Feeling so blessed!!!

[ultrarunner]

For the small nests I use a shot of WD40

 

[Jstpssng]

I have been told that your body changes every 7 years. That may or may not be true, but it would be nice to not be allergic to poison ivy again.

To the OP, thank you for sharing your story. It may save another life further down the road. Also kudos to your wife and everyone else who knew what to do so that you can keep posting.

 

[ponytug]

I wonder if there is some way a person could be tested for this sort of reaction. Short of going thru a real life experience.

Yes, you can see an allergist, and they can do a skin test, but skin testing is imperfect. As others have mentioned, your immune system changes with time, sometimes for the good and sometimes not. Mast cells are the prime guardians for foreign substances in the body, and the prime agents behind welts/hives. If they are already on high alert because of something else (allergies, a splinter, tick bite, dust, some food intolerance ...), they may pull their "fire alarm" instead of letting it slide. The risk of being rural is that like @oosik and many of the rest of us, help may not arrive quickly, or in time.

Anaphylaxis is one thing guaranteed to get a medical team moving as time is of the essence. Wasp and bee bites are a big deal for many of us.

@Mtsoxfan I'm glad it worked out well for you and kudus to your wife and the rest of the crew that kept you above ground!

All the best,

Peter

 

[newbury]

Great to read the story. Now I need to investigate the reaction - sounds like one day a wasp can sting you, no problem. A day later, same wasp stings you, your almost dying.
When I grew up in Vermont there was an abandoned building with yellow jackets. Being young and dumb several of us guys would provoke them and getting stung was a badge of honor. IIRC my record was 7 stings, others could take more.
Down in Mississippi I have been routinely getting stung several times a summer, not by choice.
Guess I should take more care.

Ms. D sure sounds like a savior.