Author Topic: Allergic reaction?? (Read 14436 times)

LindsayBrower1 · « **on:** June 05, 2014, 05:00:37 pm »

I got stung 4 times yesterday around 4pm and the areas seems to becoming worse slowly. They are very large and hard to the touch

From my understanding the only time you should worry is when your airway becomes restricted. Is this reaction Im having a normal one? My Jaw and arm are so blown up its terrible... and unsightly

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2014, 05:01:33 pm »

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2014, 05:06:57 pm »

I read the first part, and was going to say some swelling and hardness are normal with my first stings of the year, but then I saw the picture of your arm... thats quite a reaction.. I will have to let Mrs. River address this one...

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2014, 05:09:47 pm »

Quote from: LazyBkpr on June 05, 2014, 05:06:57 pm

I read the first part, and was going to say some swelling and hardness are normal with my first stings of the year, but then I saw the picture of your arm... thats quite a reaction.. I will have to let Mrs. River address this one...

I ice it like Rob said and no change. It hurts and I don't typically complain about pain. I swear I get a stiff neck every time I get stung too

CpnObvious · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2014, 05:34:49 pm »

If it heats up I would make an appointment with your primary care physician. Stings can cause cellulitis, which is very treatable. I would expect that IF that is what's happening, your joint will become rather stiff and hard to move. It isn't worth the cost of an E.R. visit, as it really isn't an emergency, but I would definitely see your doctor if it persists.

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2014, 05:43:50 pm »

Quote from: CpnObvious on June 05, 2014, 05:34:49 pm

If it heats up I would make an appointment with your primary care physician. Stings can cause cellulitis, which is very treatable. I would expect that IF that is what's happening, your joint will become rather stiff and hard to move. It isn't worth the cost of an E.R. visit, as it really isn't an emergency, but I would definitely see your doctor if it persists.

Its very hot. And I hope I can make it another day without an ER visit... Thats only a $1500 deductible

I've been hospitalized for cellulitis before... Spent a few days there for it, not fun

Jen · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2014, 06:00:56 pm »

Hi Lindsay, did all four stings land on that arm?

Jen · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2014, 06:05:40 pm »

When was the last time you were stung before yesterday? and did you have the same reaction?

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 05, 2014, 06:06:17 pm »

Quote from: Jen on June 05, 2014, 06:00:56 pm

Hi Lindsay, did all four stings land on that arm?

No Jen I got stung in the elbow, jaw, and 2 on the butt

Jen · « **Reply #9 on:** June 05, 2014, 06:12:19 pm »

When was the last time you were stung before yesterday? and did you have the same reaction?

And have you tried taking Benedryl to see if it lessens the swelling?

Jen · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2014, 06:28:48 pm »

Lindsay, I did find this, read the second to the last paragraph. It states that if the injection site is red more than 3-4 inches, you may want to see a doc. But read all of it as well ~

http://www.ask.com/wiki/Bee_sting

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2014, 07:14:55 pm »

Yes Jen I took Benedryl about 40 mins ago and the heat went away but the swelling hasn't improved. I haven't had a reaction to a sting like this prior to yesterday. Ill have to read your article in a little bit after I get these wild babies to bed! Thanks for all of your help

Jen · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2014, 07:42:35 pm »

Okay

Mommies are soo busy in the evenings ~ keep us posted

LindsayBrower1 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2014, 08:54:52 pm »

I think Ill be fine... Hopefully the swelling goes away soon!

Jen · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2014, 09:02:02 pm »

Usually it takes around 3 days, for some a little longer, some a little shorter. Keep up with the benedril, and keep that arm out of the sun, warm sun causes more itching.

blueblood · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2014, 11:59:59 pm »

If I get a sting on a major body part, I get a quarter sized red spot the first hour or so. Next, it can reach 3-4 inches. It is always warm to the touch and swells, but not too much. It peaks at 24 hours and then starts to itch and resume to normal after 48 hours. That is what I understand as being a normal site reaction. If I get stung on a joint like the wrist for example, my fist will swell so much I can't see my knuckles. Pretty much everybody I have seen that gets a sting on the or around the eyes have a pretty large reaction. I really thinks "the where" you get stung makes a bid difference. The venom, which is a peptide along with enzymes act to destroy tissues. Your body is trying to fight it off just like it does a splinter or cut. It's the less than 1% of the world that are hypertensive to the allergens that need to worry. My first stings of the year are always a little more pronounced. My sting two days ago on the finger hurt for a half hour but never turned more red than the size of a dime and no swelling. All I could see the next day was a tiny hole. I know how ya feel though. I was a little scared the first time I saw the site reaction.

Bakersdozen · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2014, 03:37:53 am »

LindsayBrower1,
Hey, that looks just like me when I get stung. That could be a picture of my arm. Like blueblood said, the sting will be warm to the touch. It's feverish. Blueblood is right about the location having a big impact. Ice gives temporary relief. Elevation helps some, but I think the poisons just drain to lower parts of the body. If I get stung on the ear or jaw the poisons just drain down my neck and it is all swollen. Within 24 hours it starts itching. The swelling starts to go down about 48 hours. In 3 days I am pretty much back to normal. I can't take Benedryl, so I just ride out the discomfort. I try to put a poultice on asap to help draw some of the poisons out. I have used turmeric and meat tenderizer with some success.
This is why I always suit up, even for the smallest of tasks in the hive.

blueblood · « **Reply #17 on:** June 06, 2014, 06:57:51 am »

Bakers, I was nodding my head yes when I read your last sentence.

I tried the no suit thing but I realized didn't care much for even normal site reactions. I had to be honest with myself and explore my motivations for not wearing protection. It came down this, I was not wearing it to be mancho and draw positive praise from other keepers who seemingly brag (maybe just my take

) about not wearing protection. It was all put to rest by several of the folks here who offered the following advice: You must wear whatever you need to be relaxed and comfortable working the hives. And in doing so, you provide a better environment for both you and the bees. So, if you are comfortable in your birthday suit or in full NASA gear like me, do whichever is best for you, and only you.

tmrschessie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2014, 08:54:27 am »

Plus it might impair your duty performance if you have a swollen hand....I "normally" wear a bee suit and gloves. Tom

blueblood · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2014, 09:46:41 am »

Quote from: tmrschessie on June 06, 2014, 08:54:27 am

Plus it might impair your duty performance if you have a swollen hand....I "normally" wear a bee suit and gloves. Tom

exxxxxactlyyyyyyy....ha!