Action in the Aftermath of an Allergic Reaction
So you beautifully executed your anaphylaxis action plan, your vitals are stable, and you’re ready to be discharged from the ER – But now what?
Walking out of the hospital in a continued daze of brain fog, I wished my emergency action plan hadn’t ended at the emergency room. This recovery journey is just getting started! I needed something concrete to ground my spiraling thoughts, but I didn’t know where to turn.
So, the All things Allergies Post-Anaphylaxis Plan was born.
1. New Epi Prescription
While you’re still in the emergency room, have the attending send a new prescription of auto injectors to your local pharmacy. In the midst of my IV infusions, the last thing I wanted to think about was more needles. But thankfully my mom was two steps ahead with the reminder!
2. Allergist Appointment
Be sure to schedule a follow up appointment with your allergy team to discuss the reaction. If your office is anything like mine, the wait times for an appointment can be lengthy, so be sure to book sooner rather than later.
3. Reestablish Your Sense of Safety
We’re not back to square one, but we’re getting back to basics. For me, this meant home cooked meals and certified allergen-free staples. Cancelling a few new dinner dates with friends and opting for a walk to our tried and true coffee shop instead. Old reliables well inside of my comfort zone to minimize the psychological toll that eating took on my recovering mind and body. Slow and steady will win this race! Pushing myself to get back to “normal” too quickly could have set my healing journey up for failure, so I’m giving myself time to regain the confidence to try new things.
4. Take Extra Care of Your Body
Anaphylactic reactions are systemic, meaning the overactive immune response impacts the entire body. We’re talking inflammation, digestive disruption… And not to mention the physiological consequences of extended doses of steroids! Your body deserves a vacation.
The entire experience understandably did quite a number on me. I arrived home exhausted, dehydrated, and in need of a full-body reset. This meant drinking plenty of fluids, prioritizing quality sleep, resetting my gut health, and sticking to low impact workouts, like yoga and walking. Be sure to listen when your body tells you what it needs to recover.
5. Connect with Mental Health Resources
“One IV of steroids and hours later, I checked out of the emergency room with an “all clear” from the doctor. Although my visible symptoms of nausea and hives were gone, the invisible consequences of my anaphylactic reaction remained untreated. The lasting impact of the chilling event was forever ingrained in my brain.”
The Invisible Consequences of Anaphylaxis, All Things Allergies
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
Give yourself some extra grace in the upcoming weeks. Double down on your self care and remember that there is no timeline for healing.
Although we had been meeting monthly, I started booking my therapy appointments weekly following my most recent reaction. We knew that I would benefit from the extra check-ins, and I have been very grateful to have someone to support me as I process through my experience.
Thinking about starting therapy yourself? The Food Allergy Counselor Directory has a list of allergy-informed mental health providers across the United States. Until then, the Food Allergy Counselor has also created a list of post-anaphylaxis reminders for regaining confidence after an allergic reaction. Download the free worksheet here.
6. Spokin Review
Once you’ve had time to process your reaction, consider sharing your story with the food allergy community. Leaving a review on the Spokin Food Allergy App can help warn others about undeclared allergens and potential cross contaminations. Download the free application here, and you might even see a familiar face when you register!
7. Get in Touch with The Food Allergy Community
We’re all here for you, so lean on the food allergy community for support! If All Things Allergies has taught me one thing, it’s that I’m not alone in this – And neither are you. Reach out, ask questions, get advice. It can be incredibly empowering to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, and there is such strength in your vulnerability.
What else would you add to your Post Anaphylaxis Plan?
All Things Allergies 