Some restaurants fry in Peanut oil and fail to mention it on their menu. This happens to a friend of mine about once a year.

I almost enjoyed my allergy testing. I included plastics on my panel prebanding to be sure I wouldn't have a reaction. I was allergic to my sleep mask and didn't want to have a similar reaction to the band. Get it checked out. Something like an allergy helps pull your attention to meal planning and could even make being banded easier.

3loves

I am a nurse and have seen this many times. Allergies do develope late in life sometimes as a result of a "cumulative effect". This is often the case with things like latex. Every exposure causes a worsened reaction...until you have an anaphalactic reaction. I wont get into the physiolocial stuff but basically your body comes into contact with something "foreign" and starts to build up a defense. Each time you have contact with that thing, your body builds more defenses and eventually the whole army is let loose...thus the severe reaction. Penicillin is another common one. You almost never have an allergic reaction to PCN on the first use....the reaction comes on the second and third. And the more times it is used, the greater the reaction each time.

As for treatment... benedryl is standard. It is an anti-histamine and blocks the reaction...which is a histamine release. Prednisone is a steriod and is used to decrease the inflammation, but more importantly it is used to block your immune response. Prednisone is the drug they give transplant recipients so that they dont reject an organ. An allergic reaction is similiar in that the body recognizes the thing you are allergic to as foreign and trys to fight it off.... you should only need the prednisone for a very short time if multiple doses are even given.

As for solumedrol....it is also a steroid, same as prednisone, but is usually given IV or Injection. It is a little faster acting and a little stronger. Usually a patient is started on solumedrol and then weaned to prednisone and then weaned off all steriods. Hope that helped.

Boy, I am learning so much and appreciate each and every one of you!!

Wow....love all the details Medussa....thanks!! I try to understand the whys and hows and this helps. I think I will call my PCP to see if they can do a quick blood test b4 surgery just so I know for sure. I know I can't get into the allergist b4 then b/c they are a 45 min drive and usually pretty booked.

Morsaille ~ Your right about the peanut oil. That's a good thing to check out. Good idea on the plastics too while I'm at it.

Boo ~ I loved that website!! Did you know it's Food Allergy Awareness Week? Very appropriate in my case. Help me understand the sea salt srubs.....I use BeautiControl Instant Manicure often and have never had a reaction. Is this something that could build up to a reaction?

Andy Liz ~ I will tell everyone I come in contact with at the hospital. They will ALL know it by the time I leave. :success1: