Anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions

Posted By Kerri on January 26, 1999 at 22:58:54:







I am currently enrolled in the local EMT program and am required to begin the Hepatitis B vaccine.  Within minutes of receiving the first shot I began to itch.  I was given Benadryl 50 mg, im.,  then epi 0.3 sq., decadeon 8&8 im, then given another epi 0.3 sq.  After 3 1/2 hours of medications I was sent home.  I then had to return to the ER and receive 3 epi 0.4 sq, pertisone, and 75 mg of Benadryl.  I was also stridor at the point of arrival at the ER.  My question is that this was my first shot and being that I am going into a very high risk job, it has been strongly suggested to continue with this series if at all possible.  I am currently seeing an allergist and he would like to try and desentivize me.  Do you have any information on this being successful? Also is this a common reaction?  What would you suggest a course of action for me would be? Do you think that a second shot may have less of an effect on me?  Thanks for your time.
Kerri