First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account:  I am female.

Sorry, this is long...



I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago and

my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad symptoms.

I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case" precaution.



Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had a

rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later, I

started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any

trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having

momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of

doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my

epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but

it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the

caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have

it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to

do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!



Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small

children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I

started to hyperventilate.   They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My

lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat

swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given

antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.



The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but

they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical

breathing difficulties.  Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a

panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I

really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack

after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an

appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to

hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had

a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a

bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.



What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or both?

If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "sethzondag" <sethzondag@...> wrote:

>

> First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account:  I am

female.  Sorry, this is long...

>

> I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago and

my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad symptoms.

I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case" precaution.

>

> Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had a

rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later, I

started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any

trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having

momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of

doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my

epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but

it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the

caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have

it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to

do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!

>

> Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small

children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I

started to hyperventilate.   They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My

lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat

swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given

antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.

>

> The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but

they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical

breathing difficulties.  Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a

panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I

really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack

after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an

appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to

hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had

a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a

bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.

>

> What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or

both? If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

>



Good day!



I had the exact same thing happen two years in a row!  The difference being, I

did not use my epipen either time.   I have

always told myself that I would only use it if my airway started to close. 

Luckily for me, both times it did not.



It is very hard to tell a panic attack from Anaphylaxis.  Matter of fact, after

my second sting, I had panic attacks for a YEAR afterward, then they went away. 

Not fun!



Check out my posts from a couple years ago for a more detailed description of my

roller-coaster ride.  :)



Take care.



Mike

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

From: sethzondag

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:39 AM

Subject: [insectstings] Anaphylactic reaction, or panic attack?

First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account: I am female. Sorry, this is long...

I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago and my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad symptoms. I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case" precaution.

Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had a rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later, I started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!

Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I started to hyperventilate. They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.

The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical breathing difficulties. Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.

What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or both? If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.48/2148 - Release Date: 06/01/09 06:09:00

Hi,



I have had 2 anaphalactic shocks - first was:



Being stung, going into the house to dab some TCP on it(!) and starting to feel

a bit odd and having the sensation of starting with a sore throat, this quickly

went to feeling very faint (rapid drop in BP)throat closing and hives/rash. 

Second was similar but without the hives as I took 2 antihistamine immediately

and lay down with my feet up.



My GP said the anaphalactic 'journey' can be different each time, but he was

adamant that any rapid drop in BP is an indication of it.  This can be helped by

lying down and taking it easy - he reckoned for 24 hours after a shock as the

drop in blood pressure takes time for your body to recover from.



I found the throat closing the most scary - once I was lying down as I could

feel the airway reduce.



I don't remember feeling panicky - more puzzled as 'fuzzy' as to what was

happening.



Second time I did panic!  Came flying into the house, couldn't open the epipen

as I was shaking so much.  My husband took control and got me to lie down, take

anithistamines (double dose) and then assessed whether or not to use epipens -

not in this case



In the meantime I would get armed with epipens and anithistamines then you will

feel as though you have some control.



Also, avoid perfumed products & brightly coloured clothes - white is meant to be

good.  Don't walk outside in barefeet :)



This site is GREAT for linking up with other people who understand :)



Take care!



Maggie



-- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "sethzondag" <sethzondag@...> wrote:

>

> First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account:  I am

female.  Sorry, this is long...

>

> I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago and

my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad symptoms.

I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case" precaution.

>

> Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had a

rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later, I

started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any

trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having

momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of

doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my

epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but

it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the

caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have

it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to

do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!

>

> Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small

children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I

started to hyperventilate.   They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My

lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat

swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given

antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.

>

> The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but

they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical

breathing difficulties.  Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a

panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I

really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack

after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an

appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to

hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had

a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a

bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.

>

> What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or

both? If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

>

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "maggie_paton" <maggie.paton@...> wrote:

>

> Hi,

>

> I have had 2 anaphalactic shocks - first was:

>

> Being stung, going into the house to dab some TCP on it(!) and starting to

feel a bit odd and having the sensation of starting with a sore throat, this

quickly went to feeling very faint (rapid drop in BP)throat closing and

hives/rash.  Second was similar but without the hives as I took 2 antihistamine

immediately and lay down with my feet up.

>

> My GP said the anaphalactic 'journey' can be different each time, but he was

adamant that any rapid drop in BP is an indication of it.  This can be helped by

lying down and taking it easy - he reckoned for 24 hours after a shock as the

drop in blood pressure takes time for your body to recover from.

>

> I found the throat closing the most scary - once I was lying down as I could

feel the airway reduce.

>

> I don't remember feeling panicky - more puzzled as 'fuzzy' as to what was

happening.

>

> Second time I did panic!  Came flying into the house, couldn't open the epipen

as I was shaking so much.  My husband took control and got me to lie down, take

anithistamines (double dose) and then assessed whether or not to use epipens -

not in this case

>

> In the meantime I would get armed with epipens and anithistamines then you

will feel as though you have some control.

>

> Also, avoid perfumed products & brightly coloured clothes - white is meant to

be good.  Don't walk outside in barefeet :)

>

> This site is GREAT for linking up with other people who understand :)

>

> Take care!

>

> Maggie

>

> -- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "sethzondag" <sethzondag@> wrote:

> >

> > First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account:  I am

female.  Sorry, this is long...

> >

> > I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago

and my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad

symptoms. I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case"

precaution.

> >

> > Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had

a rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later,

I started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any

trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having

momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of

doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my

epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but

it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the

caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have

it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to

do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!

> >

> > Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small

children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I

started to hyperventilate.   They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My

lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat

swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given

antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.

> >

> > The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but

they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical

breathing difficulties.  Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a

panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I

really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack

after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an

appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to

hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had

a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a

bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.

> >

> > What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or

both? If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

> >

>



I use the Children's Liquid Benadryl.  For me, a capfull upon being stung.  I am

190lbs.   It would seem to me that the liquid would work faster than caplets.

--- In insectstings@yahoogroups.com, "sethzondag" <sethzondag@...> wrote:

>

> First of all, I am writing this using my husband's e-mail account:  I am

female.  Sorry, this is long...

>

> I was stung on the arm by a bee or wasp (didn't see it) about 10 years ago and

my arm swelled from my fingers to my shoulder, but I had no other bad symptoms.

I finally got an epi-pen this past fall as a "just in case" precaution.

>

> Well, last week I was stung on my lower back by a wasp. Within seconds I had a

rash about six inches in diameter around the site. About eight minutes later, I

started to feel really dizzy and my heart started racing. I did not have any

trouble breathing. Soon after that, I started feeling light-headed and having

momentary feelings of blacking out. I started to feel the "impending sense of

doom" that is often experienced in an anaphylactic reaction. I went to get my

epi-pen and could not remember how to use it. I tried to read the directions but

it was like reading Chinese because I couldn't think straight. I finally got the

caps off and went to stick it in my leg, but in my confusion I managed to have

it upside down and stuck it in my finger instead (which is not a good thing to

do, but the epi still worked and my finger survived)!

>

> Anyway...right after that I called 911, as I was home alone with two small

children. When the ambulance arrived, I was so shaken up and panicky that I

started to hyperventilate.   They gave me oxygen, checked my vitals, etc. My

lungs were clear, and at no time during any of this did I feel my throat

swelling or have trouble breathing. They took me to the ER, where I was given

antihistimines and steroids via IV. I felt sooo much better after the IVs.

>

> The ER doctor said he thought I might have had an anapyhlactic reaction, but

they could not be sure since I gave myself the epi and did not have the typical

breathing difficulties.  Another doctor said there was a possibility I had had a

panic attack after getting stung. I have never had a panic attack before, and I

really do think I had an allergic reaction and then may have had a panic attack

after giving myself the epi, but now I'm questioning the whole thing. I have an

appointment with an allergist but can't get in for a month, and I would love to

hear others' opinions. By the way, when I got home from the ER, I noticed I had

a rash covering my entire back, up to my shoulder blades. I continued to feel a

bit out of it for the next 12 hours or so.

>

> What do you think? Was this most likely a reaction, or a panic attack, or

both? If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, what were your symptoms? Thanks!

>



Just an FYI, I was told by my allergist to apply the Epi shot at the first sign

of an anaphylactic reaction, and then call for help.  The point being, if you

are going into shock, the sooner you apply the shot, the better chance that it

will work effectively.  You can wait too long to give yourself the shot, or

worse pass out before you are able.  The epipen will make you shaky, and

nervous, but its really not that bad (assuming you dont have any heart or other

health issues - check with your doc)...and wears off after about 20-30 minutes.

Thanks for all of the responses, everyone!  Here's an update:  I talked with my

allergist over the phone about a week ago and explained to her what had

happened.  She believes I definitely experienced anaphylaxis, but said I need to

change my appointment for skin testing to a date at least six weeks after the

date I got stung.  Apparently there is a higher likelihood of getting a false

negative if you get tested too soon.  My husband is in between jobs right now,

so I will probably have to wait until September to do the skin testing, when my

insurance kicks back in.  If I test positive, I'm pretty sure I will go ahead

with the immunotherapy.  Anyway, I do not leave the house without my epi

anymore, and if I get stung again I will immediately take benadryl and then give

myself an epi at the first possible sign of anaphylaxis.



On another note, my 10 month old baby girl was stung by a BABY wasp two days

after I was stung.  She immediately developed a rash on both arms and on one

side of her face, but had no other adverse symptoms.  I took her to her

pediatrician last week and she was given the RAST blood test, but it came back

negative.  Her pediatrician gave us a junior epi-pen for her anyway, just in

case.  I know some people are against the prescription of epi-pens for "just in

case" scenarios, but if my allergist hadn't given me an epi-pen last fall as a

"just in case" precaution after my bad local reaction, I might not have survived

this latest sting.  I would rather not take any chances with my baby girl.



Thanks again everyone!!!  Kim

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

From: sethzondag

To: insectstings@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:51 AM

Subject: [insectstings] Re: Anaphylactic reaction, or panic attack?

Thanks for all of the responses, everyone! Here's an update: I talked with my allergist over the phone about a week ago and explained to her what had happened. She believes I definitely experienced anaphylaxis, but said I need to change my appointment for skin testing to a date at least six weeks after the date I got stung. Apparently there is a higher likelihood of getting a false negative if you get tested too soon. My husband is in between jobs right now, so I will probably have to wait until September to do the skin testing, when my insurance kicks back in. If I test positive, I'm pretty sure I will go ahead with the immunotherapy. Anyway, I do not leave the house without my epi anymore, and if I get stung again I will immediately take benadryl and then give myself an epi at the first possible sign of anaphylaxis.

On another note, my 10 month old baby girl was stung by a BABY wasp two days after I was stung. She immediately developed a rash on both arms and on one side of her face, but had no other adverse symptoms. I took her to her pediatrician last week and she was given the RAST blood test, but it came back negative. Her pediatrician gave us a junior epi-pen for her anyway, just in case. I know some people are against the prescription of epi-pens for "just in case" scenarios, but if my allergist hadn't given me an epi-pen last fall as a "just in case" precaution after my bad local reaction, I might not have survived this latest sting. I would rather not take any chances with my baby girl.

Thanks again everyone!!! Kim

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.70/2177 - Release Date: 06/15/09 05:54:00