Allergic to local anaesthetic...alternatives?

I was due to have my final appointment at the breast clinic this week after surgery, radiotherapy and 5 years of hormone therapy but was recalled for another mammogram as suspicious calcifications were found.

I need a steriostatic biopsy and I'm allergic to local anaesthetic since an injection for trigger finger put me into anaphylactic shock 2 years ago. 

I was under the impression from my GP that I was on a list for allergy testing but was informed today that they don't test for allergies to medications ???

 I'm really hoping I've been misinformed.

I contacted my breast care nurse who said that she is looking into alternatives for me however, the only alternative she could think of at the time is having a doctor in the same room with an eppi pen and staying at the hospital for a few hours afterwards.

Surely I can't be the only person with an allergy to local anaesthetic.

Please tell me I'm not alone and someone else has walked this particular tight rope before me. 

Any suggestions whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. 

I'm at a loss as to know how to proceed. 

Thanks 

 

 

 

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I'm sorry you have these concerns about your upcoming breast biopsy, I can understand your worry.

    Unfortunately I am not sure what to suggest in this situation as this would need a conversation with an anaesthetist (who is the specialist in this field) in how best to take this forward.

    You have said you have contacted your breast care nurse and explained what happened. I wonder if you also have the contact details of your consultant so you can arrange to talk it through with them. Anyone who has had an anaphylaxis or reaction to a medication would have it documented in their medical notes, so other health professionals would be able to read about the incident. It should be clear from your notes what type of anaesthetic you had in case they may be other medications that can be used instead. But an anaesthetist would be best placed to review this and make a decision in your interests. 

    Take care Maggie, and I'm sorry I am do not know exactly what may happen in this situation, but the doctors involved will be able to help as they will be used to dealing with other patients with drug allergies. If you find that you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040, and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.