I wanted to reiterate that I am not questioning carrying epi pens, as I feel a bit in control knowing I have immediate access to them.  And I'm willling to take the risk of sulfites in the epi pens. But I can also see how this risk may too high for others.  

But I do think think a different issue is the barrage of preservatives and additives in every medication I've been given in the hospital, doctor's office or dentist.  I've reacted when I shouldn't have, and instead of considering an allergy to each of those active ingredients, I'm finding patterns in the inactive ingredients, mainly the known degranulators.  While I have done a decent job of sorting out my reactions to pills, I began to look at the injectable meds and found likely trends here.  

And while I have several willing knowledgable physicians and even a mast cell expert on board with my case, I do not for a second believe they have an innate knowledge of these preservatives, additives and dyes, or how they trigger mast cells to degranulate .  They have all told me to avoid the things that make me ill.  As I am figuring this out, I am sharing with others in case this helps you figure out your own triggers.  It is all about connecting the dots.  

Redbird, thanks for the tip on giving us IV benedryl slowly and not in a bolus.  Good to know.

I love that this forum provides a environment to throw out ideas and experiences and see what others have learned and experienced. That varied viewpoint has helped shape my approach to this lousy disorder and most importantly validate what I had been thinking or considering or steering me in a different direction.  

Best wishes on connecting your own dots.  
Lyn  
   

Redbird,

  About the Benadryl, this has been a huge worry for me because of the 2 "reactions" I had to it when given IV.  I thought it was a preservative, but maybe not.  

  When you say injection, did you mean IV?  I haven't had a problem with a regular injection in my hip and I don't think they'll give those slowly, but I did have a huge problem with it by IV.  Did you have one to an injection?  

  The second time I had a problem, I thought she was giving it to me very slowly when my throat suddenly and completely closed again.  It only lasted a few seconds, but scare the heck out of me.  I wasn't sure if it was a vocal chord problem or muscular or what.

  Do you know where I can read about this happening with Benadryl?  Was it your particular doctor who said to give it over 2 minutes just for you, or would other doctors know that, too?  Did you have a reaction from having it too quickly, too?

Thanks, Redbird.  I will.