H1N1
Did my research.
Felt confident in my decision.
For us, the right choice was to get that vaccine as soon as we were eligible and could get our arms on that liquid gold. A hot commodity around these parts.
Took my two girls a week ago for their H1N1 vaccine. They did great. A couple of tears, followed by sore arms for a few days. Now hopefully they are protected from the virus that is putting so many people in the ICU.
So now it was my turn.
Went the clinic once it was open to the General Public.
Stood in line with 300 other people for 20 minutes for the privilege of being protected. Courtesy of our Canadian Health System.
Took it in the arm.
Waited 15 minutes and was on my way.
Got home.
Something wasn’t ……..right.
My tongue was…itchy? My lips were buzzing? My palette was burning?
I was panicking.
Called the Health Unit.
“You may be having an anaphylactic reaction. If you are having trouble breathing call 911. If not get to a Doctor.”
$*@#ing great!!
Now I am panicking. I am home alone and I am scared. Did I also mention I may also be a bit of a hypochondriac.
My tongue looks swollen to me. Doesn’t it look like my throat is swelling up. Is it getting harder to swallow.
How about I just get behind the wheel of my giant SUV and drive to the Doctor’s office. Brilliant idea.
The good news. When you tell the receptionist at the Docs office that you think you are having a scary reaction to the H1N1 shot you just received…you get right in.
Let’s shorten this up now.
Doc checked me.
mmm More concerned about my spiking temperature then anything else?
(Duh…perhaps because I am having an anxiety attack now??)
Sit in the waiting room and wait for a re-check……..to see if I’m gonna die.
Send up a little prayer.
Basically, Doc sends me home because he has never seen a reaction like this before and tells me it’s been two hours and doesn’t know what else to do for me. He tells me to watch for symptoms of my throat swelling up. And no, he can’t guarantee the worst is over. NICE. Second opinion please?
Home I drive. Trying to keep it together. Looking at my tongue in the rear view mirror at every stop light. My heart is still racing. I am so pathetic.
Meanwhile the Hubs has talked to 2 other people who have had the EXACT same reactions!!! Why are we not told this?
Symptoms of swelling lips, buzzing tongue, tingling pallet. Not that uncommon? Don’t panic girl.
Slow steady breaths.
Now I just have to get through the next 24-48 hours and this too shall pass.
If I had known this was a possibility would I have had the shot?
I honestly don’t know.
Would you?
Hope none of you have had a scary experience like this one…hope I’m the only one who found out this week that she is allergic to pigs.
I’m sorry I haven’t been around to spread the comment love…got a little post traumatic stress going on here. Thanking God this happened to me and not one of my children.
Jennifer says
Now I’m scared to get that stupid shot! More scurred than getting H1N1? Hmmm… I hope you’re okay!!!
The Mommyologist says
OMG!! I hope that by now you are ok!! I was scared of that shot to begin with…this sealed the deal!
Amy says
That is just wild… I am sorry that happen. We did the H1N1 but my little one did not get the shot but the nose one. She goes back next month for more. Sorry that happen to you.
Just Breathe says
That was terrible. I’m so sorry that happened to you but also thankful it didn’t happen to the kids. I am in the age group where I should get it, have severe asthma yet I won’t go. Over 30 years ago I had a doctor that told me I should not get flu shots so I don’t. I normally do not get the flu and I hope it stays that way.
Sara @ Domestically Challenged says
Oh my. I can’t believe they would just send you home. Pretty darn responsible of them. I don’t know if I would’ve gotten the shot then either.
diane says
First of all, you are to be commended for your honesty in posting what happened to you. Talking about adverse reactions to vaccinations is right up there with stating that you think our soldiers should all come home. Stop making that face, it’s a compliment.
Secondly, I googled reactions to the swine shot, and guess what. There are more complications to getting the shot than there are to getting the flu. That’s something they don’t tell you either.
Third, and last, go to Mercola.com for information on how to boost your body AFTER you have had the shot.
Feel better honey. Hugs to you & your kids. xo d
blueviolet says
I hope these symptoms go away really soon. That’s scary!
Keep us informed!
Working Mum says
If I’d known in advance what to look for then yes, I would still have had it, but been better prepared. It’s not knowing what is happening that is the scary bit.
You are so lucky to have had the vaccine, over here they are just about to immunise risk groups, but not ordinary people like me. I don’t even know when my five year old daughter will get the vaccine.
Trish @ Mum's Gone to... says
My hubby is a doctor; he hasn’t heard of this reaction either but suggests some anti-histamine. Hope you’re okay.
bodoba says
Oh honey! You are so much braver than I am! I don’t think I could drive myself to the dr’s. I hope you get feeling better.
Janie B says
How scary! I’ve had mine already, too, but thankfully no bad reaction. Not even a sore arm (which I did have after the regular flu shot). So glad you are okay and that the kids didn’t have the same reaction.
Amo says
I hope you are okay and doing much better! I’m not suprised that no one told you about that possible reaction. And it is scary that people aren’t being told! I don’t believe in any seasonal flu vaccines, so we won’t be getting it. Please post soon so we know that you are alright!
CynthiaK says
None of the five of us have had any reaction, thankfully.
Hope you are over yours quickly and there are no lasting effects! Scary is right!
Pink Haired Momma says
WOW hun i am so sorry you had such a bad reaction to the vac. But girl let me tell you i am 2 weeks in to the flu and it aint pretty! If i could time warp back i would take the numb toungue over this flu! I promise you! It is very scary and i am so sorry you went though it from the shot! My heart is with you but you dont want this nasty pig crap! I begged H4L to let me die during this flu!
I am a bit shocked at your dr though! I would think he would send you home with an epi pen if nothing else!
Maya says
Glad it wasn’t your kids too. I don’t think I would have left the doctors office. No gaurantee!?