reaction to shot

I've taken my second shot now and have seen swelling all over my body with both of them. I wouldn't call is severe swelling. My rings and watch get tight, and my eyelids puff out to about even with my eyelashes. There is also some RUQ discomfort. Last week the swelling was down by about the fourth day. I'm hoping that this is normal, and not a sign of allergy to the shots. Has anybody else experienced this?

[Trinity4]

Diane,

I've seen others talk about swollen eyes.  Just make sure you keep your doctor informed about the swelling.  Maybe Benadryl would help.

Trin

[desrt]

True allergic reaction is extremely rare, but does happen.
I knew someone that experienced this but was able to continue tx with the help of his doctor.

[hopefulgirl38]

My partner got some swelling, he  like trinity 4 suggested, bendrly helped him - make sure doc knows though

[Rockerforlife]

Never did get any swelling,but i did have eye discomfort with my first round and headaches.

[tashka]

Do you have any trouble breathing when this swelling occurs?

[portann]

I think MeaKea had swollen (and red) eyes and that Annie had swollen lips during tx. I can't remember what they did about it. Maybe they'll stop by.

I had to take off my ring during tx because it got too tight, so I had slight swelling but not around my face.

Is there any itchiness or, as Tashka mentioned, difficulty breathing?

How much water are you drinking daily?

[portann]

I forgot to mention that while Benadryl works for some people (including myself), others (like Lalapple) are allergic to it. So proceed cautiously, if you do take OTC.

I would pass this by your hepa first.

Susan

[Diane12855]

I'm not having any trouble breathing. I'm drinking at least 80 oz. of water each day. The only time there is swelling is from a few hours after my shot to 3 or 4 days later, then everything goes back to normal. Yes, I will let my doctor know. I was really hoping this was something lots of people had dealt with and was nothing to be concerned about, but since it isn't all that common, I will call in the morning to see what he says.

Thanks for the info everybody.

[epiphiny]

Interferon hyper-activates the immune system and part of the immune system respose is to cause inflammation (goes hand in hand with swelling) in the body.  Given the pattern you have told us the swelling appears to be following the arc of the interferon in the body in which peak concentration is reached 80 - 96 hours after the injection after which reactions start to subside as the interferon starts to wear off.

Having said all of the above it is definately the wise choice to tell your doc what is going on but until he/she tells you otherwise I don't think there is too much cause for alarm.

Epi :)

[Cory255]

Is the swelling anywhere near where you did your injections?  If it is this is how the Dr knows you are doing your injections.  It may get red or swell around the injection sites.

Try switching injection sites to a different place every time.  This may minimize swelling too.

Do your injection at the same time every week.  Do your injection in your thighs, around your stomach (not near the navel or waistline though), and the upper outside portion of your arms works best.  

Cory.