Allergy Shot Questions

[yorkiegirl83]

So I finally went in for my allergy testing and not only am I allergic to the furbabies, apparently I'm allergic to *everything*.

The dr suggested getting allergy shots as soon as possible, and that was fine with me, but I have to get an epi pen to carry with my for 24 hours after the shots and I have to say that freaks me out so much that I'm almost afraid to go get the allergy shots done!

He said the chances are 1 in 10,000 but that doesn't make me feel too much better really!

Has anyone had any experience with allergy shots and getting an epi pen just in case? He told me it's the office policy, but I'm just really really nervous!

[TatumsMom]

I got allergy shots for about 9 years or so. I never was told to carry an epi pen. My allergist made you wait for a minimum of 5 minutes (but preferably 15 minutes) after getting the shot before you left his office. Apparently if you are going to have a reaction to it, it would happen that quickly. Not sure why your dr. would have the epi pen policy.

And seriously, if you're nervous about the shots, they really are not bad. It's such a tiny skinny needle. Now, as you graduate to the "maintenance serum", I will admit that it is a little more painful but for me it was mostly because the serum is so thick and I have very little cushion on my arms. If you rub the site real good and briskly right afterwards, it helps the serum spread out and not stay in a lump (which is what causes most of any pain). But the first vials were such a very thin liquid that I really had very, very minimal pain. Good luck with it all!!

[Ladymom]

I've gotten allergy shots for years and never had a problem with a reaction. You do have to have an epi pen on hand, though, just in case. I've yet to talk to anyone who ever had to use it, thank heavens.

It's odd he said you could have a reaction as much as 24 hours later. I heard allergic reactions happen almost immediately. I give myself the shots, but had to get the first few at the doctor's office to be safe. They had me wait for 15 minutes after a shot in case of a reaction.

Try to relax and not worry about it. You will be amazed how much better you will feel.

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by TatumsMom

I got allergy shots for about 9 years or so. I never was told to carry an epi pen. My allergist made you wait for a minimum of 5 minutes (but preferably 15 minutes) after getting the shot before you left his office. Apparently if you are going to have a reaction to it, it would happen that quickly. Not sure why your dr. would have the epi pen policy.

And seriously, if you're nervous about the shots, they really are not bad. It's such a tiny skinny needle. Now, as you graduate to the "maintenance serum", I will admit that it is a little more painful but for me it was mostly because the serum is so thick and I have very little cushion on my arms. If you rub the site real good and briskly right afterwards, it helps the serum spread out and not stay in a lump (which is what causes most of any pain). But the first vials were such a very thin liquid that I really had very, very minimal pain. Good luck with it all!!

Hi, I'm not sure why they have that policy -- I guess as a precaution if something was to happen.

I'm not at all worried about the shots, more worried about what will happen if I have a freak reaction to the shots .

I had finally gotten used to the idea of getting the shots, but him telling me to carry an epi pen for 24 hours after scared the crap outta me! So now I'm nervous again!

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

I've gotten allergy shots for years and never had a problem with a reaction. You do have to have an epi pen on hand, though, just in case. I've yet to talk to anyone who ever had to use it, thank heavens.

It's odd he said you could have a reaction as much as 24 hours later. I heard allergic reactions happen almost immediately. I give myself the shots, but had to get the first few at the doctor's office to be safe. They had me wait for 15 minutes after a shot in case of a reaction.

Try to relax and not worry about it. You will be amazed how much better you will feel.

Thank you so much! I am just a huge worrywart with anything medical, but it's just to the point where my allergies are much too bad, and I'm on 5 medications at any given time for the asthma/allergy combo -- I just decided it was time to take some action here.

I'm going to call tomorrow to ask more about why I need it for 24 hours along with a few other questions tomorrow, he didn't really get into too much other than, you're allergic to everything under the sun basically and "we need to start the shots now".

I really feel better hearing stories from people that have done this before though, it's way more comforting than reading horror stories on the 'net!

[TatumsMom]

I don't blame you for worrying. When I started shots, I was only 14 or so and didn't really know enough to worry. Did that make sense? Nowadays there's so much research and stories to hear that you can actually get freaked out for no reason. I've never even heard of carrying an epi pen for reactions. Never. That in itself tells me that it's a very rare occurence.