In 2011, when I was 21, I went to my primary care physician and was prescribed a Z-Pak for strep throat. I took two early that day and by evening, I had developed hives all over my body. The red bumps itched so intensely, but scratching made it feel like I was on fire. I couldn't sleep and I can honestly say this was the worst feeling I'd ever had in my life.
I went back to the doctor begging them to tell me how to get rid of the rash. I was shocked by how nonchalant they were when I was sitting there in agony. I said from the beginning it had to be from the Z-Pak because within hours of taking it I got the rash. But the doctor wasn't convinced and thought maybe it was a side effect of strep throat. That didn't make any sense to me and I was very upset with her attitude towards the whole situation.
I was given anti-itch cream and put on steroids because Benadryl did nothing. Lukewarm oatmeal baths helped, but only slightly. Gradually, the steroids cleared up the rash and after about a week, it appeared to be completely gone. I finished the steroids right around the time I went back to school at UNF. I'll never forget the panic I felt sitting in my first class of the new semester and realizing the rash was coming back. I went home early and ended up back in the doctor's office. I was still shocked by how she didn't want to admit it was probably a reaction to the Z-Pak. She kept saying she had never seen a reaction like this before. My thought was, just because it's rare, doesn't mean it can't happen. She prescribed me another round of steroids and referred me to an allergy doctor.
I had several appointments with an allergy specialist. He was an older, heavy man who didn't seem to care about me at all. He ordered a skin allergy test. This didn't make much sense to me either because I got the rash after taking a pill, which couldn't be properly recreated. After all that wasted time and money, the tests were inconclusive. His conclusion was he didn't know what caused the rash and I'd be fine to take a Z-Pak again if I had to. That flabbergasted me. He said I would be fine taking a medication that caused me intense pain and discomfort for almost a month. He was crazy if he thought I'd ever get near that stuff again.
During that month, I was at a restaurant with my boyfriend at the time (now husband). I was very self-conscious of the rash and noticed the smooth legs of some of the girls around us. I was feeling very insecure with my rashy and hairy (of course I couldn't shave) legs and he noticed how I was feeling without me saying a word. He whispered in my ear "You are beautiful and I love you." I will never forget that.
Thank God, after the second round of steroids, the rash did not come back. I firmly believe it was a direct reaction to taking the Z-Pak and it just took my body that long to get it out of my system.
I did learn many lessons from this experience. I gained a new appreciation for my health and I try to not take feeling good for granted. I also learned how to tell if a doctor cares about their patients or not. My experience with the primary care doctors and the allergy doctor were not good because I felt like they didn't care or believe me. They seemed to not want to say a medicine hurt me because they are making money on prescribing them.
It was easy to see the difference when I met my gynecologist who genuinely cares about me and my well being. She called me with test results, saving me from having to come in and pay for an office visit, she recommended a natural remedy instead of just throwing a prescription at me, and I can tell she really enjoys taking care of her patients and connecting with them on a personal level.
Mainly, I learned to trust myself with my health. I know my body better than anyone. You may also be wondering what I do now if I catch that type of sickness again.
The last few times I felt like I was getting sick I used an incredible home remedy. To learn more, check out my other blog, Natural Home Remedy For Strep Throat and Sinus Infections. I wouldn't wish that rash on my worst enemy and I hope this helps you navigate your path to health.
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