Post surgery allergy issues

March 7, 2013 6:41 PM

I had hand surgery this morning under general anesthesia. About 12 hours after the surgery, I seem to have developed an allergy attack (I do not normally have allergies, but perhaps one or two attacks a year). My nasal passages are swollen and I am sneezing. Is this normal? Might it be a result of the anesthesia? I have a follow-up tomorrow, but should I be concerned this evening?
posted by blurker to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Best answer: Your discharge papers should have a phone number for a doctor or nurse on call. This is exactly the kind of thing it's good to call about. They won't mind; that's what they're there for.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 6:57 PM on March 7, 2013

It could also be pain medication. I'd call the nurse number on your discharge papers.
posted by barnone at 7:00 PM on March 7, 2013

Are you on pain meds? Vicodin will do this to me.
posted by sanka at 7:35 PM on March 7, 2013

Vicodin and oxycodone will make me stuffy and make my nose and face itch. I'd take the above advice and call the nurse, though.
posted by Specklet at 9:10 PM on March 7, 2013

Best answer: You may be having an allergic reaction to anesthesia, pain medicine or the tape they used to hold the breathing tub in place.

About 5 days after my surgery I started getting hives on my feet! GAH! Miserable.

Call the phone number on your discharge papers, and see if it's okay to pop a Benedryl. That may help a lot.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 7:05 AM on March 8, 2013

Response by poster: I called last night and they were very helpful. Thanks for reminding me to do that!

Today the allergy issue has subsided, but I am having a lot of trouble focusing my eyes close up. This is the weirdest post-op few days I've ever had.

I appreciate all the help!
posted by blurker at 11:52 AM on March 8, 2013