Protamine Allergy-Are there any substitutes?

[hiker]

I had my second open heart surgery for a valve repair December 05. I had an almost fatal reaction to the protamine that is used to reverse the effects of heparin. I am facing another surgery but am putting it off because of my allergy to protamine. My cardiologist said that I can just go on steroids before surgery. I have real doubts about that and have seen no literature supporting that as a fix. Have any of you experienced this? Any ideas or literature for me to search would be appreciated.

 

[geebee]

I am not sure about protamine but I do know that steroids are wonderful for combatting allergic reactions. I am allergic to iodine dye but something like a cath is almost useless without it. My cardio gave me a shot of Medrol when they started prepping me for the cath and then oral Medrol for a few days after and I had no problems.

However, can't they give you plasma to reverse heparin? May not be as fast but it sure does work.