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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Allen Dick <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 15 Oct 2002 11:08:11 -0600
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> Is this something I should be concerned about?  Are my reactions
> likely to diminish or might they continue the current trend of
> increasing in swelling and duration?

In my experience, the swelling gets worse before it gets better.

Many get a false sense of impunity when they react very little at first,
then panic when the body starts to respond to the venom.  Most of us who
can take 100 stings over a day without any adverse effect went through
something much like what you describe. Assuming it gets no worse, I predict
that with continued regular stings, it will get to the point where you will
sometimes not be able to see where you were stung.

Maybe others will recall their experience along the road to developing
sting immunity, but I have noticed this the following pattern in many
employees, particularly those in extracting:

1. initial stings - little if any reaction -- false confidence
2. later occasional stings - itching, stiffness, swelling - some concern
3. multiple further stings - considerable swelling - anxiety and fear of
allergy
4. quit.
5. if talked into staying - lessening further reactions.

allen

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