WELTS ALL OVER MY STOMACH-please help

I had my surgery Jan 24 and have had several complications, including a reaction to narcotics. I'm a little better now, but I still have a rash that covers my stomach. It has gotten so bad that it looks like welts where skin meets skin. I was at my surgeon's on Tues to get my sutures removed and the physician assistant advised me to use benadry gel on the affected areas as well as oral benedryl for the itching. Well, the itching is gone, but the welts burn. Did this happen to anyone else? I will can my surgeon's office again at 9am when it opens, but just needed to know if anyone else had this problem. At this point I am regretting having this surgery, nothing has gone right and I'm so depressed. My eyes were so swollen that I haven't been able to post or even read the boards until today. Thanks for any help. Kathy

Hi Kathy! I also had a serious reaction to a medication from my surgery. I ended up in the ER and they admitted me for 2 days. I was a dummy and didn't bring my meds with me, so they didn't conclued which one it was. I was on IV benedryl while in the hospital and then oral when discharged. I've been using aloe plant on my hives and also calamine lotion. They are almost gone now. I was doubly frustrated because I had my surgery in Mexico and was soooo excited to be home to my kiddos, only to be hospitalized the day after I got home! It works it's way through your system and goes away eventually though. I had the swollen eyes and lips, man my lips got big! Feel better. Bridget

I too had the reaction to a medication in the hospital (the Epidural and a medication called "Dilotted" ). My body broke out in big red splotches of itchy, red...like fire ants were crawling all over me. Not nice. I was given Benedryl in my IV around the clock which really knocked me out. The epidural was removed and I was given a PCA with Morphine, which made me very nauseous. So by then, I was a red, itchy, nauseous lobster. I had a bandage where my drain had been and I developed welts which turned into actual blisters. I drained them with a sterile syringe and kept them dry when I could...I still have the sores but they are getting better. I'm so sorry you have been feeling down. I think this has to be the hardest part...the weeks just after the surgery. Things are going to look up for us though! Hang in there, Chele

Hey Ladies, I too broke out in a rash. Mine was predominantly on my face and tummy. My doctor thinks it was a reaction to the adhesive from the tape. It kinda looks like poison oak or something like that. I had to get a shot of prednisone this morning and was told to use Benadryl cream on my face. Kathy, it'll be ok sweetie! It's going to take some time for adjustment but the future is looking bright for all of us! I'm having a tough time with my mind right now, constantly thinking about food in some sort. I'm already sick of the protein shakes...kinda frustrated with the process, but I know to stay strong and it won't be long till I can actually have something soft. Monday is the big day for me! Can't wait! Anyhow, hang in there! ((Hugs)) Jessie

Thank you all that responded. It looks like this is not uncommon is it? I spoke to my Dr. and he is calling in a script for a steroid cream, but wants me to use it sparingly. He says that it slows down healing time. I'm starting to feel better from the actual surgery, it's just this burning, hurting soreness from these welts. Kathy

Hi Kathy! I had a horrible reaction too! Exactly what you're talking about. My doc also gave me a script for a steroid cream, I'm not home right now.... but I'll email you the name tonight. If its the same cream, a little bit goes a long way and don't put it on the incisions themselves. I noticed a difference in 24 hours! First my skin wasn't fire engine red, then slowly the welt subsided. As the skin is healing, the dead red skin flakes of and its really itchy, so keep the benedryl handy! *~*Jaci*~*

Jaci, My son just picked up my script so hopefully it will begin working soon. I'm still taking oral benedryl. Thanks for your reply. Kathy