Strange reactions to allergy shots... So frustrated I just want to scream...

It sounds to me like you have severe allergic reactions and your doctor is not qualified to be administering the shots.  The throat tightness and tongue swelling are very serious side effects that need to be monitored and could be life-threatening.  I would consider traveling to another city to see another doctor.

I really feel for you, reacting like you are to these allergy shots.  You know, this is a very specialized field.  I would not want to rely on a GP, especially with the reactions you have had, and his attitude with blowing off the reactions.  I drive 2 1/2 hours to get to my allergist, but he works WITH my GP and for the allergy shots, I drive 25 miles, one way.  The only other place here locally to get the shots, is with a PA at our local clinic.  I don't like him so figure I would rather drive 50 miles twice a week than deal with him.  

I had Kenalog injection in May 2007.  Within two days I was running fever, chilling, aching, visual problems, and totally out of it, and took a month to get over it.  Researched and learned others had same reaction.  It's something they use as a preservative in the Kenalog solution.  Which makes me very cautious about anything injectable now.   I think it set me up for the response I had in September to Plum I had eaten that was undoubtably treated with some sort of preservative or insecticide.  I have been tested at Allergist office but chemical testing would need to be done in Denver.  I haven't pushed for that.  Singulair, Zyrtec, Nasonex is what they put me on.

After seven months, found the Zyrtec is why I was sleeping 10 to 12 hours every night, but I also was fuzzy and sleepy all day and lacked motivation and focus.  GP took me off Zyrtec and put me back on Allegra, which I must take in a.m. as I can't sleep if I take it at night.  It's all a matter of how you feel when you take whatever they think you need.  If the reaction is worse than the allergy symptoms then why bother?  

My allergies symptoms were much worse when I recently went to MO/IA where pollens I react to are much worse.  I started taking Benadryl at night.  I feel like a walking medicine cabinet but I am feeling much better than I have for years and years!  I find when I am outside very much, the allergy symptoms are worse.  I'm still doing the allergy shots and will not stop until I either get relief or get very sick from them.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Hi Ohsoallergic,

I am a board certified allergist out of Chicago and nearby suburbs. It is very unfortunate your experience with allergy shots was so complicated. I think it is very important to have allergy shots supervised by a board certified allergist. Allergy shots may be life-threatening when a severe reaction occurs. It is therefore important to get allergy care from skilled providers.

Accredited allergy training focuses on the importance of a detailed history and physical exam. The history and physical exam findings allow the allergist to properly interpret allergy skin test (or blood test) results.

In addition allergists are trained on:

-How to initiate allergy shots (important decisions must be made on dose and concentration as well as what allergens to use)

-How to increase the doses (with consideration of quantity to be given each time in addition to interval of time in between shots)

-How to monitor progress and make adjustments if there are problems

-How to prevent the progression or recurrence of local or systemic reactions

-How to approach high risk situations that may arise (for example: addressing new drugs ordered by another doctor that may increase the risk of a severe allergic reaction; considering other medical problems that may impact allergy shots; advising what to do if pregnancy occurs)

-How to decide whether allergy shots should be stopped when of the risk of injury out-weighs the potential benefit.

A minimum of two years is required to qualify for board certification in allergy and immunology. A board certification exam must be passed in order to achieve certified status.

I advise you to get a full evaluation from a board certified allergist. You can locate one from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website. It will be worth the money spent on gas. Good health and avoidance of potentially fatal reactions are invaluable.

Many allergists will allow infrequent visits to their office by sending extracts to the primary doctor's office (with explicit instructions on how to proceed with shots). The allergist supervises any adjustments that may be required as allergy shots are given. We send hundreds of vials to doctors in Illinois and surrounding states that are more conveniently located (their offices are closer to the patient) for giving weekly to monthly allergy shots.

If you are in an HMO or similar insurance entity you will require a referral. Otherwise you may be able to go to a specialist without a referral. Call your insurance provider to clarify whether a referral is needed.

You may also have oral allergy syndrome and chronic urticaria and angioedema which are discussed on this web site (click on the hyperlinks).

You really need to see a qualified allergy specialist ASAP.

I hope it all works out for you,

J. Thompson, MD