Anaphylactic Shock - wasps and bees?

I suffer from anaphylactic shock when stung by bees and wasps - about 10 minute delay or less. I carry Epi-pens and am never sure when to administer them. Do I use them before the symptoms start or while I am actually in shock?

Last year I went to hospital with a sting - and the doctor in A&E actually asked me when he should use it?!

I have read the instructions, and asked the pharmasist - he is unclear too.

Answers - sensible ones, please. I have done the obvious.

Use it immediately after you have been bitten, before symptoms start. If you wait until symptoms start, you may not be able to inject yourself as anaphylactic shock can disable you quite quickly.

It is given in the upper thigh muscle, about 1 hand width above the knee and slightly to the outside of the leg, hold it in your leg for a count of 10 before withdrawing.

I would say as soon as u r stung. it might stop the symptoms all together.

as soon as your stung - my daughter uses the epi-pen for egg allergies and has been told to use it soon after - although she has never had to use it, you dont have to use it straight away, wait and see what happens, you also need an ID badge to inform medics of this allergy.

You need to take epi as soon as you are stung, this will prevent the symptoms from starting and also give it a better chance to work.

You need to speak to the doctor that recommended this for you. The fact that he/she didn't explain to you the correct procedure for dosing yourself with epinephrine is alarming. Normally, the injection is made immediately upon noticing symptoms, but this is usually modified specifically to the individual by their doctor. Speak to your doctor about this before you have to use it again so that you can be sure you are doing everything correctly for your physiology.

If I were you I'd take it immediately as soon as you've been stung so it takes effect on the body quicker, waiting for the symptoms is pointless as your body is already starting to react to the sting and so the injection may take slightly longer to take effect, every second counts! Go to your doctor and ask, they must know surely, it'd be extremely worrying if they didn't!

the min u get stung