Red/swollen/hot spot getting worse- help!

[sept04mama]

I can't get hold of the dr. I went and got this from, so I'm putting it to you guys, whom I know can tell me.

I went to an urgent care Dr. on Tues. night because I cut my thumb open on a can lid and needed a bunch of stitches. Anyway, I look away when I bleed, or I can faint easily. So while he's stitching me- (ouch I wasn't numb!) I was looking into the corner and practicing nice slow labor breathing. Next thing I know, a nurse has given me a shot. This was not discussed or explained at ALL until she had already injected it. So she told me it was a tetanus shot but also contained Pertussis. I would not have agreed to this combo but probably just the tetanus.

So now, after a 24 hr. fever, the injection site is getting more swollen, more red, more sore, and my whole arm just hurts BAD.

Is this a normal reaction, or could it be an infection?

I will still try to contact the Dr. office on this, just want opinions in the meantime- thanks!

[CookAMH]

Oh dear! I have no answers, but I would be so infuriated at those two for doing that!

[alegna]

That is a common reaction to the tetanus vax

It could get worse - you may lose motion in that arm for awhile.

-Angela

[Gitti]

It is a reaction to the Tetanus shot but I certainly would not call it "normal" . Many people/kids do react to it in this way. And for some it takes a few months to go down.

I don't know what to tell you other if it were me, I would take lots of SA or any form of Vita C in a very large dose until there is one loose stool and then cut back a bit.

[Deborah]

It may also be an infection of the cut. So get it checked out ASAP.

[Pariah]

Can you file a complaint about being injected with no talk about it or warning? I would most definitely try if I were in your situation, or at least write several strongly worded letters.

[Tari Mithrandir]

I would say sue, but then... I am extremist when angry and I doubt a lawyer would take it "because of lack of permanent damage" (Trust me, I have been there )
Definitely go get checked out and make sure it is not an infection on top of the "normal" reaction I hope your arm feels better soon

[runes]

You are the third person in the past month who I have heard had the same reaction to the TDaP. If your reaction has the same course as the other 2, your arm will be very very sore and painful for the better part of a month.



I would at the very least write a letter of complaint to the ER as well as to the medical licensing board of your state, documenting what happened, the lack of informed consent, as well as your reaction. Take photos if you can, and also keep a day-to-day account of your reaction. Also report the reaction to VAERS.

I hope you feel better soon!

[claddaghmom]

Holy smokes, I wouldn't have left without filing a report.