Bad reaction to bee sting!

[Hnybkpr]

Bad reaction to bee sting!
This is my 5 year keeping bees. I have been stung many times with nothing more than a whelp the size of a quarter. Went out to refill their sugar water yesterday evening and on the way back, ended up getting stung on the my face. Both hands and feet went bright red and swelled up. Then had a bad rash all over. Ended up going to the hospital, they gave me some drugs and such. Everything is good now but my doctor said the next one could be worse. Any suggestions on what I can do or why this happened?

[Mr.Beeman]

Can't help you much with your predicament, but when I get tagged I have to down about half a bottle of benadryl.

[Jay Burgess]

same thing happened to me at 5 years and many stings I was driving home from an out yard and felt somthing crawing on my ankle I squished the bee and she hit me must have hit a nerve or vain. By the time I got home I could hardly walk on the golf ball size welts on my feet. Eyes swelled the works , never effected my breathing. Went to Doc got a shot and now have appi pen...just in case have not been stung in 2 years now but I suit up for everything now and use smoke, no more casual openings.I must say my girls have been sweet harts and I am slowly taking more chances. I almost cant wait to get stung again.....but I will try not to. Some times we get stung for no other reason but being in their flight path.good luck

[beemandan]

It would be wise, in my opinion, to make an appointment to see an allergist. Your doc might be right. The morning after your next sting....you might just wake up dead.

[Daniel Y]

I had a reaction to a hornet sting to my upper lip years ago that was life threatening. I was told the same thing. The next sting could be worse. in fact the next sting I had no reaction. In my case the reaction was due to the location of the sting. as I understand it the venom reached my sinuses. This then caused the venom to be passed through my entire body. It is possible this throughout my body invasion of the venom caused my immune system to over react. That reaction could have been fatal.

That this in fact can happen from venom reaching the sinuses. I have wondered if there are other glands and organs that can cause similar reactions such a lymph nodes etc. I also wonder if what are considered allergic reactions to bees is not often the result of a sting to a gland or specific location to the body.

At any rate I highly recommend you be tested for allergy to bee venom rather than waiting to see if you have another reaction to a sting.

[lazy shooter]

I have been stung several times, and only once did it swell. All of my other bee stings have resulted in a red spot the size of a quarter or less. The next day there may or may not be some minor itching. But, one sting between my left thumb and index finger swelled the back of my hand for two days, and it itched unmercifully the next day. I have been stung since then with the usual results. My standard operation procedure is to apply meat tenderizer as soon as back to the ranch headquarters and take a slug of liquid benadril.

From reading several such threads as this, it is apparent that the location of the sting is paramount to the sting results. I am going to make more effort to keep from being stung, period.

[beemandan]

it is apparent that the location of the sting is paramount to the sting results.

For local reactions, I think you are right. If you are allergic to bee venom....I don't believe it matters.

[johng]

You probably need to go and see an allergist. They can do some test to find out just how allergic you maybe to bee stings. And if need be they can start desensitizing therapy. The type of reaction you describe is the kind you have to really worry about.

[Bee Bliss]

Bee venom DOES travel in the blood stream.