Thankful to survive anaphylactic shock

Virginia C. Roy Albemarle County
Published: October 10, 2008

Anaphylactic shock: Several weeks ago I didn’t know how to spell or pronounce it, much less define it. Today, I can describe what it is like to go into anaphylactic shock — and be kept alive by:

l The staff at my primary care physician’s office where I pulled in for help on my way home and collapsed.

l A team from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad.

l And the emergency room staff of Martha Jefferson Hospital.

The day before this “event,” I had read an article in The Daily Progress describing symptoms of peanut allergy attacks: Itching all over, swelling lips, tingling tongue, shortness of breath. I recognized those symptoms in myself on the way home after an injection at a medical specialist’s office. From shot to collapse — 45 minutes!

Lesson I learned the hard way: When the site of injection starts to itch, stay where I receive the shot and ask for help and to be watched. Better yet, wait after any injection to be sure all is OK!

Thanks, Daily Progress, for your informative medical articles.

Thank you, CARS, MJH and the staff at Drs. Dandridge and Stokes’ office. Your teamwork saved my life!