Shana Clagg
What was your life like before you received the COVID-19 vaccine?
Normal!
Describe the symptoms and the timeline of the reaction.
I developed hives two weeks after receiving my first dose. They got worse, and I saw my primary care physician three weeks later, desperate for relief. I was told there was no way it could be a vaccine reaction since the hives started two weeks after receiving it. It was charted as "possible medication reaction", while also paradoxically stating that there had been no changes in my medications. I was prescribed a medrol dosepack (Prednisone) and advised to take antihistamines.
Hves returned as soon as the Prednisone taper was complete. Returned to doctor four weeks later, and was prescribed a higher dose, longer 3 week Prednisone taper. If hives returned I was to be referred to an allergist. Hives returned 9/19/2021 with a vengeance.
On 9/28, I ended up in the ER with swelling in my mouth and tongue, possible anaphylaxis.
On 10/3 I woke up to a face so swollen I did not recognize myself.
My first appointment with an allergist was 10/6. She also said there was no possibility of the hives being a vaccine reaction. I was advised to take high doses of antihistamines (Zantac, Zyrtec, and add Benadryl if necessary). She ran blood work and found I was low in Vitamin D, so we also added a high dose D supplement. Still I found no relief.
12/28/21 I started Xolair injections. I am fortunate that my health insurance covers them! Between insurance and a manufacturer copay program I am able to continue to receive monthly injections...to the tune of $2300 per month. I worry about coming off the injections, but also worry about the possibility of having to give myself an injection every month for the rest of my life. If insurance decides to stop covering the cost, I will not be able to continue - what happens then??
Countless doctors appointments, countless hours, countless medications, thousands of dollars spent, countless hours of lost work, lost wages.
But at last I am hive free and live a normal life.
Describe the solutions that helped your symptoms
I am able to keep the hives away by taking a monthly injections of Xolair (2 syringes, 150ml ea).
Which solutions were not helpful?
Prednisone, vitamin D, antihistamines, eliminating meat from diet.
What would you like others to know?
Don't give up! And don't let them tell you that the reaction cannot possibly be a vaccine side effect.
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Details
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Pfizer Vaccine:15 June 2021
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Injury Date:
28 June 2021 -
State/Region:
NC -
Country:
US