Post-op Hives?

When I had my knees replaced in 2001 and 2007 I broke out in the most awful hives within a week after surgery.  I had only had hives those two times in my entire life.  My allergist tested me for every medication they gave me and even got a staple the surgeon used to close my leg with.  (Still think it's the metal in the staples but cannot put 26 of them in me and test for that allergy.)  The results?  Nothing. So the allergist told me the next time I had such a surgery to take gobs of antihystamines before the operation and that might help.  The pre-op doc blew off her opinion and reassured me that they'd load me with steroids after surgery two weeks ago and I'd be fine.  Well, the steroids wore off apparently because I've spent the last two days with the drive-you-crazy hives just like before!  They do this marvelous geographic motion, leaving one area and puffing up in two others and on and on, inside places as well.  The only places they've not disappeared or moved at least are my scalp and ears.  I wake myself up scratching my ears.  Ouch!  I finally got thru to my allergist and got more steroids; love that Prednisone.  The hives are starting to flatten and fade except those on my head.  I go see her tomorrow.  I've harassed every hospital's records department where I've had surgeries, getting the anesthsia records.  Cuz the only thing I can think of is that perhaps they changed anesthesia meds and I'm reacting to one of them.  Dunno.  Anybody else have this kind of reaction post-op? Suggestions?

no but i DO feel your pain on this-when i did a few months of atkins -a few years  pre wls--i developed huge welts ( on lotsa body parts) and ubangi style lips and oh wow--

anyhow...sending a hug and a prayer for relief

Thanks for the hugs.  I really need them.  Prednisone is helping some.  Not completely but any partial relief is soooo welcome.  Am seeing the allergist today.  Perhaps she has more tricks up her sleeve.
Daffy

Yes!!!! I developed the type of hives which make you want to scrub with a wire brush. The doctor thought it was from the IV antibiotics. Hospital sheets make my skin red and raw too.

Since WLS I have become sensitive to several antibiotics and break out in hives.

I feel your pain...and itch.

Thanks Annette.  Good to feel I'm not alone in this invasion on my person.  But not so thankful that you likewise suffer the pain and itch.  Perhaps we should both stay far away from surgery and hospitals, eh?  I do hope so cuz I've lost count of the number of surgeries now...I sometimes think I'm a crazy quilt; scars, metal parts and all. :lol:  Love your emoticon!  How appropriate!
Daffy

Maybe we are allergic to SURGERY!!

I have had hives chronically now for over 15 years. It started with a reaction to antibiotics, and then a chain reaction to all antibiotics. So now if I need an antibiotic, they have to run it with solumedrol to keep the raction from killing me. I take Allegra, 180 mg every day to keep the hives from coming back (don't know why they are chronic). If I have a bad day and they 'break through', I take 4 Benedryl. It makes me drowsy, but cures the itch.You can also take aspirin for the itch. The same receptors that fight pain, fight itch.
Hope this helps.
Penny

Thanks for the info.  My allergist gave me 40 mg Prednisone this afternoon, will take 20 mg twice daily for 2 days then 20 mg Monday morning and call her.  She also wants me to take Zytol daily.  Here's hoping.  I think the stress thing might be it, but my doctor is about convinced that the metal in the staples are the culprit.  She thinks we can do antihystamines and Prednisone enough for any future knee surgeries.  I'm due for the left knee to be replaced again in about 2-3 years so we'll see.  Sorry to hear you fight hives constantly.  I hope I won't be doing this with any more frequency.
Cheers,
Daffodil Rusty

i get hives too, I blame stress and take allerga daily to help prevent them.  Your surgeries could just be stressing you out.
Pat

You may be right, Pat.  Heaven knows I've been stressed enough with all those surgeries.
Daffy