BEE STINGS

frank_f15 · Aug 25, 2005

BEE STINGS

I know i could have added to previous post but i thiught this was improtant enought to deserve it's own thread. LAST juluy 4th (2004) i got stung, went into very critical reaction, ambulance was called and i spent th whole day in hospital, seems i suddendly developed a n allergic reaction to bee stings. so i got a rescription for na EPIPEN, take it where ever i go, well to day the wife was off to work and i was doing some tractor work , when don't i distrb a n under ground nest of YELLOW JACKETS, got out of ther quick with nary a bite, got back to the house and then got stung a good 200 ft from where i was working, as soon as i knew it was a bee sting( tingling around the lips, and hives) i imeadiatly injected the epipen and went to the hospital, where the gave me another shot and more meds, only stayed 2 hrs, but the DR. said the best thing i did was inject, a lot of people come in with epipen in hand and never inject themselvs, i guess the whole object of this post is to tell folks that are allergic, to use the EPIPEN when you need it. don't try to be MACHO , if not sure , inject anyway and get MEDICAL attention. IT can be life threating. I CAME HOME IN A FEW HRS. AND WAS STILL ABLE TO MESS AROUND IN THE YARD .
sorry for the long post but thought it was necessay, for those afflicted with this allergy , never be far from you meds AND USE IT

Bob_Skurka · Aug 25, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Frank, interesting timing, my female Akita was stung by a hornet this afternoon, she starting vomiting and her personality changed from docile and friendly to aggressive, barking and growling. My wife rushed her to the vet. I don't know what the treatment was, but she is fine now, except for the swelling from visible bite bump on her lip.

DocHeb · Aug 25, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Just remember, if you've had significant reactions in the past - you must seek medical care after the EpiPen injection. Its purpose is a temporary treatment to hold you over until you get medical care, and its effects can wear off over a period of 20 - 30 minutes.

Dargo · Aug 25, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Yeow! I'm glad to hear that you are okay. It seems strange, but I used to have allergic reactions to bee stings, but sometime in the last 20 years or so I somehow have managed to lose that allergic reaction. I'm not complaining, but it sure seems odd. Like you, there was no mistaking the reaction before when I was stung. I only found out that I'm no longer allergic because I'd long ago lost my Epipen and never bothered to worry. I know, bad idea. I just got lucky and managed to change.

Figure this though, now I'm allergic to watermellon! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I didn't used to be, but now I'm definitely allergic to any sort of mellon. I get similar reactions to the bee sting, but inside my mouth and throat. Not fun! I don't claim to understand. Anyway, I'm gald you are well.

frank_f15 · Aug 25, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

that is exactly what i did, once i knew i was having a reaction, jabed the pen in my thigh and went straight to emergency rm.

that is what the instructions on the epipen said and that is what my Dr. said, so that is what i did,. and i am the better for it. kind of scarry tho now,. ut what the heck , just be as careful as i can and always be prepared.

DocHeb · Aug 25, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Most people I've treated for severe (anaphylactic) reactions to beestings remember an overwhelming sense of doom that suddenly washes over their entire body. More than one have hit the door moaning "I'm gonna die". I personally would prefer to never have that feeling.

Since you've had a really bad reaction in the past, talk with your doctor about having a carry-along kit for any time you're out a long way from health care. This kit should contain two Epipens (in case one misfires), oral antihistamines, oral Histamine-2 blockers, and oral steroids. This may give you a little extra time if you're a long way out.

You should also consider a consult with an allergist about the possiblility of desensitization therapy.

frank_f15 · Aug 26, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

CHRIS: I am never away from medical care as i don't hit the outback anymore , But i still think i will follow your advise and see about getting that carry along kit. i guess it goes along with the addage , better have it AND NOT NEED IT than to NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT.

Richard · Aug 26, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Sadly, a father of a friend of my nephew is dead. I didn't know the guy but I'd guess he was in his early/mid 40's. He was out cutting grass, got stung, had a reaction and went into anaphalactic (sp?) shock and died.

The boy is 16 years old and lost his father. (obviously as well as the wife losing husband).

Much better to err on safety.

ejtaylor822 · Aug 26, 2005

Re: BEE STINGS

Frank, glad to hear your alright. Were you allergic to bee stings before, or, was July 4th last year the first time you had a reaction? Just curious....

-Eddie