Allergic Reaction to Medicine? ER?

Question

My boyfriend had surgery yesterday to get a plate and 8 screws removed from his collar bone. When he woke up, we (mother, father, and me) were allowed to see him. He was deathly pale, and looked extremely blotchy. Like all the blood vessels in his face had popped into little dots.

We immediately asked the nurse about this and she said it was a little unusual for him to be doing that but that it could just be from having been put under so late in the day. She then assured us that he would be fine. (it was time for closing, she wanted us out of there).

The next morning (today), none of the blotchy-ness has gone away AND now there are popped blood vessels in both of his eyes. I gave him a benadryl and then we called the doctor. He said the benadryl should been fine and that he was probably allergic to some medicine he was given in the procedure. That we shouldn't worry.
I'm looking at him tonight, he looks not well, but feels fine. His eyes are very swollen and red. Go to ER?

Answer 1

First, its not a certain thing that this is an allergic reaction. Those dots are called petechiae - which are places where blood leaks out of capillaries, just under the skin surface. These things are not caused by allergies - they can be caused by violent coughing, something putting excess pressure on the skin, or low platelet count. Its not a big deal unless its still there in a couple of days from now.

Red swollen eyes sound like an allergy, but allergic reactions are not an emergency unless it causing tingling in the mouth or lips -- that's a sign of anaphylaxis.

Answer 2

sounds like it could be a reaction to something that they gave him. If he's still having a problem; maybe you should call the doctor again.
In June, I had an allergic reaction to a new drug to me the doctor gave me. They had changed one of my drugs in January and this was a reaction in June. I ended up going to the ER. I had been given a drug in the Ace Inhibitor category, Benazepril. My lip swelled up, one eye. rash on both legs and inside both arms. One side effect that I didn't get was; the throat could close up and stop the breathing (I could have died). On the side effect list; they didn't mention that last part in words that made it sound like it wasn't much of a problem. Needless to say; I can NEVER take another ACE INHIBITOR again as long as I live.
A lot of drugs in that category have pril on the end of the names. There were some others also. The pharmacist told me after the fact; that the rescue squad people deal with about 1 trachea per week. Cutting a hole in your throat. I think doctors should tell you possible side effect before they give you a drug; and let the patient decide if they are willing to risk dying or not.
Watch him closely and make sure he is alright. Call dr. if necessary and/or go to the ER.

Answer 3

Severe allergic reactions to drugs typically lead to swelling of certain body parts (usually the lips or extremities), and a difficulty breathing. Unless he develops a severe rash or begins to swell or have difficulty breathing, I'd say you're okay. Save yourself 1400 bucks and go to your PCP tomorrow.

Answer 4

I would...just to be on the safe side...