Friday, September 05, 2008

Ginseng allergy and a jab

This morning when my week-old allergy crawled its way up from my lower to upper body, I hit the panic button and went straight to the doc. That was about 10-ish AM. Dr Anita, bless her, asked me what was wrong and I quickly flipped up the hem of my pants and showed her my poor, poor calves. "They're very, very itchy, Doc," I said with an almost desperate tone while resisting the urge to scratch. "And see, they're up to my neck now. How?..." I continued.

"Did any insect bite you?" Dr Anita probed. "Looks like allergy - what did you eat?"

"I think it was the ginseng drink my mom made for me, which she bought from the Chinese medicine shop." The Doc nodded.

"I noticed it's spreaded to your chest as well - can see the rashes below your neck. Let me examinine your body," she told me to flip my ugly blue uniform T-shirt up (we only have to wear this on Fridays). "I'll give you a jab" was her verdict. I cringed - I absolutely dislike jabs, but I reckoned that's unavoidable. Better than scratching like a desperate monkey.

So I lie down on the little check-up bed while the good doc prepares the needle. Lie on your left, she said. Like an obedient but frightened child, I obeyed. I gave a soft yelp as she poked the needle into my right 'cheek'.

"You'll be drowsy after this jab and I'm giving you the day off, OK?" Dr Anita concluded the visit by giving some advice on what to eat and what not to eat, and explained the medicines she's prescribed for me. "Don't forget to eat your medicine now." Again, I obeyed her when I got back to the office and left for home after that.

The medicine was already working as I sat in the taxi. The moment I got into the house, I was beyond drowsy. It's like my body was no longer mine and I need to 'switch off'. Sleep took over. On and off on my bed, I sensed my phone vibrating - a few SMSes came in from my hubby, colleague, friend and bosses telling me to take care and get well soon. Thank you...

At 5.15 PM i.e. now, I woke up and typed this post (obviously) and am feeling so much better already. The skin's not so inflamed anymore (still looked pinkish but not 'raw' and raging) and the itch is certainly bearable. I think the jab worked! I hope it'll get even better during the weekend and heals completely. There you go - I have some pills to pop and cream to slather on (gotta make it sound like fun).

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14 commented:

  1. That's miserable! I had hives one time and hope never to again. Glad the medicine is working and hope you continue to heal well and quickly.

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  3. I dont like injections either
    praying you continue to get better
    Jen

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  4. Thanks, Barbara, Jen and Jen! :)

    I woke up from sleep this morning at 4.06 AM, disturbed by the itch. Although the rashes don't look so bad anymore, the itch is kind of persistent, still. I've applied some cream given by the doctor and really hope it'll go away soon. *prays hard*

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  5. just came by to thank you for stopping by my blog!.. thank you! :o)

    oh my... I hope you are feeling much better now! How awful to have an allergy that spreds all over your body so fast like that!

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  6. Hello,so sorry to hear that you have an allergy reaction to Ginseng! Guess one of the reasons you feel drowsy is that the jab is antihistamine which blocked the inflammatory factor from sensitizing your body, and side effect is drowsiness!

    Hopefully the cream (which I suspect is Corticosteroids, not to be mistaken as steroids,it's nothing similar to it!) will stop the skin itch soon! Give it 24 hours-36hours to work. If it's still the same condition or got worse, go for a dermatologist or Allergist.

    Hope that helps!

    From,
    George
    MSc Immunology & Allergy
    Queen's Medical Centre
    University of Nottingham

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  7. Hi Alice. I'm not fond of shots too. I'm due for a flu shot next week. I don't like it but it has to be done.

    I'm glad that the shot helped alleviate the itching and inflamed parts of your body. Hope with a good rest you'll be ready to go back to work next week.

    Take care and hope you get well soon.

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  8. And back at you, Pat, for coming by to visit. Thanks! :) The rashes has been around for a week and finally decided to 'venture' further than just the legs.

    Hi George! Thanks for popping by. You're right that the jab is antihistamine. If the rash is persistent, I'll follow your advice to go find a dermatologist or allergist. Thanks again!

    I hope so too, Rachel. I hope you're feeling better too.

    To ALL: Thank you for your concern. Have a good weekend!

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  9. I have allergies too when i consume alcohols. It stays for a few days. But mine is not serious as yours, only the calves and the stomach.

    I hope u get well quickly and enjoy the weekend ahead :)

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  10. Thanks, Wai Seng! Didn't know you have alcohol allergy. Alcohol doesn't give me any problem though... I don't remember having any allergy but now found out that I can't take ginseng. You have a good weekend too! :)

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  11. Allergies sucks!! And it's no fun to have a shot either. I hope you've recovered by now and that you'd a great weekend, Alice.

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  12. Yes, it sucks Melody... really no fun. :( I'm feeling drowsy now because I've taken medication. Don't think I'll be writing much in the next few days...

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  13. Hope you are feeling better soon! Allergies are no fun :-(

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  14. Thanks, Kim. You're absolutely right. It's no fun. :(

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