Inflammatory reaction symptoms and conditions

Hello, my name is Rob and I have been on Remicade for the past 5 years. I had a reaction to my first Infusion, shortness of breath and feeling flushed. They then added Benadryl to all future infusions and everything has been fine until this last infusion in April of 2008. Halfway into the infusion my face became flushed, the person adminisitering the Remicade said it was hives, this was accompanied by tightness in the chest and headache. They stopped the infusion, gave me some Benadryl added to the IV, that did not work, they then added Solu-Medrol 125MG into the IV and it seemed to reduce the effects of my reaction. The infusion was completed and I went home. Upon arriving home I looked quite pale until that night. My face became red, almost as if I spent too much time in the sun and I have had a headache followed by chest pains. This condition has continued into the next day but it does not feel severe enough to go to Emergency. Should I be concerned or will this pass? Is it possible that I have been on it so long that I am now building up a tolerance to it?

Trailblazen, #12588 aka Guest, #12586

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to be as thorough as possible. :)

About transplants; immune cells recognize the transplanted kidney as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it; prednisone stops the body's normal inflammatory reaction to foreign tissue and infection lessening the chances of rejection.
However, recent studies have shown that very short term prednisone therapy (3 or so days) after kidney transplants has excellent outcomes. Because of this, new transplants are routinely being placed on steroid-free maintenance programs.
I wonder trailblazin, why they felt that long term therapy was needed in your situation?
I am happy though, that although you have the horrible side-effects, you are now off the stuff and feeling better!!! Most importantly, the transplant was a success!!

About Vitamin C; Vitamin C is important in the synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands and a very high concentration is usually found in the adrenal and pituitary glands.
The adrenal glands are also referred to as the anti-stress glands of the body .
Well known studies have shown that aspirin, alcohol, antibiotics, and steroids increase vitamin C requirements. To make matters worse, when we are stressed, Vitamin C disappears from our blood stream too quickly especially from our adrenal glands.

We should try to get our vitamins from natural sources first. The best known food sources that contain vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries such as strawberries, melons, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, green peppers, dark green leafy vegetables and cabbages. If you take supplements, try to take 100 to 250mgs but no more then 500mgs. Supplemental Vitamin C is usually excreted if it is not utilized right away, but as with all things, it has some possible side effects at real high doses, like possible kidney stones.
I personally try to drink two glasses of OJ and try to eat yogurt, cantaloupe or tomatoes everyday. I also take 250 mgs of the chewable C in the morning, thats when our adrenals normally put out our daily cortisol.
To get the needed amounts of C, experts recommend 5 servings of fruit or vege's everyday...that seems like alot of eating for the average busy lifes we lead. :)

About insomnia; I have had insomnia most of my life. It's aweful and I feel for you!!
I have tried everything, from natural sources to pills. The only thing that works for me is keeping a routine and seeing a chiropractor. No matter how tired I am after a fitful night of tossing and turning, I get up at the same time everyday.
No napping either!! That's a killer for us insomniac's. Other things that help are keeping the room dark and serene, no tv watching in the bedroom right before going to sleep and no eating or exercise within 4 hours of going to bed.
You may want to try eating things that raise your melatonin production. Melatonin rich foods include:: spirulina seaweed, soy nuts, cottage cheese, chicken, pumpkin seeds, turkey, dried watermelon seeds, oats, sweet corn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, bananas, and barley.
Some vitamins and minerals such as B6, niacin amide, calcium, magnesium, or antioxidants may help. Other herbal remedies to consider are Valerian root, Chamomile tea, Skullcap, Passion flower, Wood betony, or California poppy.

As always, research everything before you take it. We know our bodies best and some herbs do carry possible side-effects.

The good news is that you probably have Transient Insomnia from the prednisone and it will usually disappear within a few months!! Hang in there and try a few things to help it resolve.

Again, I apologize for my abrupt and inconsiderate posts earlier on.

Best of luck to you Trail, hang in there.

Jules