Thanks very much for all the advice. I will be making an appointment
with my GP soon anyway (I've just had surgery) and I will be sure to
bring it up. Better safe than sorry, and to know for sure how bad my
reaction would now be. As I said, my main concern at the time was the
systemic symptoms, the itching and wheezing.

I also react to a few other things: penicillins make me erupt all over
in purple hives and wheeze, another antibiotic (chloramphenicol)
caused my entire face to swell up so that I couldn't open my eyes,
various detergents cause itching and wheezing, a (possibly horsefly)
bite on my cheek caused my face to swell and need hydrocortisone
cream, peanuts seem to cause me watering eyes, runny nose, throat
tightening, wheezing and coughing, itching etc, so I really need to
get those tested as well, just to be safe. When I was younger, too
much dairy would make me wheezy too, but I think that might have
resolved now.

In the past, as a child and teenager, I was just "atopic" and told to
avoid things that upset me as allergy testing was too expensive and
probably not worth it, but nowadays, with allergy testing available
much more, it's something I think I should pursue. The only good thing
so far is that the most severe problems, the peanut related ones, tend
to pass off in about 15-30 minutes with antihistamines and ventolin,
just leaving the itchiness and tiredness.

I do, now, live up north (ish) in Cheshire. Up until a year ago I
lived in the south east, and apart from at the beginning of the
summer, I've not seen any wasps. It was a bit of a problem then,
because my bedroom window seemed to be in the middle of their flight
path, and I had about half a dozen in my room in the space of a few
hours, plus more on and off for a few days. Quite disturbing to see
them chewing at the woodwork! They were big beggers as well, around an
inch long. At first I thought they might be hornets, but looking at
pictures they were definitely common wasps (yellowjackets) and the
markings didn't look like queens, just common female workers. It was a
pain getting rid of them too, because I keep rats, so I can't spray
any chemicals in the room or to kill them, so I had to be very very
decisive with the newspaper. After that first day, I kept my window
shut, and they still managed to find their way into the house.
Apparently, last year there was a nest of them in the front of the
house under the eaves which needed to be professionally removed. I'm
just very glad they didn't return again this year.

Anyway, thanks once again for all your advice and reassurances.
Hopefully it will turn out that my reaction hasn't worsened any
further, and if it has, at least I'll have the medication available to
deal with the worst.

Andy.

Hi Andy,

My GP hasn't referred me to an allergist (yet) but I do have 2
Epipens.

I have had 2 anaphalactic shocks (first one 2 years ago, second last
summer).  My GP advised me to take a double dose of anti-histamine
and wait to see what happened next - with an Epipen and phone at the
ready.

For me, taking the double does of anithist. worked and although my
BP dropped thru the floor and my throat went a little tight it was
nothing like the first reaction.  Mind first time I had stood on a
wasps next and had been stung 8 times - top to toe.

If I was out on my own I would take the antihist and call an
ambulance as once my BP has gone I am out of it for a couple of
days.  In this incidence my GP said I should shoot the Epipen whilst
waiting for the cavalry.

I think most people on this site actively avoid wasps!  The advice
given is to avoid wearing perfume, hairspray, brightly coloured
clothing, eating and drinking sweet things outdoors and keep
awayfrom bins!

Good news is that if you live in the UK - especially in the North
like me you learn to LOVE winter!

I understand your concerns about not wanting to appear neurotic (One
of my kids has only recently been diagnosed with dairy and wheat
intolerance after a long journey of tests to find out why he wasn't
grwoing - at nearly 14 he weighed 5 1/2 stone!  you KNOW something
is wrong! - he has since grown 5cm and put on 1 stone in 5 months ...

2 poeple died this summer of wasp stings.  Your GP should be aware
of the condition even if they don't know all the detail.

Good luck - let us know how you get on

Maggie

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "niklasa_uk" <niklasa_uk@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm a 29 year old lass and I wanted to ask advice on my own
> experiences with wasps. I know I'm allergic to them, and the
allergic
> response seems to be worsening each time I am stung. However
> (stupidly) I've never sought medical attention while I've had these
> stings.
>
> The first time I was stung I was just a baby, 18 months old. I can
> vaguely remember crying my eyes out because it hurt like crazy (I
> apparently sat on it bare bottomed!) but obviously I can't really
> remember the reaction I had. I presume not serious as no medical
> advice was sought by my parents.
>
> The second sting was when I was about 8 or so. I was stung on my
> middle finger just once, and my whole hand puffed up, up to the
wrist.
> Again, I don't believe any medical attention was sought for that,
> beyond my mum giving me antihistamines. I can't remember how long
that
> lasted for, however.
>
> The third sting, which is the one that really raised my concerns,
was
> midway up the inside of my thigh. It occurred at the end of the
summer
> of 1996. The sting itself was a very raised, very angry-looking red
> welt that was about the size of a side plate (I guess 6 or 7 inches
> diameter?) and raised a good quarter of an inch above the
surrounding
> skin. It came up within a minute or so I think - not long anyway.
> Within 10 or 15 minutes, my entire thigh started swelling and
ended up
> with a circumference of about 8 inches more than my other thigh; I
> can't remember exactly how long that took, but it was certainly
that
> swollen the next morning. I could hardly bend my knee because of
the
> swelling and my hip was stiff and painful to move. More
frighteningly,
> I was itchy all over my neck, chest and back, and somewhat wheezy
(not
> to the point where I was struggling to breathe but definitely
> noticable). It took about 3 days for the wheezing and itching to
go,
> and at least a week for the swelling to completely settle.
However, I
> stupidly didn't seek medical attention (for reasons explained
below),
> I just took more antihistamines and Ventolin (an asthma reliever
> medication I was already prescribed).
>
> It's now been 10 years since my last sting, but I've never spoken
to a
> doctor about it - simply because I fear that if I go into the
surgery
> and report my last reaction, they won't believe me or take me
> seriously. Unfortunately, I've had much of that attitude of
disbelief
> and condescension in relation to another chronic health condition I
> have and I fear the same attitude with this, or that I'll be
dismissed
> as yet another person following the fashion for self-diagnosed
> allergies. That's why I've put it off for the last 8 years. At the
> time, I didn't even connect how serious the reaction was; I just
> assumed I was a bit more sensitive than most and it flared up my
> pre-existing mild asthma and hayfever problems. It was only as I
got a
> little older that I started to link my reactions to the kind of
> progression that can all too easily end in anaphylaxis. By that
point,
> a good 18 months or so had passed and I was faced with the
difficulty
> of reporting a reaction that I should have sought help for at the
> time. Knowing what a muppet I'd been, combined with the fashion for
> self-diagnosis and how doctors respond to that, plus my own
negative
> experiences, I am struggling to convince myself that seeing a
doctor
> would be positive.
>
> What do you think? Am I being overconcerned in thinking an epipen
> might be a wise move? Am I being paranoid in avoiding wasps like
the
> plague in fear of the next sting? Does anyone have any good advice
on
> approaching the doctors without sounding hysterical or like a
> hypochondriac? Any advice at all would be great, because the last
> thing I want to go through is another severe allergic reaction or
> (heaven forbid) full-blown anaphylaxis.
>
> Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice.
>
> Andy.
>

Hi Andy,

 

Whether you are neurotic or not there is nothing wrong in asking your doctor for a referral to an allergist. 

 

If you get peace of mind from it then I would suggest you do it - if you are not allergic then you can relax and if you are allergic, well you can relax too because you were right.  If you are asthmatic then it is all the more appropriate to voice you concerns - so, go for it and don't worry about what your doctor thinks of you!

 

David

 

 

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: niklasa_uk

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 9:51 PM

Subject: [insectstings] Just some advice needed please

Hi all,

I'm a 29 year old lass and I wanted to ask advice on my own
experiences with wasps. I know I'm allergic to them, and the allergic
response seems to be worsening each time I am stung. However
(stupidly) I've never sought medical attention while I've had these
stings.

The first time I was stung I was just a baby, 18 months old. I can
vaguely remember crying my eyes out because it hurt like crazy (I
apparently sat on it bare bottomed!) but obviously I can't really
remember the reaction I had. I presume not serious as no medical
advice was sought by my parents.

The second sting was when I was about 8 or so. I was stung on my
middle finger just once, and my whole hand puffed up, up to the wrist.
Again, I don't believe any medical attention was sought for that,
beyond my mum giving me antihistamines. I can't remember how long that
lasted for, however.

The third sting, which is the one that really raised my concerns, was
midway up the inside of my thigh. It occurred at the end of the summer
of 1996. The sting itself was a very raised, very angry-looking red
welt that was about the size of a side plate (I guess 6 or 7 inches
diameter?) and raised a good quarter of an inch above the surrounding
skin. It came up within a minute or so I think - not long anyway.
Within 10 or 15 minutes, my entire thigh started swelling and ended up
with a circumference of about 8 inches more than my other thigh; I
can't remember exactly how long that took, but it was certainly that
swollen the next morning. I could hardly bend my knee because of the
swelling and my hip was stiff and painful to move. More frighteningly,
I was itchy all over my neck, chest and back, and somewhat wheezy (not
to the point where I was struggling to breathe but definitely
noticable). It took about 3 days for the wheezing and itching to go,
and at least a week for the swelling to completely settle. However, I
stupidly didn't seek medical attention (for reasons explained below),
I just took more antihistamines and Ventolin (an asthma reliever
medication I was already prescribed).

It's now been 10 years since my last sting, but I've never spoken to a
doctor about it - simply because I fear that if I go into the surgery
and report my last reaction, they won't believe me or take me
seriously. Unfortunately, I've had much of that attitude of disbelief
and condescension in relation to another chronic health condition I
have and I fear the same attitude with this, or that I'll be dismissed
as yet another person following the fashion for self-diagnosed
allergies. That's why I've put it off for the last 8 years. At the
time, I didn't even connect how serious the reaction was; I just
assumed I was a bit more sensitive than most and it flared up my
pre-existing mild asthma and hayfever problems. It was only as I got a
little older that I started to link my reactions to the kind of
progression that can all too easily end in anaphylaxis. By that point,
a good 18 months or so had passed and I was faced with the difficulty
of reporting a reaction that I should have sought help for at the
time. Knowing what a muppet I'd been, combined with the fashion for
self-diagnosis and how doctors respond to that, plus my own negative
experiences, I am struggling to convince myself that seeing a doctor
would be positive.

What do you think? Am I being overconcerned in thinking an epipen
might be a wise move? Am I being paranoid in avoiding wasps like the
plague in fear of the next sting? Does anyone have any good advice on
approaching the doctors without sounding hysterical or like a
hypochondriac? Any advice at all would be great, because the last
thing I want to go through is another severe allergic reaction or
(heaven forbid) full-blown anaphylaxis.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice.

Andy.

From: niklasa_uk

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 9:51 PM

Subject: [insectstings] Just some advice needed please

Hi all,

I'm a 29 year old lass and I wanted to ask advice on my own
experiences with wasps. I know I'm allergic to them, and the allergic
response seems to be worsening each time I am stung. However
(stupidly) I've never sought medical attention while I've had these
stings.

The first time I was stung I was just a baby, 18 months old. I can
vaguely remember crying my eyes out because it hurt like crazy (I
apparently sat on it bare bottomed!) but obviously I can't really
remember the reaction I had. I presume not serious as no medical
advice was sought by my parents.

The second sting was when I was about 8 or so. I was stung on my
middle finger just once, and my whole hand puffed up, up to the wrist.
Again, I don't believe any medical attention was sought for that,
beyond my mum giving me antihistamines. I can't remember how long that
lasted for, however.

The third sting, which is the one that really raised my concerns, was
midway up the inside of my thigh. It occurred at the end of the summer
of 1996. The sting itself was a very raised, very angry-looking red
welt that was about the size of a side plate (I guess 6 or 7 inches
diameter?) and raised a good quarter of an inch above the surrounding
skin. It came up within a minute or so I think - not long anyway.
Within 10 or 15 minutes, my entire thigh started swelling and ended up
with a circumference of about 8 inches more than my other thigh; I
can't remember exactly how long that took, but it was certainly that
swollen the next morning. I could hardly bend my knee because of the
swelling and my hip was stiff and painful to move. More frighteningly,
I was itchy all over my neck, chest and back, and somewhat wheezy (not
to the point where I was struggling to breathe but definitely
noticable). It took about 3 days for the wheezing and itching to go,
and at least a week for the swelling to completely settle. However, I
stupidly didn't seek medical attention (for reasons explained below),
I just took more antihistamines and Ventolin (an asthma reliever
medication I was already prescribed).

It's now been 10 years since my last sting, but I've never spoken to a
doctor about it - simply because I fear that if I go into the surgery
and report my last reaction, they won't believe me or take me
seriously. Unfortunately, I've had much of that attitude of disbelief
and condescension in relation to another chronic health condition I
have and I fear the same attitude with this, or that I'll be dismissed
as yet another person following the fashion for self-diagnosed
allergies. That's why I've put it off for the last 8 years. At the
time, I didn't even connect how serious the reaction was; I just
assumed I was a bit more sensitive than most and it flared up my
pre-existing mild asthma and hayfever problems. It was only as I got a
little older that I started to link my reactions to the kind of
progression that can all too easily end in anaphylaxis. By that point,
a good 18 months or so had passed and I was faced with the difficulty
of reporting a reaction that I should have sought help for at the
time. Knowing what a muppet I'd been, combined with the fashion for
self-diagnosis and how doctors respond to that, plus my own negative
experiences, I am struggling to convince myself that seeing a doctor
would be positive.

What do you think? Am I being overconcerned in thinking an epipen
might be a wise move? Am I being paranoid in avoiding wasps like the
plague in fear of the next sting? Does anyone have any good advice on
approaching the doctors without sounding hysterical or like a
hypochondriac? Any advice at all would be great, because the last
thing I want to go through is another severe allergic reaction or
(heaven forbid) full-blown anaphylaxis.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice.

Andy.

Hi all,

I'm a 29 year old lass and I wanted to ask advice on my own
experiences with wasps. I know I'm allergic to them, and the allergic
response seems to be worsening each time I am stung. However
(stupidly) I've never sought medical attention while I've had these
stings.

The first time I was stung I was just a baby, 18 months old. I can
vaguely remember crying my eyes out because it hurt like crazy (I
apparently sat on it bare bottomed!) but obviously I can't really
remember the reaction I had. I presume not serious as no medical
advice was sought by my parents.

The second sting was when I was about 8 or so. I was stung on my
middle finger just once, and my whole hand puffed up, up to the wrist.
Again, I don't believe any medical attention was sought for that,
beyond my mum giving me antihistamines. I can't remember how long that
lasted for, however.

The third sting, which is the one that really raised my concerns, was
midway up the inside of my thigh. It occurred at the end of the summer
of 1996. The sting itself was a very raised, very angry-looking red
welt that was about the size of a side plate (I guess 6 or 7 inches
diameter?) and raised a good quarter of an inch above the surrounding
skin. It came up within a minute or so I think - not long anyway.
Within 10 or 15 minutes, my entire thigh started swelling and ended up
with a circumference of about 8 inches more than my other thigh; I
can't remember exactly how long that took, but it was certainly that
swollen the next morning. I could hardly bend my knee because of the
swelling and my hip was stiff and painful to move. More frighteningly,
I was itchy all over my neck, chest and back, and somewhat wheezy (not
to the point where I was struggling to breathe but definitely
noticable). It took about 3 days for the wheezing and itching to go,
and at least a week for the swelling to completely settle. However, I
stupidly didn't seek medical attention (for reasons explained below),
I just took more antihistamines and Ventolin (an asthma reliever
medication I was already prescribed).

It's now been 10 years since my last sting, but I've never spoken to a
doctor about it - simply because I fear that if I go into the surgery
and report my last reaction, they won't believe me or take me
seriously. Unfortunately, I've had much of that attitude of disbelief
and condescension in relation to another chronic health condition I
have and I fear the same attitude with this, or that I'll be dismissed
as yet another person following the fashion for self-diagnosed
allergies. That's why I've put it off for the last 8 years. At the
time, I didn't even connect how serious the reaction was; I just
assumed I was a bit more sensitive than most and it flared up my
pre-existing mild asthma and hayfever problems. It was only as I got a
little older that I started to link my reactions to the kind of
progression that can all too easily end in anaphylaxis. By that point,
a good 18 months or so had passed and I was faced with the difficulty
of reporting a reaction that I should have sought help for at the
time. Knowing what a muppet I'd been, combined with the fashion for
self-diagnosis and how doctors respond to that, plus my own negative
experiences, I am struggling to convince myself that seeing a doctor
would be positive.

What do you think? Am I being overconcerned in thinking an epipen
might be a wise move? Am I being paranoid in avoiding wasps like the
plague in fear of the next sting? Does anyone have any good advice on
approaching the doctors without sounding hysterical or like a
hypochondriac? Any advice at all would be great, because the last
thing I want to go through is another severe allergic reaction or
(heaven forbid) full-blown anaphylaxis.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice.

Andy.

Hey Maggie
:)

No rain yet, but we have a 'cold front' coming through on Saturday,
keeping my fingers crossed, knock on wood etc..the weather dude says
everyone gets rain on Sunday!!!

My poor garden areas
:(
With no measurable rain in almost two months, things are pretty sad
looking. What I'm able to keep alive attracts the fire ants, who are
thirsty too. Fire ants can kill a plant just as fast as no water.

Ha ha, I think about you sometimes when I am attempting to do some
gardening. When its this hot and dry, the fire ants go underground,
you sometimes don't see any 'mounds'. So if your not careful, and you
stand in one spot to long, the fire ants will come up and find you!
Ouch.
:)
Watch where your standing!
...I mean that in a nice way! so I always say a pray for you and all
of our bee sting friends here
:)

Hope you and your family, including pup too
had a nice summer?? Hope you enjoyed some gardening without to
many 'buzz'ards hanging around!

My folks are doing fine.
Some things along the Gulfcoast states  are moving along fine and
being rebuilt.....and with other things, politics seem to get in the
way. Keep praying for them!!


May ya'll always have sting free days!
:)
Robin,
down in Louisiana




--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "maggie_paton"
<maggie.paton@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Robin,
>
> Wonder if it works on wasps?
>
> Just hope we are not all allergic to the blister beetle!
>
> Have you got rain yet?  Its torrential this morning here - my kids
> walk to school as it is definitely uncool to be dropped off in a
car
> here.  I offered a lift.  Eldest (age 14) was noooo!  Popped his
> head out of the door and came back in again - I'll take the lift.
> There was so much spray I don't think he would have been identified!
>
> Seen pictures of New Orleans - it looks as though they are fianlly
> re-building it.  Have your parents got sorted now?
>
> Take care
>
> :)
>
> Maggie
>
> Ps Watched your link on 9/11.  In the UK they quickly censored the
> falling/jumping bodies from the Towers and soon ceased to show the
> planes going into the buildings.  Some 50-60 Mums were pregnant at
> the time and there was an article in the paper showing all the
> children who have never known their fathers  :(

Hi Robin,

Wonder if it works on wasps?

Just hope we are not all allergic to the blister beetle!

Have you got rain yet?  Its torrential this morning here - my kids
walk to school as it is definitely uncool to be dropped off in a car
here.  I offered a lift.  Eldest (age 14) was noooo!  Popped his
head out of the door and came back in again - I'll take the lift.
There was so much spray I don't think he would have been identified!

Seen pictures of New Orleans - it looks as though they are fianlly
re-building it.  Have your parents got sorted now?

Take care

:)

Maggie

Ps Watched your link on 9/11.  In the UK they quickly censored the
falling/jumping bodies from the Towers and soon ceased to show the
planes going into the buildings.  Some 50-60 Mums were pregnant at
the time and there was an article in the paper showing all the
children who have never known their fathers  :(

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "maxboots1" <maxboots1@...>
wrote:
>
> Just wanted to share
> :)
>
> "Beetles Seduce Bees to Survive"
> Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News
>
> Sept. 12, 2006 — Clusters of blister beetle larvae mimic female
bees
> in an act of deception so successful that male bees try to mate
with
> them and bring them back to the nest. There the larvae live in the
> lap of bee luxury by receiving free food and shelter, according to
a
> new study.
> Scientists believe the behavior is the first known example of
> cooperative, aggressive mimicry among insects. Cooperation is
> involved since the larvae stack up on top of each other and work
as a
> unit to mimic just one female bee. The act is aggressive because,
> once in the bee's nest, the sneaky parasites either eat the egg or
> the bees' hard-won food.
>
> Complete article found here:
>
> http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2006/09/12/beetle_ani.html?
> category=animals&guid=20060912100030
>
>
>
>
> Pretty Cool!
> :)
> Robin
>

Just wanted to share
:)

"Beetles Seduce Bees to Survive"
Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

Sept. 12, 2006 — Clusters of blister beetle larvae mimic female bees
in an act of deception so successful that male bees try to mate with
them and bring them back to the nest. There the larvae live in the
lap of bee luxury by receiving free food and shelter, according to a
new study.
Scientists believe the behavior is the first known example of
cooperative, aggressive mimicry among insects. Cooperation is
involved since the larvae stack up on top of each other and work as a
unit to mimic just one female bee. The act is aggressive because,
once in the bee's nest, the sneaky parasites either eat the egg or
the bees' hard-won food.

Complete article found here:

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2006/09/12/beetle_ani.html?
category=animals&guid=20060912100030




Pretty Cool!
:)
Robin

----- Original Message -----

From: maxboots1

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 6:37 PM

Subject: [insectstings] Have ya'll seen this hornet?

Hey Ya'll

This is the first year that I remember ever seeing these large
ladies...their called European hornets.
She's quite large, and kind of pretty.
And they can fly at night!Cool.
They do prey on other wasps...Cool.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/eurohornet.htm

Yesterday, while changing the water in my birdbaths, there was one
sitting and getting a drink. I stood there and watched her and she
seemed to be looking at me! I decided to change the water.... later!
I have seen quite a few of these gals this year.

Ya'll be careful and stay safe
:)
Robin,
down in Louisiana,
....Please send rain!!

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/eurohornet.htm

but, the ones I'm seeing are a bit brown in color.

Hey Ya'll

This is the first year that I remember ever seeing these large
ladies...their called  European hornets.
She's quite large, and kind of pretty.
And they can fly at night!Cool.
They do prey on other wasps...Cool.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/eurohornet.htm


Yesterday, while changing the water in my birdbaths, there was one
sitting and getting a drink. I stood there and watched her and she
seemed to be  looking at me! I decided to change the water.... later!
I have seen quite a few of these gals this year.

Ya'll be careful and stay safe
:)
Robin,
down in Louisiana,
....Please send rain!!

Hey Wendy

I'm glad for your husband that he has You!!
:)
Folks can be stubborn about some things. When ya'll go see the
allergy doctor, is it possible for you to go in with him?? That way
you can hear what the doctor has to say. Some folks can be very
closed mouth, even to their loved ones.
It may be up to you to keep his epi-pen close by and up to date,
maybe keep extra ones where he works?, in your car?

Down here in Louisiana, I wish our buzzing friends  were
considered 'seasonal'....., even in our so called winter, our temps
go back and forth from cold to warm, enough to wake up the ladies and
bring them buzzing around.


......Totally off topic......
but seeing the post "Remembering!!"" really threw me
:(
Here's an awesome 9/11 tribute:

http://www.gunstuff.com/america-attacked.html


Ya'll take care and be safe
:)
Robin,
down in Louisiana
where the fire ant mounds grow.







--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "wendywat45" <wendywat45@...>
wrote:
>
> Coincidentally I am a very allergic person, but to drugs like
aspirin and
> morphine, so when my husband had his first and violent reaction to
being
> stung by a wasp, I was able to be less frantic than most and
organised him an
> immediate doctor's appointment who treated him with  hydrocortisone
until
> the rash had diminished, with a warning to watch out for stings in
future.
>
> We were having a lovely holiday in Menorca when my husband got
stung on
> his ankle, but this time I was terrified.  His reaction occurred
within a minute,
> the huge purple weals started appearing almost immediately and he
started
> swelling up.
>
> Luckily I know the island well and drove straight to the big
hospital where my
> husband was taken immediately into the A&E for treatment.  I was
not allowed
> to go in until they stabilised him some two hours later!!  The
swelling on his
> face, ears and neck made him look huge, the rash was now even on
the
> palms of his hands and soles of his feet, in fact anywhere there
was skin was
> covered with the purple blotches.  His sight had started failing
and his
> breathing was erratic and very painful, with him complaining of a
pain in the
> middle of his chest.
>
> The doctor was amazing - my husband was wired up to heart monitors,
had
> intravenous drips in, was on pure oxygen and at times a humidifier
to help
> with the breathing and received the very best of treatment.
>
> Some six hours later, we were allowed home with an epi-pen and a
very weak
> husband and relieved wife returned to our apartment where the rest
of our
> family were waiting.
>
> The following morning more of the rash had appeared so for safety's
sake we
> returned to the hospital where my husband had another injection and
> reassured about his well being.
>
> Since our return to England, we have seen an allergy specialist,
who has
> taken blood tests and recommended a course of desensitisation
treatments,
> which we are waiting to hear about.
>
> As I said at the beginning, I have suffered from my allergies for
many years
> now, but having been on the "other side of the fence" I was
distraught to see
> just how dangerous such allergic reactions can be.
>
> My only comfort is that this problem is seasonal - but my worst
problem is
> how do I convince my husband to ALWAYS carry his epi-pen and not
assume
> he will have time to nip back to get it if necessary - bravado or
plain stupid!!
> Maybe he just needs time to adjust to this problem!!
>
> What a holiday!! oh! and by the way, he managed to fall of the
cliff while
> fishing on the last day of our holiday and we ended up in the
hospital again!!
>

Coincidentally I am a very allergic person, but to drugs like aspirin and
morphine, so when my husband had his first and violent reaction to being
stung by a wasp, I was able to be less frantic than most and organised him an
immediate doctor's appointment who treated him with  hydrocortisone until
the rash had diminished, with a warning to watch out for stings in future.

We were having a lovely holiday in Menorca when my husband got stung on
his ankle, but this time I was terrified.  His reaction occurred within a
minute,
the huge purple weals started appearing almost immediately and he started
swelling up.

Luckily I know the island well and drove straight to the big hospital where my
husband was taken immediately into the A&E for treatment.  I was not allowed
to go in until they stabilised him some two hours later!!  The swelling on his
face, ears and neck made him look huge, the rash was now even on the
palms of his hands and soles of his feet, in fact anywhere there was skin was
covered with the purple blotches.  His sight had started failing and his
breathing was erratic and very painful, with him complaining of a pain in the
middle of his chest.

The doctor was amazing - my husband was wired up to heart monitors, had
intravenous drips in, was on pure oxygen and at times a humidifier to help
with the breathing and received the very best of treatment.

Some six hours later, we were allowed home with an epi-pen and a very weak
husband and relieved wife returned to our apartment where the rest of our
family were waiting.

The following morning more of the rash had appeared so for safety's sake we
returned to the hospital where my husband had another injection and
reassured about his well being.

Since our return to England, we have seen an allergy specialist, who has
taken blood tests and recommended a course of desensitisation treatments,
which we are waiting to hear about.

As I said at the beginning, I have suffered from my allergies for many years
now, but having been on the "other side of the fence" I was distraught to see
just how dangerous such allergic reactions can be.

My only comfort is that this problem is seasonal - but my worst problem is
how do I convince my husband to ALWAYS carry his epi-pen and not assume
he will have time to nip back to get it if necessary - bravado or plain stupid!!
Maybe he just needs time to adjust to this problem!!

What a holiday!! oh! and by the way, he managed to fall of the cliff while
fishing on the last day of our holiday and we ended up in the hospital again!!

----- Original Message -----

From: maxboots1

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 3:19 PM

Subject: [insectstings] Re: A 4 sting week

Bless his heart, and Grandma's too.

I'm so glad he is okay, and yes, please tell him, He is an awesome
dude
:)

Did ya'll give him an antihistamine after his sting? I took two
benadryl after my first field sting, it just swelled to a golf ball
size. The second field sting, I just took one, for slight reddness
and itchiness, and this last time I didn't think I took any, you
could hardly tell where the sting was located.

Age 8, I just wonder why the doctor feels your grandson will need
maintenance shots for life.

??? Is there a test to see if your still allergic???

Keeping ya'll in my thoughts and prayers
Stay safe
:)
Robin
down in Louisiana

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, Colette1418@... wrote:
>
> The day after my grandson received his maintenance shot he was
stung and
> then again 4 days later. I forget if his maintenance is 2 or 3
stings but I
> know it is at least 2. So that is the equivalent of at least 4
stings in less
> than a week. We didn't use the epi-pen just watched him closely.
There was
> nothing after the first sting. The second sting looked like a
giant mosquito
> bite, about 3 inches in diameter. It took about an hour to grow
to that size
> and it disappeared in about 2 hours. I never thought we'd have
the nerve
> not to use the epi-pen and not rush him to the hospital, but I
guess we have
> become true believers. he says the stings hurt worse than the
shots and was
> crying, but I think some of that is fear and his not wanting to go
to the
> hospital (the second sting happened in the middle of his birthday
party). He
> stopped crying and relaxed when he found out that he wasn't going
to the
> hospital.
> His allergist says that he will have to remain on maintenance
for the
> rest of his life because his initial reaction was so bad, but that
seems like
> a small price to pay. He has all ready been stung 5 times and he
is only 8.
>

> Colette
>

Bless his heart, and Grandma's too.

I'm so glad he is okay, and yes, please tell him, He is an awesome
dude
:)

Did ya'll give him an antihistamine after his sting? I took two
benadryl after my first field sting, it just swelled to a golf ball
size. The second field sting, I just took one, for slight reddness
and itchiness, and this last time I didn't think I took any, you
could hardly tell where the sting was located.

Age 8, I just wonder why the doctor feels your grandson will need
maintenance shots for life.

??? Is there a test to see if your still allergic???


Keeping ya'll in my thoughts and prayers
Stay safe
:)
Robin
down in Louisiana





--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, Colette1418@... wrote:
>
> The day after my grandson received his maintenance shot he was
stung and
> then again 4 days later.  I forget if his maintenance is 2 or 3
stings but  I
> know it is at least 2.  So that is the equivalent of at least 4
stings in  less
> than a week.  We didn't use the epi-pen just watched him  closely.
There was
> nothing after the first sting.  The second sting  looked like a
giant mosquito
> bite, about 3 inches in diameter.  It took  about an hour to grow
to that size
> and it disappeared in about 2  hours.  I never thought we'd have
the nerve
> not to use the epi-pen and  not rush him to the hospital, but I
guess we have
> become true  believers.  he says the stings hurt worse than the
shots and was
> crying,  but I think some of that is fear and his not wanting to go
to the
> hospital  (the second sting happened in the middle of his birthday
party).  He
> stopped crying and relaxed when he found out that he wasn't going
to the
> hospital.
>      His allergist says that he will have to remain on  maintenance
for the
> rest of his life because his initial reaction was so bad,  but that
seems like
> a small price to pay.  He has all ready been stung 5  times and he
is only 8.
>

> Colette
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Colette1418@...

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 3:47 AM

Subject: [insectstings] A 4 sting week

The day after my grandson received his maintenance shot he was stung and then again 4 days later.  I forget if his maintenance is 2 or 3 stings but I know it is at least 2.  So that is the equivalent of at least 4 stings in less than a week.  We didn't use the epi-pen just watched him closely.  There was nothing after the first sting.  The second sting looked like a giant mosquito bite, about 3 inches in diameter.  It took about an hour to grow to that size and it disappeared in about 2 hours.  I never thought we'd have the nerve not to use the epi-pen and not rush him to the hospital, but I guess we have become true believers.  he says the stings hurt worse than the shots and was crying, but I think some of that is fear and his not wanting to go to the hospital (the second sting happened in the middle of his birthday party).  He stopped crying and relaxed when he found out that he wasn't going to the hospital.                

     His allergist says that he will have to remain on maintenance for the rest of his life because his initial reaction was so bad, but that seems like a small price to pay.  He has all ready been stung 5 times and he is only 8.

                                                                        Colette

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/430 - Release Date: 8/28/2006

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, Colette1418@... wrote:
>Hi Colette no need to worry the maintenence shots for yellowjacket
wasps are equivalent to 30+ single wasp stings most doctors beleive
theres only 2 stings of venom in the shots which is the case for
honeybee maintenence shots but not so for wasp maintenence its  much
higher the reason for this is because wasps are much more agressive
than bees and are more likely to attack in groups not to mention a
single wasp can sting multiple times where bees can only sting once
and die after they sting!! the shots are designed too protect
against multiple stinging encounters so one or a few stings should
be tolerated with no problem!! i learned this from the venom
manufactures               Rich
> The day after my grandson received his maintenance shot he was
stung and
> then again 4 days later.  I forget if his maintenance is 2 or 3
stings but  I
> know it is at least 2.  So that is the equivalent of at least 4
stings in  less
> than a week.  We didn't use the epi-pen just watched him
closely.  There was
> nothing after the first sting.  The second sting  looked like a
giant mosquito
> bite, about 3 inches in diameter.  It took  about an hour to grow
to that size
> and it disappeared in about 2  hours.  I never thought we'd have
the nerve
> not to use the epi-pen and  not rush him to the hospital, but I
guess we have
> become true  believers.  he says the stings hurt worse than the
shots and was
> crying,  but I think some of that is fear and his not wanting to
go to the
> hospital  (the second sting happened in the middle of his birthday
party).  He
> stopped crying and relaxed when he found out that he wasn't going
to the
> hospital.
>      His allergist says that he will have to remain on
maintenance for the
> rest of his life because his initial reaction was so bad,  but
that seems like
> a small price to pay.  He has all ready been stung 5  times and he
is only 8.
>

> Colette
>

----- Original Message -----

From: DOUGLAS MONTGOMERY

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 4:07 AM

Subject: Re: [insectstings] Collecting wasp and hornet nests!

Hi David,
That is a very interesting article. If anyone wants to
find it try searhing the August 20 articles under the
name "Finding 'net' profit in a sting operation". The
link just brings you to their current days news.

The group has been very active these past few weeks. I
was beginning to wonder what had happened to people it
was getting to be quite quiet.

I saw the article about the two men who died following
wasp stings in the UK. You'll have to let us know if
any results of the autopsies are made public. Here in
the US those findings are rarely made available even
to the families.

I've only killed a few wasps this year and none with
my bare fingers, I think I am slipping, (or there are
not as many).

Hope everyone in the group is doing well.

Doug

--- David Glaser <david@insectstings.co.uk> wrote:

> This is an interesting article on the collection of
> hymenoptera nests
> and their use for manufacturing venom for
> immunotherapy!
>
> http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
> AID=/20060820/NEWS08/608200302
>
> David
>
>
>
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi David,
That is a very interesting article. If anyone wants to
find it try searhing the August 20 articles under the
name "Finding 'net' profit in a sting operation". The
link just brings you to their current days news.

The group has been very active these past few weeks. I
was beginning to wonder what had happened to people it
was getting to be quite quiet.

I saw the article about the two men who died following
wasp stings in the UK. You'll have to let us know if
any results of the autopsies are made public. Here in
the US those findings are rarely made available even
to the families.

I've only killed a few wasps this year and none with
my bare fingers, I think I am slipping, (or there are
not as many).

Hope everyone in the group is doing well.

Doug

--- David Glaser <david@...> wrote:

> This is an interesting article on the collection of
> hymenoptera nests
> and their use for manufacturing venom for
> immunotherapy!
>
> http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
> AID=/20060820/NEWS08/608200302
>
> David
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

This is an interesting article on the collection of hymenoptera nests
and their use for manufacturing venom for immunotherapy!

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20060820/NEWS08/608200302

David

----- Original Message -----

From: maggie_paton

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 1:59 PM

Subject: [insectstings] Sad news

In the UK this week 2 people have died after multiple wasp stings.
One poor chap was attacked by a swarm and presumeably couldn't get
indoors and shut them out - I ran thru the house slamming doors behind
me when I was chased & stung by a small swarm.

Not a pleasant way to go.

:(
That is sad and very scarey.

I've always had a fear of hurting myself while working outside and
the fire ants getting ahold of me.

Ya'll be careful & stay safe
:)
Robin


--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "maggie_paton"
<maggie.paton@...> wrote:
>
> In the UK this week 2 people have died after multiple wasp stings.
> One poor chap was attacked by a swarm and presumeably couldn't get
> indoors and shut them out - I ran thru the house slamming doors
behind
> me when I was chased & stung by a small swarm.
>
> Not a pleasant way to go.
>

In the UK this week 2 people have died after multiple wasp stings.
One poor chap was attacked by a swarm and presumeably couldn't get
indoors and shut them out - I ran thru the house slamming doors behind
me when I was chased & stung by a small swarm.

Not a pleasant way to go.

Hey Sweetie!

When is your  3 hr appointment? So we can be thinking about you and
sending you good thoughts!
:)
  Sounds like a bunch of testing will be going on.  Man, that's some
added stress, this 'other' thing/s!!
I imagine they have to be extra careful in finding out the best way
of treating you. I'll be keeping you and your doctors in my prayers.

Just curious, how much vit C you take. I've been reading how vit C
has an anti-histame action, and was being studied for allergy use,
but interest was lost with the advent of cortisone and the
antihistame drugs.
  Do your doctors believe in using vitamins? I know some do but seems
like most don't.  Guess I'll be reading up on vit C. I do try and
take a multi-vit everyday.

Well, I sure will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Diane,
Please stay safe, and give your horse lots of hugs!
(((Hugs)))

:)
Robin








--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, Diane Russell <drussell506@...>
wrote:
>
> I always take a antihistamine prior, If I forget, The nurse gives
me one.......it really seems to help!!!!!!!!!!!!
>   I'm going to see another Allergist/immunologist that my Dr
recommends cause of the mastocytosis that they seem to think I
have.............a 3 hour appointment!
>   So, if any of you have any questions, let me know....I'll ask
him......he's supposed to be way up on the latest.........I will ask
him about the anti-histamine prior to a shot...
>   I guess my tryptase levels are very high, but the masto explains
why the bee reactions are so severe (something about already having
massive amounts of histamine in my stomach)
>   The scary part is..............they seem to think 'other' things
could also cause a severe reaction..........what they
are .............who knows............So I still carry around 2 epi
pens...............Hmmmmmmmmmm    just when I was feeling so
confident....
>   Oh well, live each day to it's fullest (for me that means ride my
horse, whenever possible! )
>   Have a Great Day y'all!!!!!!!!!!!
>   ps
>
> Live
>    Laugh
>         Love
>             OFTEN !

Hey David, Hey Ya'll

:)
Your right, because if we didn't have this therapy, we would really
be in for some hurt.

So, I guess most of us here fall into that 'very small minority'.

It's a good thing we've got each other, because it looks like we
have......'a long row to hoe'
:)

I really would like my doctor to tell me to take an antihistamine
prior to monthly maintenance, but for some reason he doesn't want me
too. I only did it two, three times at the most, and it so made a
difference. I'll just have to ask about his reasoning next time I see
him.

Oh, the paper wasps that I've been seeing alot of this summer are
really huge! With our drought and heat, I haven't had to do much
mowing, so 'knock on wood', I haven't seen any yellowjackets. It's
too hot to play outside.

Thanks Ya'll, for being here!
:)
Keeping Ya'll in my thoughts and prayers,
:)
Robin,
down in Louisiana
where the fire ant mounds grow.

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "David Glaser" <david@...> wrote:
>
> I very much remember the panic and fear that used to attach to my
going outside and coming face to face with a buzzing creature. I
also rememer the fear and worry on my children, family and friends
faces. We no longer got invitations to other people's houses, our
family beach holiday's were finished, golf became a dangerous sport.
Life had changed for ever!
>
> This allergy can wreck our lives and the whole point of
immunotherapy is that it has the potential to give you your life
back - despite the fact that it can be a miserable and unpleasant
experience for a very small minority. And, in theory at the end of
it then you can walk out of the door with far fewer worries than when
you walked in. I started immunotherapy first in 2001, gave up for a
year, and started again in 2006 so I have been on the track for six
years and looking forward to stopping it one day.
>
> I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to live a
normal life although I do appreciate that going in to get an
injection of wasp venom is no fun. And do remember that the
maintenance dose you get in the treatment is a lot lot more than 1
wasp sting so do not take your reactions as evidence that you are
still in danger when walking around the countryside.
>
> So please don't give up the immunotherapy unless you really have to
because I personally think that the alternative is far worse...
>
> The wasps in Southern England have been really bad this year -
after a very quiet start.
>
> Glad to hear everyone's news though!
>
> Best wishes
>
>
> David
>

Hi all again.  I agree even though it does get tiresome and I often want to quit.  Remembering the year spent hiding out all summer and being afraid of a buzzard being someplace odd just gets me over to my shot every month.  I am wondering still why some of us are getting worse reactions right now.  No new bottle for me just worse reaction.  Are we like the guinea pigs ?  David has been on longest.  Any ideas about what long term problems happening ?  Well, I'm sticking to it too. Wishing I didn't have to drive so far to get them and wishing I could ride the motorcycle there in the summer, but my Dr. prefers me having four wheels in case something comes up. BUT ! I can ride it when ever else I want and that's another reason I stay on the shots.  It is a good thing we have each other here. If I haven't said it yet this year, thanks again David.

----- Original Message -----

From: buddysneade

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 11:39 AM

Subject: [insectstings] Re: This is the point of immunotherapy.....

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "David Glaser" <david@...>
wrote:
>AS always David youve made a very good piont as i said in one of my
posts the main reason i decided to go on venom immunotherapy was so
i could live my life with out having to worry so much!! when i
talked with the president of Alk abello some time ago he laughed
when i told him about side effects from the shots he said thats
normal considering there shooting you up with an overload of venom
your allergic too!! then he said stick with the shots they work the
mild side effects your getting are alot easier to deal with than
having to worry about allergic reactions to field stings he also
said the shots would be expected to protect you against a fairly
massive wasp attack!! like you said theres alot more than a sting or
two in the shots i would think if a non-allergic person got a full
maintenance shot they would probably feel alittle under the weather
do to the overload of venom!! ive been told by several non-allergic
people a few stings dont bother them other than the local pain
swelling but getting stung a few dozen times or more makes them feel
sick and very tired after!! makes sense!! always good talking to
ya!! Rich
> I very much remember the panic and fear that used to attach to my
going outside and coming face to face with a buzzing creature. I
also rememer the fear and worry on my children, family and friends
faces. We no longer got invitations to other people's houses, our
family beach holiday's were finished, golf became a dangerous
sport. Life had changed for ever!
>
> This allergy can wreck our lives and the whole point of
immunotherapy is that it has the potential to give you your life
back - despite the fact that it can be a miserable and unpleasant
experience for a very small minority. And, in theory at the end of
it then you can walk out of the door with far fewer worries than
when you walked in. I started immunotherapy first in 2001, gave up
for a year, and started again in 2006 so I have been on the track
for six years and looking forward to stopping it one day.
>
> I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to live a
normal life although I do appreciate that going in to get an
injection of wasp venom is no fun. And do remember that the
maintenance dose you get in the treatment is a lot lot more than 1
wasp sting so do not take your reactions as evidence that you are
still in danger when walking around the countryside.
>
> So please don't give up the immunotherapy unless you really have
to because I personally think that the alternative is far worse...
>
> The wasps in Southern England have been really bad this year -
after a very quiet start.
>
> Glad to hear everyone's news though!
>
> Best wishes
>
>
> David
>

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.1/421 - Release Date: 8/16/2006

----- Original Message -----

From: buddysneade

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 11:39 AM

Subject: [insectstings] Re: This is the point of immunotherapy.....

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "David Glaser" <david@...>
wrote:
>AS always David youve made a very good piont as i said in one of my
posts the main reason i decided to go on venom immunotherapy was so
i could live my life with out having to worry so much!! when i
talked with the president of Alk abello some time ago he laughed
when i told him about side effects from the shots he said thats
normal considering there shooting you up with an overload of venom
your allergic too!! then he said stick with the shots they work the
mild side effects your getting are alot easier to deal with than
having to worry about allergic reactions to field stings he also
said the shots would be expected to protect you against a fairly
massive wasp attack!! like you said theres alot more than a sting or
two in the shots i would think if a non-allergic person got a full
maintenance shot they would probably feel alittle under the weather
do to the overload of venom!! ive been told by several non-allergic
people a few stings dont bother them other than the local pain
swelling but getting stung a few dozen times or more makes them feel
sick and very tired after!! makes sense!! always good talking to
ya!! Rich
> I very much remember the panic and fear that used to attach to my
going outside and coming face to face with a buzzing creature. I
also rememer the fear and worry on my children, family and friends
faces. We no longer got invitations to other people's houses, our
family beach holiday's were finished, golf became a dangerous
sport. Life had changed for ever!
>
> This allergy can wreck our lives and the whole point of
immunotherapy is that it has the potential to give you your life
back - despite the fact that it can be a miserable and unpleasant
experience for a very small minority. And, in theory at the end of
it then you can walk out of the door with far fewer worries than
when you walked in. I started immunotherapy first in 2001, gave up
for a year, and started again in 2006 so I have been on the track
for six years and looking forward to stopping it one day.
>
> I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to live a
normal life although I do appreciate that going in to get an
injection of wasp venom is no fun. And do remember that the
maintenance dose you get in the treatment is a lot lot more than 1
wasp sting so do not take your reactions as evidence that you are
still in danger when walking around the countryside.
>
> So please don't give up the immunotherapy unless you really have
to because I personally think that the alternative is far worse...
>
> The wasps in Southern England have been really bad this year -
after a very quiet start.
>
> Glad to hear everyone's news though!
>
> Best wishes
>
>
> David
>

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.1/421 - Release Date: 8/16/2006

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "David Glaser" <david@...>
wrote:
>AS always David youve made a very good piont as i said in one of my
posts the main reason i decided to go on venom immunotherapy was so
i could live my life with out having to worry so much!! when i
talked with the president of Alk abello some time ago he laughed
when i told him about side effects from the shots he said thats
normal considering there shooting you up with an overload of venom
your allergic too!! then he said stick with the shots they work the
mild side effects your getting are alot easier to deal with than
having to worry about allergic reactions to field stings he also
said the shots would be expected to protect you against a fairly
massive wasp attack!! like you said theres alot more than a sting or
two in the shots i would think if a non-allergic person got a full
maintenance shot they would probably feel alittle under the weather
do to the overload of venom!! ive been told by several non-allergic
people a few stings dont bother them other than the local pain
swelling but getting stung a few dozen times or more makes them feel
sick and very tired after!! makes sense!! always good talking to
ya!! Rich
> I very much remember the panic and fear that used to attach to my
going outside and coming face to face with a buzzing creature.  I
also rememer the fear and worry on my children, family and friends
faces.  We no longer got invitations to other people's houses, our
family beach holiday's were finished, golf became a dangerous
sport.  Life had changed for ever!
>
> This allergy can wreck our lives and the whole point of
immunotherapy is that it has the potential to give you your life
back - despite the fact that it can be a miserable and unpleasant
experience for a very small minority.  And, in theory at the end of
it then you can walk out of the door with far fewer worries than
when you walked in.  I started immunotherapy first in 2001, gave up
for a year, and started again in 2006 so I have been on the track
for six years and looking forward to stopping it one day.
>
> I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to live a
normal life although I do appreciate that going in to get an
injection of wasp venom is no fun.  And do remember that the
maintenance dose you get in the treatment is a lot lot more than 1
wasp sting so do not take your reactions as evidence that you are
still in danger when walking around the countryside.
>
> So please don't give up the immunotherapy unless you really have
to because I personally think that the alternative is far worse...
>
> The wasps in Southern England have been really bad this year -
after a very quiet start.
>
> Glad to hear everyone's news though!
>
> Best wishes
>
>
> David
>