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Offline wayseer

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Allergic reactions
« on: May 03, 2008, 09:32:06 pm »
I'm just wondering if anyone out there has had a similar allergic reaction.

I have keep bees previous - over 60 hives - and had been stung more times than I care to remember, without any serious reaction.

Just over 3 years ago I moved to my present location and shortly after arriving got stung by a paper wasp.  No problems - a bit sore - but what the heck.  Have worked in the bush most of my life and along with bees stings, one gets a fair dose of wasp stings. This was differnt.  Within five minutes I was out like a light - a real drugged out feeling prior to collapse.  This was not the normal anaphalytic shock thing, with swollen neck and occulted airway which is life threatening.  Anyway, after a while I came round and apart from sweating profusely and feeling rather drained and tired, nothing much else.

I got a couple of other similar stings with similar reactions.  I went to Doctor and took the usually test which showed up positive to paper wasps - got a prescription for an epipen which I now carry with me at all times.  You might note I have not mentioned bees.

As the 'tests' did not prove positive to bee stings I was not all that worried when I re-engaged with my former hobby.  Indeed, on delivery I was stung a number of times - no reaction.

Then, one day, on my going through the hives, no gloves, I got stung and five minutes later I was out like a light - similar to the paper wasp episodes.  More tests - now positive to bee stings.

I had to rethink my hobby as the Doc was rather uneasy with my hobby to say the least.

But wait - there's more.  While I was waiting for the hives to build up so I could get a good price when I sold them I got stung by a paper wasp.  I waited for the inevitable reaction with epipen poised ready to use.  Nothing.  No reaction apart from localised swelling and pain - no need of epipen.  I have since been stung, a couple of times when going through the hives, even wearing gloves which I hate - and no reaction.

I related my experience to a pro beekeeper and he said another b/k friend had the same thing and sold out - so perhaps this is not all that unusual.

I am planning to have more test done to see what the current science says on the matter but I suspect something else is triggering this reaction.  Perhaps is something to do with my own bodily metabolism or something that slightly changes the chemical makeup of the venom.

So, I'm wondering if there is anyone else who has experinced, or knows of someone who has, a similar sort of thing.



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Offline Michael Bush

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2008, 09:55:28 pm »
I've never passed out, and that would worry me greatly.  But I have noticed my reactions got worse until they peaked and then they dropped to nothing.  My last reaction was my ankle swelling so much I couldn't walk.  Since then I've had no reaction other than that burn that tells you you've been stung and within a few minutes I can't tell where I got stung.
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Offline annette

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2008, 12:20:33 am »
It always seems to be different. Sometimes, just pain and swelling which go away quickly. But once on my ankle, which kept me up all night in unbelievable pain.

I think it always depends on many factors. They say the more stings you get, the better it is for you. I mean perhaps a few times a month would be good.

The less you get stung, the more severe the reaction might be the next time, is what I have heard and read.

I know I haven't been stung enough to know for sure what will happen the next time. I keep pretty much covered when working the bees, although they always get me through my gloves.

Good to have that epipen with you, but perhaps you should have someone around when you are working the bees, at least until you know how you will react.

Take care
Annette

Offline Kathyp

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2008, 12:51:52 am »
you can experience shock due to stings with out the other symptoms of anaphylaxis.  it is more common with wasp stings than bee stings.  it is potentially as dangerous as anaphylactic shock.  your organs and brain experience severe oxygen deprivation as your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops. you are fortunate that your reaction was short and you woke up.

 you don't want to give up beekeeping and you don't want to shoot up with the epi-pen every time since you don't have the reaction every time.

two things i can think of off hand.

1. make sure you are VERY WELL protected when you work your bees

2.  have someone with you who knows how and when to use the epi-pen and/or can call for help.

not much you can do about the wasps except be careful. 
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Offline wayseer

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2008, 06:44:50 am »
Thanks for you comments.  I'd like to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I have someone with me when working the hives and I am protected but you know they'll find someway in.

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Offline Kev

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2008, 09:24:03 am »
The other thing to remember is that because these are living organisms, the venom will be different in every case. Not completely different but will have subtle differences in amounts of the components.

Also there is the possibility of a cross reaction with some medication you might have been taking, if you were taking any at all. 

Allergic reactions are essentially the immune system over-reacting to a stimulus. So you can both train it not to do that with shots and accidentally set it off by exposing it to stuff regularly over time. (this latter commonly happens with latex allergy.)

Kathy has good advice, though. With a bad reaction, you don't want to take chances. It wouldn't do to pass out onto a hive.

good luck,
kev
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Offline Daddys Girl

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2008, 09:57:01 am »
I'm allergic.  I wear full protection when I work the hive and I always have someone with me in case I am stung.  We also have a very specific way in which we check brush down my suit when I leave the hive, so I don't get stung when taking off my equipment at the end.

As well, I work with a very enlightened homeopath who can treat allergies, and have been following her program (which uses the Apis remedy).

I'm very careful.  I have to be careful.

Offline JP

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2008, 10:08:58 am »
Wayseer: But wait - there's more.  While I was waiting for the hives to build up so I could get a good price when I sold them I got stung by a paper wasp.  I waited for the inevitable reaction with epipen poised ready to use.  Nothing.  No reaction apart from localised swelling and pain - no need of epipen.  I have since been stung, a couple of times when going through the hives, even wearing gloves which I hate - and no reaction.
 
My.02: Perhaps you are developing a resistance, by the increased venom in your system. People are administered venom to build a resistance so I am told. Check on this and see what you come up with. You may need to consult with a specialist who does this sort of thing. Good luck and try not to pass out on top of your hives! (hey, a lil humor never hurts, right?) :-D

Have a good day.


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Offline qa33010

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2008, 11:16:39 pm »
   Yep!  It's desensitization(-1sp).  The last time I spoke with her my sister was looking into it as an option for her severe sting allergies.  Our allergist has done it many times and says for most folks it does help.
Everyone said it couldn't be done. But he with a chuckle replied, "I won't be one to say it is so, until I give it a try."  So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin.  If he had a worry he hid it and he started to sing as he tackled that thing that couldn't be done, and he did it.  (unknown)

Offline wayseer

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2008, 08:44:59 am »
Thanks for your interest and humour - we can do with that.

I wear full protection and have a watcher, my wife, who makes sure there are no loose bees about.  There is always one that wants to carry on after the whow is over.  I hate gloves as I cannot feel the bees any longer, but there you go. I take a antihestimine before going to the hives which may be working.  And I know the signs now - takes hold about five mintues after the sting to effect me.

The dilation of the blood vessels may well be what is happening as has been suggested.  This would explain the 'faint' like reaction - air hunger.  I reacll one time I was yelling to myself as I made my way home and apart from feeling giddy made it home - groggy but did not pass out.  The yelling would have caused me to breather deeper.  Good point to remember.

But it seems I'm not alone - which was one of my reasons for posting.  Others manage - and besides there are worst ways to die.   
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Offline Ross

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Re: Allergic reactions
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2008, 02:29:26 pm »
I picked up some new bees from another area and got popped a couple of times on the hand.  I had swelling and fever in the hand for 3 days.  I never get much reaction from my bee stings.  I chalked it up to different serum in those bees, different reaction from my body. 
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