OK loosen up this is important.
Those not up to speed might want to read this first
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,14970.0.htmlOK - now for the update. I happened to be speaking to the Apiary Officer with the DPI here in Queensland about other issues when he bought up my allergic reaction to bees. It seems that this particular reaction has happened to a couple of other beekeepers in Qld and from anecdotal evidence it seems to have to do with the taking of anti-inflamatory drugs.
Many beekeepers suffer from back problems - well lugging around FD super full of honey is it any wonder! It so happens that those suffering with such problems are prescribed anti-inflamatory drugs by their local GP. Now I am no medico or otherwise proficient but it seems that there are two groups of anti-inflamatory drugs, one is an asprin base and the another from some other base. It is the 'other' base that is the problem. According to the Apiary Officer, the asprin base causes no such reaction - the 'other' base is triggers the reaction I have previously described when coupled with bee venom.
Which explains my reaction - I have been taking an anti-inflamatory for by spasmotic back spasms and bingo - when stung down I went.
As I only take the drug ocassionally the residue in my body has since worn off and as a consequence explains why I now don't suffer that particualr reaction - just local swelling and redness.
Perhaps it is well to be advised - not only for your own infomation but in case it happens to someone near you. If you're on anti-inflamatories be prepared when dealing with bees.