Just over 6 weeks ago, I had a pretty bad reaction to a sting just above my eyebrow. Ended up in the ER. So after getting feedback on this site and suggestions to get to an Allergist and get tested, I did just that. They have to wait 6 weeks after your last sting to test properly. So today after 27 shots testing for Honey Bee, White Hornet, Yellow Hornet, Wasp and Yellow Jacket, I came back positive for the Honey Bee. I already have had Epi pens since that last sting. I've been working the bees, but being fully suited when I go anywhere near our hives. My wife and I also successfully captured our first two swarms within the last two weeks, so beekeeping will continue. I fell in love with the hobby that we jumped into last year. We've grown from 2 to 10 hives.
After discussion with the Doc, I will follow up with the Desensitization process with shots, and the probability it may take up to 5 years to get "fixed". My insurance does no look like they'll be any help really, not surprised at that. The Doc can get me coupons so I can get more Epi pens to make them readily available during this process, and have them at work, home, the barn, and other places I frequent.
The fact is during this time of year I could get stung just about anywhere I am. The bees don't care if I'm a beek or not. The odds of getting stung increase with the sheer number of bees on our land. Also those odds increase with how frequently I work the hives, so I'll probably cut back on some activities. We did a split last weekend that got a little hairy for example. My thought is if I beekeep smart, keep covered, and go through the desensitization process there's no reason that I can't remain involved in this hobby I love. Some will probably never be affected adversely by a sting, others allergic reactions to stings can change during the course of their lives. Just be aware of how a sting affects your body, and your system so that you can take appropriate action if necessary.
Some people might think I'm a bit crazy to stay in beekeeping, I think if I gave it up it'd make me crazy.
After discussion with the Doc, I will follow up with the Desensitization process with shots, and the probability it may take up to 5 years to get "fixed". My insurance does no look like they'll be any help really, not surprised at that. The Doc can get me coupons so I can get more Epi pens to make them readily available during this process, and have them at work, home, the barn, and other places I frequent.
The fact is during this time of year I could get stung just about anywhere I am. The bees don't care if I'm a beek or not. The odds of getting stung increase with the sheer number of bees on our land. Also those odds increase with how frequently I work the hives, so I'll probably cut back on some activities. We did a split last weekend that got a little hairy for example. My thought is if I beekeep smart, keep covered, and go through the desensitization process there's no reason that I can't remain involved in this hobby I love. Some will probably never be affected adversely by a sting, others allergic reactions to stings can change during the course of their lives. Just be aware of how a sting affects your body, and your system so that you can take appropriate action if necessary.
Some people might think I'm a bit crazy to stay in beekeeping, I think if I gave it up it'd make me crazy.