Well, that hurt...

[patch_bunny]

Went out on a ride on my motorcycle today, after a long dry spell of riding.  It was quite nice out, so I had the visor up and sunglasses on to protect my eyes.  I got less than three miles from home when... zap! I took a bee in the face, right below my glasses

Comments

[tashabear]

Sadly, one can develop allergies as one ages. I hope this was just a fluke, though. Might want to carry Benadryl in your first aid kit, just in case.

You DO carry a first aid kit, right? Sticking some chewable Pepto in there is always a good plan, too. I've used that more than anything else in my kit.

[patch_bunny]

I have a little kit, but it's more for cuts and scrapes. I've never had luck with Pepto when I've had intestinal trouble. Is it good for stings somehow?

[tashabear]

No, but the Benedryl I mentioned in the first paragraph is an antihistamine and therefore good for allergic reactions. Bear in mind that a first aid kit isn't necessarily just for your needs -- someone with you might need something you carry, and you'll *know* where your stuff is, rather than rummaging through their gear looking for it. I started carrying Benedryl because someone I was hanging out with had allergies that could be controlled by it, and I wanted to be sure it was always on hand where I could find it quickly.

[patch_bunny]

Yes, good point. I'll throw some in there.

Sadly, I don't know anyone who rides. My stuff is all solo. :P

[crankycoyote]

Bees and wasps on a bike are nasty. I hit a swarm of bees in Texas once - no stings, but man, what a mess, and stingers everywhere. Glad to hear you got help in time.

Epipens are good things to carry. I had an anaphylactic reaction to something unknown a decade ago (never figured it out, never happened again), and use that as my excuse to get a prescription for one. I carry it everywhere in my kit bag now (and need to get an Rx for a new one - good reminder ;). They really can save somebody's life - when I got my WFR, they recommended that everybody in the class ask their doctor for one before heading into the backcountry. So, now you're that much better prepared to help somebody else, even if you don't need it - that's pretty cool, I think! Even if the process of getting it really sucked.

[parallelshik]

I hope you're okay.
It is wise that you have set with epinephrine.
I had the reverse situation. I had myofascial syndrome once. Spasm of muscles in the neck and shoulder. I barely could ride my bike. I just caught an wasp or a bee scruff. It stung me into the affected muscles and pain is over.

[patch_bunny]

Physically ok. Somewhat rattled mentally as I realize how badly it could have gone, leaving me dying on the side of Highway 99. :-P