An comedy of errors....

timer lady

Queen of Hearts
kt was home sick today - turns out that she was having a reaction to the booster shots she rec'd Monday afternoon.

Of course, things get worse after pediatricians office closes for the day so I call urgent care because of the swelling on her arm plus the rash that broke out on her chest & back.

Urgent care refused to see kt because of her psychiatric hx. :grrr: (That's being reported as this was a medical concern.) Ended up in ER. Not only is kt having an allergic reaction to the vaccine, she also has cellulitis at the shot site.

Fine - we're treated & discharged. Head over to the pharmacy. kt opens the van door & the darned thing won't shut. husband & security guard plus a police officer are working on the thing while I get kt's prescriptions filled.

It's decided after a concerted effort to drive the van home with the door open...husband climbs into the back seat. Police officer offers to escort us home by back roads. husband leans over & tries the door one more time - yup, you guessed it..the door closed. Will only close from the inside. :slap: Who knew? Not the 4 competent adults standing about in the snow determined to shut that door.

We thanked all who helped & headed home to find out my garage door opener wouldn't work. I give - parked on the street damning my van & hoping some fool steals it tonight. :rolleyes:

kt is sleeping - looks like a little angel. I'm about to head off to bed. This day is done - I'm fried. :faint:
 

Marguerite

Active Member
I had to laugh at the car door - it sounds so bizarre, but these things happen.

We had to park our little van out on the street because the fuel pump died. husband bought another one but he needed the workshop to put the new one in and they were really rushed, after Easter. One of the kids worried that the car would get stolen, out on the street, and husband just laughed - how can you steal a car when the fuel pump isn't working?

The reaction - I was worried for her when I read that she had a fever. My health problems are due to an allergic reaction to an immunisation, I always worry when I hear about a similar reaction, although I know I was just very unlucky. The reaction itself - I was feeling much better after three days. Then my nervous system got inflamed, on day 4 (as I said, very unlucky - supposed to be 1 chance in 10 million).

I would have thought it was a bit early for cellulitis at the injection site, unless they're talking about extreme localised inflammation? If so, keep an eye on that spot. I developed a painful, necrotic lump which hung around there for months. No lasting problems from that, though. But it did pinpoint the injection site for my doctor who worked out that I'd been given the immunisation too close to nerve pathways (which is probably why I'm a neurological basket case now).

She had a combined immunisation, didn't she? Or was it tetanus booster? Basically, can you isolate which it was that caused the reaction? It would be useful to know, for the future.

It's ghastly, feeling sick like that. I hope she feels better soon. The aches & pains are bad, along with the rigors and sweats. If it's any consolation, I don't think there's much a doctor could have done, apart from suggest you treat the symptoms. Poor kt!

Marg
 

timer lady

Queen of Hearts
Marg,

kt is feverish & very very achy this morning. The ER doctor prescribed prednizone for the allergic reaction & keflex for the cellulitis. Her arm is huge, hot & red. ER doctor is leaning toward the chicken pox vaccine more than the MMR booster.

Tried to wake her for school this morning - still feverish & hurting. Arm still red & hot but less than yesterday & last night. Another day home from school - lots of water, ibuprofen & observation.

Wendy - work was respite!!!!

It's a new day - hoping it will be a darned sight better than yesterday.
 

Wiped Out

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Poor kt! I have to say I was rofl about the car door. :rofl:We had a similar incident with a car door and a child safety lock once on a trip-we were stuck in Indiana at a gas station because difficult child put on the child safety lock once the door was opena and we couldn't figure it out. Someone helping finally accidently hit something and we were able to shut it!
 

Hound dog

Nana's are Beautiful
Linda

You had a terrible horrible no good very bad day! :smile:

Poor kt. N went into anaphalactic shock after her last DPT booster at 6. It was a delayed reaction and we just barely got her to Children's in time. She might not have had such a serious reaction if the doctor in the first ER (a hospital near our house) had had a brain. He'd decided because N had a fever of 105, she couldn't be having an allergic reaction. :nonono:

N hasn't had an immunization since. No doctor will take the risk.

I had to chuckle at the van door. Sounds like something that would happen to me. lmao

I hope kt starts feeling better quickly.

Hugs
 

Alisonlg

New Member
Oh Linda!!!! Sounds like a day I would have! LOL You poor thing! Of course, as of late, my van door troubles are caused by difficult child realizing that he can prevent the automatic door from shutting just by touching the door handle or getting something in the path of the door. Oye! But, we've had vehicle induced door troubles too! LOL

Here's to a better today!!!
 
:slap:Oy Vey, what a day! been there done that, not wanting to return soon!

Scary about kt's arm. Are you going to have it rechecked today? Is it worse than it was? Poor dear! Poor Mom! Poor Dad!

Prayers for a MUCH better day for you all!

Hugs,
Vickie
 

donna723

Well-Known Member
Poor kt. I hope she's feeling better soon.

Too funny about the van though. When I first started reading your post, I thought you were going to say something like what happened to a friend of mine who owns a van! She had taken her elderly (but very fiesty) mother to the doctors and made a quick stop at the drug store on the way home to pick up prescriptions. She told her mother to stay put, she's be right back out. About five minutes later she came out and she didn't see her mama in the passenger seat of the van! She didn't know whether to be mad or scared and she started to panic! She ran over to the van and looked in all the windows and didn't see her mother anywhere, then she opened the drivers side door and jumped in, looking all around the van to see if her mothers purse was still there ... got back out (leaving the door open) and started running up and down the sidewalk looking in the store windows to see if her mother was in one of them. Then she noticed a can of Dr. Pepper in the cupholder of "her" van and was wondering how it got there because she doesn't drink Dr. Pepper ... it was just about then that she saw, two parking spaces away, an identical van - same color, same model, same year - only this one had her mother in it, and mama was laughing her b*typical teen off watching her ransacking some total strangers van and running up and down the sidewalk! See - it could have been worse!

:rofl:
 

Marguerite

Active Member
Is kt any better now? That swollen arm must be very painful. The prednisone could also be making her feel flushed in general, and a bit shaky. Depends on how it's being administered. I remember with my last reaction, I was at work but got myself home somehow after the shot, but was feverish by the time I got home. I slept most of the next day, went to work briefly the day after (I shouldn't have) and got the emergency stuff done then went home again. I was able to stick it out completely the day after that but was very grateful when the weekend came. The arm pain eased off but was still sore at the injection site for months.

If the pain doesn't ease off, or she begins to have odd symptoms of weakness or nerve pain in that arm, don't forget to mention the immunisation reaction when you see a doctor about it. The connection is rare but it does happen that occasionally you get neurological complications. In most cases, those complications are limited. The prednisone should reduce that possibility even further.

Keep us posted.

Marg
 

timer lady

Queen of Hearts
Marg,

Thanks for asking.

kt returned to school this morning; the prednizone (in tablet form) is make her emotionally unstable - she's more agitated.

However, the redness & swelling in her arm, while still present, has decreased significantly - the fever is gone. We have an appointment early next week to have her arm checked out. I'll mention the neurological concerns at that time.

The allergic reaction symptoms (rash, throat swelling & such) are gone.

I rec'd a call from psychiatrist's nurse this morning - he will be calling kt's pediatrician to coordinate the discontinuation of the steroid. He really doesn't want to see her go off the deep end bipolar wise.

Thanks again, lady.
 

Marguerite

Active Member
Don't mention the neurological concerns if you haven't got any. My main concern was to alert you to the possible connection, should she notice anything like that. You WOULD notice, believe me! And chances are against it, I guess I'm just a bit paranoid on the subject, considering...

I'm glad she's feeling better, though. If it keeps going like this, she should be fine (apart form maybe a sore patch on her arm) in a week, or hopefully less.

Give her a (gentle!) hug for me.

Marg
 

dreamer

New Member
Cellulitis is a BACTERIAL infection, not related to an allergic reaction, IIRC. Likely causes of bacterial infection during vaccinations is improper wiping of the skin area to be injected with alcohol swab or poor handwashing in the person administering the vaccination.
Do be aware that with an allergic reaction that swells the throat, there is potential for that to be life threatening type allergic response.
The prednisone works to reduce inflammation, so the allergic response is minimized. Steroids reduce the display of symptoms, but - in this case, if the antibiotic being used for the cellulitis is not the proper antibiotic for the specific bacteria that caused the cellulitis, the prednisone could blunt the symptoms from the cellulitis that would show if the antibiotic is not working.
SO it sounds as if you have TWO seperate problems, 1. an allergic reaction and 2. a bacterial infection. And the treatment for one could complicate treatment for the other.

And then you have the possibility that the prednisone can cause mania, not just in bipolar people but in non bipolar people as well.
Steroids are found in many different forms, - many anti itch creams have steroids in them and the steroid is absorbed into the body. Many asthma medications and or inhalers also have steroids in them.

On a side note, re:vaccines- my oldest child (bipolar) did OK with ALL her vaccines. My easy child reacted to her DTP and they had to leave out the P part of vaccines after her 2 month vaccines. My son, they were afraid to give him the P part, but they wound up instead giving him half vaccines- but twice as many, spread out. My kids all had chicken pox so none got the chicken pox vaccine when it became available. I got my DTP booster and MMR booster in 2000 and exactly 10 days later I was smacked down hard, eventually diagnosis'ed rheumatic illness, related to vaccines, and was bedridden unable to use my extremities for over 2 years.
(I had been diagnosis'ed Lupus in 1979)
I am bipolar, diagnosis'ed decades ago, but I take no bipolar medications. (far too many adverse reactions) Last spring my rheumetologist sstarted me on prednisone, and I was afraid. SUre enough, the ffirst dose he Rx'ed made me hypomanic to a degree I had not bbeen in years. My kids loved the hypomanic me, LOL.I was a happy hypomanic, thank goodness, and not anxious. But then the hypomania extended and I could not sleep. AFter not walking in years I was dancing all over the house. SInging my head off at all hours. I had anticipated such a response, and called my doctor and he lowered the dose. I most likely will always be on prednisone, for my rheumatic illness, without it I have intense irretractible pain the pain medications do not touch and so much swelling and inflammation, I almost had to have a g tube and my joints have no room to move. . SO, for me it is long term, not 4 days....
I worry for kt that if her antibiotic is not bacteria specific, the infection can continue and cause damage and it might not be obvious. I also worry that she got such an infection post vaccine. I worry where she was did not follow proper antiseptic techniques. As for her manic reaction to prednisone, that is very very common, and becuz the prednisone is short term, hopefully it will not be an ongoing problem.
I wish you good luck with the whole situation.
 

dreamer

New Member
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm

"Alternative names Return to top

Skin infection - bacterial
Definition Return to top

Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus or other bacteria (see also Erysipelas).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The skin normally has many types of bacteria living on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps these bacteria from entering and growing within the body. When there is a break in the skin, however, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing infection and inflammation. The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, irritated and painful.

Cellulitis is most common on the lower legs and the arms or hands, although other areas of the body may sometimes be involved. If it involves the face (erysipelas), medical attention is urgent. People with fungal infections of the feet, who have skin cracks in the webspaces between the toes, may have cellulitis that keeps coming back, because the cracks in the skin offer an opening for bacteria.

Risk factors for cellulitis include:

Insect bites and stings, animal bite, or human bite
Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds)
History of peripheral vascular disease
Diabetes -related or ischemic ulcers
Cracks or peeling skin between the toes
Use of immunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications
Symptoms Return to top

Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
Pain or tenderness of the area
Skin lesion or rash (macule):
Sudden onset
Usually with sharp borders
Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
Warmth over the area of redness
Fever
Other signs of infection:
Chills, shaking
Warm skin, sweating
Fatigue
Muscle aches, pains (myalgias)
General ill feeling (malaise)
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Nausea and vomiting
Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint
Hair loss at the site of infection
Signs and tests Return to top

During a physical examination, the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis. Your health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness extends beyond the marked border over the next several days.

Tests that may be used:

A CBC may show an elevated white blood cell count, and indicates a bacterial infection.
A blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected.
Treatment Return to top

Cellulitis treatment may require hospitalization if it is severe enough to warrant intravenous antibiotics and close observation. At other times, treatment with oral antibiotics and close outpatient follow-up is enough. Treatment is focused on control of the infection and prevention of complications.

Antibiotics are given to control infection, and analgesics may be needed to control pain.

Elevate the infected area, usually higher than the heart, to minimize swelling. Rest until symptoms improve.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Cure is possible with 7 to 10 days of treatment. Cellulitis may be more severe in people with chronic diseases and people who are susceptible to infection (immunosuppressed).

Complications Return to top

Tissue death (gangrene)
Sepsis, generalized infection and shock
Meningitis (if cellulitis is on the face)
Lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph vessels)
Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that cellulitis may be present. Seek medical attention urgently if it appears to involve the face.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for cellulitis and new symptoms develop, such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy, blistering over the cellulitis, or extension of the red streaks.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports. Also, clean any breaks in the skin carefully and watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection.

Finally, maintain good general health and control chronic medical conditions. A body that is healthy can more easily fight bacteria before they multiply and cause infection, while a body that is run down has less protection against infection.


Update Date: 7/27/2006

Updated by: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. "
 

dreamer

New Member
something to keep in mind about prednisone- it can slow down the healing process.

http://www.drugs.com/prednisone.html

"Prednisone
(PRED ni sone)
Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicen-M, Sterapred, Sterapred DS



What is the most important information I should know about prednisone?
• Do not stop taking prednisone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
• Take prednisone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking prednisone in the case of an emergency.




What is prednisone?
• Prednisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Prednisone reduces swelling and decreases the body's ability to fight infections.
• Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat many disorders such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
• Prednisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.




Who should not take prednisone?
• Do not take prednisone if you have a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Prednisone weakens the body's immune response and thus its ability to fight infection.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease,
· liver disease,
· high blood pressure or heart disease,
· ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach ulcers,
· hypothyroidism,
· a psychiatric condition,
· osteoporosis,
· myasthenia gravis,
· diabetes mellitus, or
· any other medical conditions.
• You may not be able to take prednisone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Prednisone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether prednisone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Prednisone passes into breast milk. Do not take prednisone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.




How should I take prednisone?
• Take prednisone exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than is prescribed for you. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take prednisone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• Measure the liquid with the dropper provided or with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring spoon or cup if you do not have one.
• If you are taking one dose daily, take that dose before 9 a.m. if possible, to follow the body's natural cycle. If you take more than one dose daily, space the doses evenly throughout the day as directed by your doctor.
• Do not stop taking prednisone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
• Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking prednisone in the case of an emergency.
• Store prednisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.




What happens if I miss a dose?
• If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only your regular daily dose.
• If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses at the next dose time.
• If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.




What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose--large doses taken over a period of time.
• Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.




What should I avoid while taking prednisone?
• Avoid alcohol. Acting together, alcohol and prednisone can be damaging to the stomach.
• Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth and eyes. Your immune system may be weakened while taking prednisone.
• Do not receive any immunizations during treatment with prednisone without first talking to your doctor.




What are the possible side effects of prednisone?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking prednisone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
· sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take prednisone and talk to your doctor if you experience
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control; or
· increased hunger or thirst.
• Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of prednisone, include
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face, and
· changes in behavior.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.




What other drugs will affect prednisone?
• Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with prednisone without first talking to your doctor. Many other medicines can interact with prednisone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness of the medications.




Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has addition information written for health professionals about prednisone that you may read.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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More Prednisone resources:
Prednisone

Sterapred

Prednisone - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

prednisone"

 
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