wasps

[bike4ever]

Well, I found out yesterday evening that I am allergic to wasps. On Sunday, during a nice early bike ride, I was stung by something. Pulled a nasty stinger out of my leg. No I didn't apply the chewing tobacco.

Monday my sting site continued to grow in size. It became more red and terribly itchy. On Tuesday morning, I had a co-worker mark my leg to see if it was still growing. It continued to grow. I realized right before 5pm that my ankle was swollen and very itchy. My doctor sent me to one of the urgent care centers, since her office was closed. The doctor there said my reaction was to a wasp sting. She was very quick to diagnose. So I started a short batch with prednisone.

Swelling is down today, but it is still itchy. This should last about one week.

At least I can ride without any issues.

[Tuckervill]

I had a similar thing happen with a wasp sting, only it stung me between two fingers and my entire hand swelled up.

I asked the doc if that meant I was allergic. He said, "No, you're not allergic. That's just a localized reaction." So, I don't consider myself allergic to wasps or bees, in the kind of anaphylactic way that some people are. Maybe that's true for you, too.

Karen

[Cassandra_Cain]

I guess if one had a choice, then it would obviously be better not to be allergic to things.

Still, at least now you are aware of it and should anything at all happen in the future, pertaining to wasps, you'll be a step ahead. I'm always amazed at the things people are allergic to but totally unaware of. I know it has happened to me too.

[bike4ever]

The doctor explained the wasp allergy as responding two ways: the way I did and the more serious way (anaphylactic). She said if/when I get stung again, I will swell but not to worry about the more serious way.

[GLC1968]

I have a similar problem. I was stung by three wasps (I got too close to a nest and couldn't get away fast enough!) and my body swelled up horribly. My forearm was as big around as my calf and with these calves...that's big!

The doc said I was overly-sensitive to wasps, but not full on allergic like some people are to bees. He did say that more than 5 or 6 stings at once might be life threatening, but the chances of that happening are rare. I do admit that I still freak out when a wasp is near.

[Bikingmomof3]

I hate bugs. I am glad I have not yet been stung by a wasp. I will be much more vigiliant.