Hi folks, just to add my two penneth!! I had no problems getting referral
form GP to allergist, appointment came through almost straight away and I
had a wait of about 6 weeks. The hospital is Jimmies in Leeds and they have
an immunology and allergy department. At my first visit they took a
detailed med history and blow by blow account of the anaphylactic episode,
also blood and various other tests including chest x-ray and spleen/liver
exam because I also have a very rare skin disease. I go back for results on
29th October, in the meantime the Dr is writing to the consultant I see for
other skin problem at St Thomas in London to clarify position regarding that
and any interference or problems having the two things might create. Blood
will be tested for allergy level and also exact allergies as apparently
there are other things as well as venom, or in the venom (can't remember
exactly what he said now) he will decide then what my treatment will be,
de-sensitisation is not an automatic treatment. Dr told me best defence
and medicine is not to get stung again and recommended mostly common sense
approach including not walking around in bare feet as apparently most stings
happen this way specially in Spring and Autumn when buzzies are dozy and
drop to the floor half dead!! I have pen but he doesn't want me to use it
unless it's life or death until we have all the test results, if I'm unlucky
enough to get stung again I am to take strong prescribed antihistamine
straight way and get to hospital PDQ!!! I was very impressed with the
attention I received and would recommend Jimmies if folks have an option to
select where they get their care.

All the very best to you all!!

Annie :o)

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Glaser" <david@...>
To: <insectstings@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 9:43 AM
Subject: [insectstings] Re: Epipens and specialists


> 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
>
>
>
>
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