Author Topic: Riverbee's Journey  (Read 70095 times)

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Offline jb63

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #140 on: August 14, 2014, 08:05:58 am »
 Nice video River.Hope you had a good time at jelly stone nat.park. :D
I don't know.It was like that when I got here.

Offline Beeracuda

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #141 on: August 16, 2014, 04:55:38 pm »
Up to this point, I have only been allergic to wasps and hornets.  Unfortunately, I took a bee sting on Thursday and developed extreme itching and eventually  hives all over my body.  I didn't have any trouble breathing and didn't use my epipen.  I took zirtec and benedryl and eventually got through it. 

I don't know if all of this was because of the chemo or what.  I should have been at the bottom on all my blood counts on Thursday or Friday and be on my way back up now.  I also started throwing up during all of this.  I had never done that during either of the other two anaphylactic episodes I had from wasp stings.  That could have been caused by the morphine I was on for the previous 24 hours, but I don't know. 

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

Offline Slowmodem

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #142 on: August 16, 2014, 08:20:56 pm »
Up to this point, I have only been allergic to wasps and hornets.  Unfortunately, I took a bee sting on Thursday and developed extreme itching and eventually  hives all over my body.  I didn't have any trouble breathing and didn't use my epipen.  I took zirtec and benedryl and eventually got through it. 

I don't know if all of this was because of the chemo or what.  I should have been at the bottom on all my blood counts on Thursday or Friday and be on my way back up now.  I also started throwing up during all of this.  I had never done that during either of the other two anaphylactic episodes I had from wasp stings.  That could have been caused by the morphine I was on for the previous 24 hours, but I don't know. 

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

It might be worth the time to go and see an allergist.  Please be careful and good luck to you!  :)
Greg Whitehead
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Beekeeping at 26.4 kbs

Offline efmesch

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #143 on: August 17, 2014, 03:18:43 am »

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

Beeracuda: PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way. 
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk. 
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!

Offline lazy shooter

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #144 on: August 17, 2014, 09:07:40 am »

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

Beeracuda: PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way. 
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk. 
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!

Pay heed to the above word, Efmesch is one of the most brilliant and caring person on this or any other forum.  He knows what he speaks about. 

Offline Beeracuda

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #145 on: August 17, 2014, 12:58:50 pm »
I will definitely go back to the allergist, just as soon as all my chemo is finished.  My oncologist said that I should wait until all this is done and then start over.  That is exactly what I will do.  I have a bone marrow biopsy the end of the month and provided that is good, I will do chemo in November and February and then I will be done!

From here until I get tested again, I think I will get my buddy to come by and check them for me.  It will be nice to have another set of eyes take a look at them.

Offline riverbee

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #146 on: August 18, 2014, 10:41:38 pm »
hey beer, i can only repeat what ef said.....
"PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way.
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk.
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!"


you suffered from a systemic reaction and i would be concerned, your immune system has taken quite a hit!  i would take the advice of your oncologist, as far as waiting until all is said and done.  and as the oncologist said, you may have to start over.....that's fine, don't get discouraged!  hang in there, and i know you can! going back to an allergist would be the least of my worries compared to what you are facing right now!

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Offline Beeracuda

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #147 on: August 20, 2014, 10:32:20 pm »
you suffered from a systemic reaction and i would be concerned, your immune system has taken quite a hit!  i would take the advice of your oncologist, as far as waiting until all is said and done.  and as the oncologist said, you may have to start over.....that's fine, don't get discouraged!  hang in there, and i know you can! going back to an allergist would be the least of my worries compared to what you are facing right now!

I talked to my oncologist again today at my scheduled appointment.  He said it was possible that since my blood levels were at their lowest when I got stung that I could now be allergic to bees.  I should be building back up now, but he said it would be best to be on the safe side to carry my epipen.   :o

And he liked his honey.  He tried to give me my copay back, but I wouldn't take it.

Offline Jen

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #148 on: August 20, 2014, 10:36:29 pm »
I like that idea Beer, better safe than sorry at this point in time. I'm also real happy that you are back with your bees, and I know that they are happy your back as well  ;) 8)
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Offline riverbee

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #149 on: August 21, 2014, 12:03:27 am »
bc......
THANK YOU for the update.  our immune systems are so complex and you really have been through a great deal. like ef said earlier, i think i would forego getting near the bees until next spring, or whenever you are stronger, it's not worth the risk......
that's just my thought......

i was posting an update to my injections when your reply came in, i almost deleted this, cuz i did not want to take away from any replies to your current situation and update from your oncologist. i decided to go ahead, but just know, please keep us posted! 

just an update from me: i received my 3 injections last wednesday,  all went well.  it is sooooo good to have achieved a level of my injections so as not to suffer any effects from them, and also not have to take any antihistamines prior to or after.  the honey bee injection does give me a small welt beneath the surface of the skin, and redness on the surface, but nothing like the reactions i used to suffer from.

i call my new shot doc 'needles'....... :D
she has done well since decemeber. doesn't forget or mix up my doses, epi washes the needles and remembers to deliver them to the muscular part of my upper arms rather than than the backs of my upper arms.  most injections are given to the back of the arm (fatty part not muscle).  for some reason this has always resulted in larger reactions for me.  i believe there is an art to delivering injections........some folks not so 'gifted' have not been so good at it and i have requested not to have them deliver my injections.  they forget to 'epi wash' the needles, mix up my dose and give me the wrong dose, or wind up and shoot me in the arm like baseball players delivering a pitch...

the 'art' of injections is NOT:
forget the epi-wash for all 3 injections. pinch the skin real hard on the upper arms til it hurts, wind up or wind back 2 or 3 times,  guess and eyeball aim at the upper arm ya just pinched like heck, and then stab and poke  real hard after giving it the wind up or wind back (or two or three)  and a last good swing when the needle hits the skin...... :D

i have yet to be stung naturally from my own bees, but this time of year for me is typically very minimal for any stings.  the bees are busy bringing in the nectar and pollen, and i don't disturb them much except to check the progress of the supers.  capped, uncapped, do i need to add another.  taking honey off and fall preparations will be different.  i only check them about every 7 days or so until the honey is taken off, unless there is some other problem.  as always i am in full gear for these quick checks.  epi pens two, are always in my pocket, and i do not check the bees without the 'prince' present and nearby. i promised him that i wouldn't so my checks of the bees are 'limited' to when he is present, and really, i wouldn't do it any differently. limited is not a good word, but just that i do feel much more 'safe and confident' when he is nearby; i do not want to be by myself until stings are behind me and i may never reach that level of safety, but for now i am very content.  i so much enjoy being in the bees again. 

to some earlier posts:
retroguy, thanks for posting and sharing what you said about your anaphlactic experience, whether it is from bee stings or other severe allergy, it does not matter, the end result is the same and is very scary.  thank you.  i hope you continue to post and enjoy our forum!

lazy shooter, my eppys are really a 'fixture' of my anatomy for two years or so and probably always will be...... :D
i won't work bees alone and i have promised this.  kind of a 'no brainer' for me......another time, some stories about where those epis have been and traveled............errr........or not traveled........ :D

capn, thanks for your posts.....hmmm, errr, i have driven everyone bonkers about trying to educate about allergic reactions and epi-pens.  i have and always will carry an eppy, and not depend on an expired eppy, and if i had children, (i do have grandchildren) i would and do ensure i have a child's dose available to give them.  depending on anything less is foolish or for paramedics and/or er personnel to figure out how to reverse the adult dosage of an eppy (unless that is what you had available)  can cause other problems.  i don't want to gamble with my life or theirs and i don't mean to sound flippant or mean, but just get it right and get the appropriate prescription.  thank you for re-posting the offer for free epis!  appreciate it!

allergic reactions here in this thread, normal and what's not:
ALLERGY TO INSECT STINGS

epi pen information sheet here:  (don't think i posted this one....instructions that come with the eppys)
Epi-Pen Patient Information Sheet

anyway, enough about me, let's give our support to beeracuda!
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Offline Jen

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #150 on: August 21, 2014, 12:20:24 am »
Nice update Riv- Thanks! and I think I'll start the process to get a junior epi for my grands when they are visiting. thanks for calling my attention to that  :)
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Offline CpnObvious

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #151 on: August 21, 2014, 08:01:41 am »
Nice update Riv- Thanks! and I think I'll start the process to get a junior epi for my grands when they are visiting. thanks for calling my attention to that  :)

Jen,

I don't know about insurances out your way... but for you to get one might be a bit difficult.  I would recommend having your daughter (?) call her (?) kids' PCP and say "My mother, the kid's grandmother, is a beekeeper.  Could you write a script for them to have Epipen Jr.s in case something happens while they are visiting?  We're not sure what their reaction to bee sting might be and we'd all like to be prepared."

You might even want to have a script writted for each of them and take advantage of the FREE EPIPEN POST".  This would get you 4 Jrs to have on hand.  Well, maybe 2 for you, and 2 for your daughter (?) to keep at her (?) place just in case...

Offline Jen

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #152 on: August 21, 2014, 12:26:23 pm »
Not a bad idea, Thanks! We do have good insurance. I'll check with my doc first, he knows all about my bees and my practice with bvt. Getting my daughter on that project could take months. I like the idea of having extra epi's cause when granddaughter comes over along comes 6 other kids to play in the yard. I'll update on this  ;) 8)
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Offline CpnObvious

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #153 on: August 21, 2014, 12:31:37 pm »
I'll update on this  ;) 8)

 :hijack:

Maybe move the discussion to the free epipen thread...?

Offline Jen

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #154 on: August 21, 2014, 12:36:47 pm »
Okay  :)


Update, so I moved that last three posts over to the epipen thread, but Riv might need to rearrange that  :)
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Offline riverbee

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #155 on: August 22, 2014, 01:29:26 am »
well capn, this thread is not hijacked, and has not been hijacked, you started the advice to jen here.  jen's  answer/s do not need to be moved or any discussion about them... my thought, you hijacked the thread with the sign and your comment. you gave some initial good advice.  this is as good as any place to discuss epi pens or get answers, and jen i am not going to rearrange your posts. your reply remains here, discussion can remain here as well for others who may benefit. 

relax a little capn, life is a journey, it ain't always perfect.  :)

this thread isn't all about me, it's about helping others and maybe educating about my experience....or bee stings, reactions, normal and not so normal reactions, epi pens, etc...... it's about hearing from others who have experienced not so good reactions, like beeracuda, greg's wife, and recently retroguy .......and this thread does sometimes get off topic. it's about whatever.  it's about having a discussion about nothing sometimes.....but just sharing whatever. this is the good stuff in life sometimes.  i don't mind and i don't care.  it's the 'family' and the support here that helps me get through and help others, and also to feel free to post as they would like to this thread.  it's a journey, and has been, and i most certainly have enjoyed every post on this thread, appreciate all the support all have given me,  and have enjoyed posting absolutely nothing to do with the topic.  i hope this thread helps someone in some way, or enjoys a good read over morning coffee.....
that's my thought.....

to epi pen prescriptions.........sometimes docs require a visit to the office for a prescription for an eppy, even your long time physician.  if they know you are a keep, just a short visit or a phone call.   for allergists or immunologists, this is a must to get a prescription for the person they are treating (office visit).  here, i must make a separate appointment with my treating allergist/immunologist for a 'checkup' to receive a prescription for the eppy.  (CYA and required for them).  for my grandchildren, my regular physician gave me the prescription.  this is, really, a no brainer for them.  if you are a beekeeper, just ask, your physician will write the prescription. 

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Offline Beeracuda

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #156 on: August 22, 2014, 10:50:03 am »
bc......
THANK YOU for the update.  our immune systems are so complex and you really have been through a great deal. like ef said earlier, i think i would forego getting near the bees until next spring, or whenever you are stronger, it's not worth the risk......
that's just my thought......

anyway, enough about me, let's give our support to beeracuda!

That is my plan, as hard as it will be to do. Since they are in the back yard, it will be hard to completely avoid them.  But I will have my epi-pen or Auvi-Q in my pocket at all times. 

As far as taking care of the hives, I have a friend that I am sure will help me out with them in the mean time.  I have also had volunteers on this forum and in our bee club offer their assistance.

I truly appreciate all the support!   :)

Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #157 on: August 22, 2014, 11:11:13 am »
Even in the back yard the risk would not be much greater than encountering a bee from another hive or feral colony.
  The difficulty will likely not be from having a hive nearby, the difficulty will be having ACCESS to the hive nearby.
   I would have six bed sheets and two bee suits on with 4 layers of gloves. I'd look like the Michelin Man just so I could PEEK...   In the past (distant) I took on an X Miami Lineman and won, (with witnesses) so a little bee CANT hurt me right?  No, I have never been accused of having an average amount of intelligence, but with each year that passes, I like to THINK I get smarter..  My wife claims I am smarter than I was, but declines to give me any exact percentage...
   If the Danger was real, I would probably do exactly as mentioned. It sounds like a good plan. If the issue was long term I would probably have to try to sell most if not all hives. The ability and skill to rebuild is there if the situation was ever resolved.   
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Offline Jen

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #158 on: August 22, 2014, 12:16:44 pm »
Hail! Hail! to women with indomitable will! clink  :occasion14:

     I would like to add, that I was not bless with genius... but I'm not stupid! We all learn at different levels, I need to ponder while I'm learning, and if someone says to me "What Jen? Are You Not Getting It!" That's when the middle finger comes up, then the index finger comes up, and they get both of their eyes poked out ~

PS. The bees have taught me more than I can express. Patience in learning  :) 8)   
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Offline iddee

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Re: Riverbee's Journey
« Reply #159 on: August 23, 2014, 06:14:26 pm »
Well, Cpn, Ah thunk Mammy Yoakum has SPOKEN.   :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel Silverstein