[Scooter9]

My anxiety was already up, but it's getting worse because I'm nervous about a test I'm taking next Friday.

I'm allergic to aspirin and related drugs. Several years ago, my doctor advised me to go to a drug safety clinic we have here. They test drugs on you in a safe environment where they can treat you if anything happens.

I finally got an appointment to go to the clinic next Friday. They're going to test me for my reaction to Celecoxib otherwise known as Celebrex.

The doctor told me that 97% of people that are allergic to aspirin don't have a reaction to Celebrex. And the 3% that do react don't have a serious reaction, which means they didn't experience anaphylaxis.

I'm still nervous about it. Celebrex is in the same family as aspirin. The test is 3 hours long and they basically have me take a pill and then sit with me in case something happens. It's the only way to test. I asked them about a skin test and they said that doesn't work for this.

I'm coping by writing down all my passwords and sites that I use for banking etc. I showed my son how to get into important things like my mortgage, my bank and my email. I need to know that my family will be ok in case I have a really bad reaction.

On the one hand I know I'm probably over reacting but on the other, you never know how things like this will go.

I had a scare with my recent emergency surgery and want to make sure I'm prepared this time.

What do you think?

[Nammu]

Seems like a sensible precaution to me. It’s very unlikely that anything serious will happen with them right there, tho.

[*Beth*]

I think it's natural to feel apprehensive about the test. But like Nammu said, it will most likely go well, especially with medical personnel right there.

[Scooter9]

Yeah, thanks, chances are good that I'll be ok especially with the doctor and nurses right there.

It's my anxiety that's acting up and causing me to think the worst.

My pdoc also went to the same clinic for her penicillin allergy, which I also have.

I'm also waiting for an appointment for the penicillin test. It's a skin test initially followed by taking pure penicillin if I don't react in the skin test.

[~Christina]

I think I would probably do what you are doing making sure things are set up. Celebrex gave me hellish stomach pain. Cymbalta threw me right into a Asthma attack. I think its wise to be tested in a safe enviroment.

Being proactive

[Scooter9]

The test is tomorrow. I'm post an update once it's done. Hopefully things go well.

[*Beth*]

Yes, please let us know how you're doing tomorrow

[Scooter9]

They cancelled the test - it has been rescheduled for next Wednesday.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

They cancelled the test - it has been rescheduled for next Wednesday.

Wow. That's so wrong.

[Scooter9]

I'm at the clinic now. They gave me a half dose first and watched me for 30 minutes.

They just gave me the other half dose and will monitor for 2 hours.

[Scooter9]

The test is finished. I didn't react to Celebrex, so that's good news.

The next test is for penicillin.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Scooter, are you allergic to tylenol and ibuproferon as well as aspirin? My sister is allergic to all 3 so I'm interested in whether this might be an option for her. Having no pain med options is pretty rough.

Thanks

[Scooter9]

I'm allergic to just about all NSAIDs except as it turns out Celebrex.

I can take Tylenol but the doctor today told me that people that are sensitive to aspirin can also become sensitive to high doses of Tylenol (in the range of a 1g dose).

Celebrex might be an option but she would have to get tested like I did to know for sure.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Thanks Scooter. She's going to look into it.

[*Beth*]

Thanks for checking in, Scooter. How do the allergic reactions manifest? A rash, or?

[Scooter9]

I get swelling that starts with my eyes and spreads to my face if the reaction is stronger.

The same thing happens with penicillin, which they'll test next.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

I get swelling that starts with my eyes and spreads to my face if the reaction is stronger.

The same thing happens with penicillin, which they'll test next.

You're doing a smart thing to do the testing. It's a big plus that you'll be in a medical facility.