We took my mom to the Urgent Care again tonight. (this would be the fourth time, in the last week) For whatever the allergic reaction thingie is. They're still not certain if it's her BP meds (which she quit 3 days ago) or if it's something else in the environment.

The UC doctor zapped my mom with the epi-pen and a shot of benadryl and a shot of solumedrol. She was starting to get better, and then started to get worse again.

The doctor panicked, because she had limited supplies of solumedrol and no IV bags to start IV's with. So, she called the ambulance. They sent like NINE paramedics to come get her. Good thing the fire station is only a block from the UC.

They loaded her up and took her and my dad up to the hospital. I followed behind. Then we had to sit there after they gave her some more meds and then watched her for two hours.

She's home now, and starving! They gave her a new Rx of steroids...this one is oral Solumedrol. She's starting that one tomorrow. (I hope she has leftovers of all these steroids...I might need/want some!)

We're taking her to an allergist/immunologist tomorrow, and then to her regular doctor for a new high blood pressure pill.

We'd really like to know what's causing this, my dad's freaking out about the bills that will be coming in from the four...no, five visits to the UC and ER (tonight counts double)...not to mention the ambulance bill.

Tonight happened really fast. We went to Wendy's to eat, and my mom was just having a Frosty. My dad got up to get a refill and when he came back I happened to look at my mom and noticed the side of her face and neck were swelling. We gave her some Benadryl (I carry it in my pocket because I have food allergies) and went home. Had my aunt come over to check and see if she thought we should go to the ER, and in the 10 minutes that my aunt watched to see if she thought she needed to go, my mom swelled up more and couldnt enunciate her words well because her lip was swelling.

So, we ran her out to the car and took her to the UC.

My mom is getting really tired of this. The steroids are giving her a serious stomach problem, and she's getting really freaked out and tired of them poking her with needles and epi-pens.

The doctor showed me how to use the epi-pen, and I was like, "oh it's like the autoject for Copaxone!" So, if this happens again, I'm handing her 50mg of benadryl and will then stab her in the hip with the harpoon gun and then head for the doctor. I think I could do her injection for her without flinching too much, because it wouldnt be me getting the painful stab.

Hopefully the doctor we're taking her to see tomorrow will figure this out for her. I think my mom needs to get a punch card for the ER visits...5 visits, get one free or something.

Erin i too almost got to ride in that type of bus, I hope they figure this out real soon, hang in there, try to prayers and positive vibrations for your mom dad and you

I am kinda like that. once I have ONE allergic reaction, my body OVER reacts to ALL other invaders. I freak out to pollen, tylenol, water, its awful. then when the reactions calm down again, I can take tylenol, water, or whatever. Steroids, and a bland diet with NO additives really helped me. NO MSG, or high fructose anything. all healthy non processed foods till it calms down.

I hope she feels better.

Sorry to hear this...I hope everything is alright

Hope the allergist can get to the bottom of this for you guys.

Erin, what a drag for your mom. Has she had any dental work recently, or is she in need of it? I ask because a friend of mine had a similar situation and it ended up being a dental/gum infection that was setting her off over and over again.

I hope they can find an answer soon for your mom.

good luck Erin, I know this has been a long ride for your mom and you! I hope you find answers soon!

Gosh, my first question is why they keep sending her home? Why aren't they keeping her in the hospital to try and figure this whole thing out? My prayers are with you all that the allergy docs get to the bottom of this.

That was my first thought, too (great minds think alike, you know! )!! Why on earth, especially with the face swelling, would they risk sending her home? I would insist on her staying until they figure it out.

Sounds like an episode of Mystery Diagnosis in the making!

Your poor Mom! I also hope they'll keep her until they get to the bottom of this. Sounds like a case for Dr. House. I hope the allergist can find whatever trigger might be the culprit.