Question:
Has anyone had an allergic reaction to the catheter postop?

I'm having an allergic reaction to the urinary catheter they used while I was under anesthesia. Since I also had a reaction to the steri-strips, which the doctor said contained latex, he thinks I'm having a latex reaction because the catheter was made of latex. All the doctor reccomended was cortisone cream but its still driving me CRAZY as you can imagine. Very painful. Has anyone experienced this or do you have any advice? I'm glad I have a place to post such an upleasant topic -- Thanks, Liz    — Elizabeth M. (posted on March 1, 2000)

March 1, 2000
I HAD A REALLY BAD PELVIC INFECTION ONCE AND THEY HAD MA ON iv THEREPY FOR 2 WEEKS, AFTER IT WAS DONE, BOTH MY ARMS SWELLED UP AND WERE REALLY RED, AND THEY HURT SO MUCH. THEY SAID I HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE LATEX IN THE I.V. THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR IT, IT MUST HEAL ON ITS OWN, BUT CORTISONE CREAN AND LIQUID BENEDRYL HELPED. IT WEN AWAY IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS. I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON,I CANT IMAGINE HAVING THAT PAIN DOWN THERE. OUCH.
   — garysgirl64

April 13, 2001
OHHH GEEZ, I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL SWEETIE!!..I HAD TO GO HOME WITH A CATH IN.THE SECOND DAY I HAD IT I WOKE UP ABOUT 6 AM WITH SEVERE PAIN FROM THE BLADDER AREA, I CALLED THE HOSPITAL AND TOLD THEM IF THEY DIDNT TAKE IT OUT ID RIP IT OUT!!!..NORMALLY IM NOT THAT WAY BUT IT HURT THAT BAD. THEY TOOK IT OUT AND AFTER A FEW DAYS I WAS OK,AND YES I CAN PEE FINE, NOW I HAVE A YEAST INFECTION! BUMBER, BUT ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN THE PAIN FROM THE CATH.GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!! JENNIFER
   — Jennifer M.

April 13, 2001
Elizabeth and anyone else wgo has had a reaction to latex, please get a med-alert bracelet! (It can say SUSPECTED latex allergy.) Allergic reactions tend to become stronger with repeated exposure, and of course a strong enough reaction can kill you! Ask a pharmacist for a list of things which contain latex-some will surprise you. (Rubber bands,sports/medical tape, blood pressure cuffs, most gloves, most elastic items like hairbands, tourniquets, etc.) Many of them might be used in an emergency situation, and if you weren't awake to say you were allergic, it could be very dangerous. Take Care! ---Jesse
   — Jesse M.

April 13, 2001
Elizabeth and anyone else who has had a reaction to latex, please get a med-alert bracelet! (It can say SUSPECTED latex allergy.) Allergic reactions tend to become stronger with repeated exposure, and of course a strong enough reaction can kill you! Ask a pharmacist for a list of things which contain latex-some will surprise you. (Rubber bands,sports/medical tape, blood pressure cuffs, most gloves, most elastic items like hairbands, tourniquets, etc.) Many of them might be used in an emergency situation, and if you weren't awake to say you were allergic, it could be very dangerous. Take Care, please! P.S>. Some Benadryl (dipenhydramie, available OTC) may help ease your discomofrt sooner--ask the MD if you're still miserable.. Some cold packs (Ice in a plastic baggie in a moist washcloth) can ease the swelling and burning, too. ---Jesse
   — Jesse M.

April 13, 2001
Ava, maybe you are thinking of Pyridium? (Also known as Azo-pyridine, which can be bought over the counter, too, in lower doses.) It might help. Good thinking, Ava! Of course, check with the doc and pharmacist about and drug interactions, and P.S. it will turn your urine dark orange, which is normal.--Jesse
   — Jesse M.