Extreme reaction to injection at dentist

[Marilyn1959]

I often have my teeth out, so am no stranger to injections at dentist. Had to have four teeth out on Tuesday. As dentist put in injections in bottom gum, I experienced sudden onset of rapid palpitations. (I have been diagnosed with atrial flutter and frequent supraventricular ectopics.) The palpitations were quickly followed by severe, unbearable pain in lower back (base of spine). I have experienced this sudden pain on three occasions before. The first was following a car accident 15 years ago when someone drove into the back of my car. (Trauma)Hospital said area was bruised.

The second time was as I walked into appeal meeting re capabilty and sickness absence of a member of staff. (Stress / emotional). 12 years ago.

The third was when presenting a memorial trophy in memory of our music teacher who had died from motor neuron disease. (Stress / emotional). 10 years ago.

The dentist said he thought it might be because he had used more adrenaline for injections in bottom gum.

The mention of adrenaline and today's news about cortisone in relation to Covid 19 treatment, has made me wonder whether I am having issues with adrenal glands? I was on 7mgs for over a year and finally reduced to 6.5mgs about four months ago. This reduction saw loss in weight and gain in energy. Occasionally a bit stiff in mornings until I walk about abit, but other than that ok. However heart problems possibly coincided with drop in pred but can't be sure.

Any thoughts / observations welcome.

[Maisiek]

I have always had to have non Adrenalin injections at the dentist because of palpitations , but your reaction sounds worse :I’m sure the experts will be on soon :

Good luck x

[Marilyn1959 in reply to Maisiek]

Does the non adrenalin injection make the area numb still so that you don't feel the pain?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marilyn1959]

Oh yes - from that point of view there is no difference.

[SnazzyD]

I can’t have adrenaline at the dentist due to palpitations and oddly I go completely drunk as in can’t see straight or sit up but I don’t stop talking. The dentist said it is adrenaline but I don’t know about the drunk bit as I can’t see the reason for it. However, since he’s not used it, I've been fine.

[Marilyn1959 in reply to SnazzyD]

Why give adrenaline injections in the first place?

[SnazzyD in reply to Marilyn1959]

It helps to stop bleeding and infection because it is a vasoconstrictor

[SheffieldJane]

I am trying to remember where I have read something that associates low back pain with the Adrenal function. I just feel as if I have. My dentist doesn’t use Adrenaline with the Novocain.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

You will get back pain in adrenal insufficiency - sort of kidney region since the adrenals are close to the kidneys (the clue is in the name )

[Rugger]

I experienced the sudden palpitations when a dentist was injecting before a filling. He explained that it was because he had hit a vein and some of the adrenaline was delivered straight into my circulation, rather than remaining in the tissues in my mouth. It soon resolved and I don't remember any back pain.

[Ansteynomad]

I would say this is related to adrenaline and the pain is direct from your adrenal glands. The dentist can give you injections without adrenaline if needed for future treatment.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can have these unpleasant reactions to local anaesthetic at the dentist even without having been on pred. It used to happen to me and I eventually stopped having injections for fillings because I felt so ill afterwards. Then a superb dentist asked me why - I explained and she told me to try local anaesthetic without adrenaline. It is included to reduce bleeding as it constricts the blood vessels in that area. Since then - far less pain and discomfort at the dentist!!!!!!

I had palpitations which improved a lot on higher doses of pred but they are due to the autoimmune part of PMR, they started about the same time as the first PMR symptoms.

[Anna135]

I agree it could be related to adrenals, as a reaction to the adrenalin in the injection.

I have been dealing with secondary adrenal insufficiency for 3 years now (caused by being on prednisone for so long), and pain in my lower back is a warning sign for me that my adrenals are struggling (I had it for 3 days leading up to an adrenal crisis last December), so now when it happens I recognise the sign and updose my steroids to avoid getting that bad again.

[Nannie-C in reply to Anna135]

Is that the only sign you get about the adrenal insufficiency?

[Anna135 in reply to Nannie-C]

No, I also will get things like severe diarrhoea, fatigue, and nausea, but the lower back pain can sometimes be an early warning sign for me that starts before those others.

[RoadTrip]

Many thanks for this thread and everyone’s comments.

Just been to dentist, prior to considering taking AA (still awaiting bone density test as well). Unfortunately I need a filling, I discussed the pain killer injection with dentist and happy to give me the one without adrenaline.

Many thanks, may have avoided a bad reaction.👍