Rick,

Epipens are fine - the problem is that the people administer them in
a panic sometimes and do so wrongly (the classic mistake is to
administer them upside down!) and sometimes adrenaline is not enough
to stop a major anaphylactic reaction. It is hugely sensible to
carry one because they can save your life but there is no
guarantee. The best suggestion is not to have an anaphylactic
reaction in the first place - and insect sting allergy is one of the
few allergies that can be treated! Aren't we lucky...!

Even though I have now been desensitized I still carry two epipens
around with me at all times (pain though it is!) just in case.
However, if I do get stung I shall be just fine and it is more for
reassurance of family and friends than for me now!

Sofar as I am aware you are unlikely to be anaphylactic to other
things just because you have had an anaphylactic reaction to insect
sting venom - certainly my allergist has not suggested that I have
more tests.

Going privately in the UK is sensible and possibly the best thing to
do is to contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign
(http://www.anaphylaxis.org) who might be able to give you the names
of your local allergy specialists. The north of England is less
well provided for than the south for allergists so it might not be
that easy.

Keep in touch!

David