Does immune suppression make you more likely to have a more severe reaction to a bee sting?

[suffolkgirl]

[Ayla Volunteer]

No, I don't think so, but worth seeking medical advice if you are worried anout this. As a beekeeper I get the occasional sting and I react just the same to it now as I did pre my current drug therapy.

Ayla

[suffolkgirl]

Thank you Ayla. I don't normally have a problem, but I was stung near my eye, and under my eye is swollen. Also, I've not felt too well today - tired , unpleasant taste and no appetite. I'm taking antihistamines, which could be what's making me sleepy.

[Ayla Volunteer]

You did right taking the antihistamine. Stings on the face can be pretty painful and you may be getting a stress reaction, but I am hoping you will feel much better tomorrow.

Ayla

[Nell]

Hi. I used to react very badly to stings and bites before starting immunosuppressants. Now I hardly react at all due to the immunospressants.

Nell

[suffolkgirl in reply to Nell]

That's good for you, but not much consolation for me at present!

[Nell]

Sorry I didn't mean to come across in an uncaring or derogatory way. Or mean to cause offence. Merely that given my personal experiences over the years I agree with Ayla that I don't think immunosuppants in themselves make you likely to have a more severe reaction. It will be interesting to hear others views and I wish you well.

Nell

[suffolkgirl in reply to Nell]

No offence taken! Just feeling a bit sorry for myself at present.

[Nell]

I understand completely. I think it goes with the territory with this flippin disease and hope you feel better soon. One further thought though. Just because we are on these drugs it doesn't stop us from becoming allergic to new things. So if you develop severe inflammation, swollen face or wheezing you should seek medical attention. If it is not so severe I use Piriton and Anthisan cream or other similar antihistamine to good effect. The pharmacist will be able to advise you.

Big hugs from a fellow suffer

[suffolkgirl in reply to Nell]

Thanks. I'm taking the tablets and using the cream, but my eye is still almost closed up with the swelling. Also tablets make me sleepy. Added complication- I can't wear my specs at mo either! Think I'll get checked out with GP tomorrow. Why do these things always happen at weekends?

[SusieMC]

Conditions such as vasculitis do make you more prone to allergies especially if you have Churg Strauss. If you are concerned you have had a strong reaction it wouldn't harm to seek medical advice. I hope you feel better soon.

Sue

[suffolkgirl in reply to SusieMC]

Thank you. I'm not sure if the same might apply to WG.

[AndrewT]

Dear suffolkgirl,

Don't think I can add much to the above except that I have never really reacted to stings, although I did to a snake bite once, and now that I'm 'immunosuppressed' I hardly react to much; even histamine only produces a mild reaction- applied topically.

Do talk to your consultant, about this though, I'm sure that he/she will advise you.

Please let me, us all, know what the outcome is, will you?

In the mean time, take care and don't get stung!

AndrewT