On Wed, 6 Sep 1995, Laura Downey wrote:
 
> Hi all -
>
>    A month or so ago I posted some messages regarding the possibility that I
> was allergic to honey bee venom.  I had some serious local reactions, large
> swellings and itching.
>
>    I went to the doctor last week, had a blood test done as part of a routine
> checkup.  I also asked the doctor to have it checked for a possible allergy
> to bee venom.
>
>    The doctor called me up today and told me to find a new hobby!  Not good
> news.  I told him that I was not ready to give up.  I asked him what could be
> done - he said to be completely suited from head to toe, carry an epi-pen and
> Benadryl.  He said that one or two stings wouldn't kill me, but that a large
> number of them could.
>
>    I am going to an allergist for additional information and testing.  I am
> not sure how accurate the blood-allergy testing is.  Everyone I mention it to
> has never heard of it (well, none of them were doctors!).  I am going to find
> out if desensitization is possible.
 
I have periodically suffered from an allergic reaction for several years
now.  The blood-allergy test is real, but I don't know how thorough or
accurate it is.  I have been tested several times by this method with no
conclusions.  No one knows what causes my reactions, but they are
life threatening when they occur.
 
What I'm trying to say is don't put too much faith in the blood-allergy
testing.  BTW, I'm definitely not allergic to bee venom.
 
Pete, NJ