Anaphylaxis

The official cause of Erica's death from the medical examiner is anaphylaxis.  Although in their report they could find no trigger that lead to her reaction.  Therefore it was deemed an accidental death.  The antibiotic that she was on, Bactrim ds, wasn't even found in her system.  This prompted me to do a little research.  It seems that the medical community has started to notice and use a term called, stress-induced anaphylaxis.  Exercise and anxiety can also increase your risk of anaphylaxis.  In summary we will never know exactly what triggered Erica's anaphylaxis.

Quote:  

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
- Reinhold Niebuhr

The Cause of Death

At this time what the Doctors believe happened was Erica had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic she was taking after having a minor out-patient surgery a week prior.  The medical examiner report won't be finished until sometime in June.  I will let you know the antibiotic after we have confirmation. 

Erica's Senior Picture

It is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that a simple thing like an antibiotic took my sisters life.  Everyday millions of people take medications in the hopes it will make them better.  In this case it did the complete opposite.  Now my two nieces are without their Mother.  My heart breaks for them and for our family.