balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
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Post by balzaccom on Apr 25, 2016 7:35:16 GMT -8
We've added one more item to our first aid kit for backpacking, but it's not something we suggest for everyone. As you may know, I am an avid cyclist. I try to ride just about every day for 15+ miles, and have regularly ridden over 5,000 miles a year.
But over the past few years, I've been stung by bees a few times, and each time the reaction to the sting has become more pronounced. The last time I was stung, about month ago, it was on the thigh, and my entire thigh swelled up to about 150% of it's normal size., and growing.
That's when I decided it was worth going to the doctor about this. The doctor prescribed some massive dosages of prednisone, and then asked me what I liked to do for fun. When I mentioned backpacking, the doc immediately prescribed a couple of epipens. He was concerned that if I were stung near my head by a bee, the reaction could easily prevent me from breathing, and I'd would be far from medical help. There's a happy thought.
So we've added this to our FAK for in the mountains, even though it adds a few ounces to our packs. Wonder if there is an ultralight version?
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Post by immadman on Apr 25, 2016 8:00:12 GMT -8
I would also strongly suggest that you get some OTC Benadryl (generic diphenhydramine) to carry along in case you are some distance from a trailhead or other medical attention. It also has other uses as it is an anti-histamine. Although it is an oral (PO) medicine and is obviously not as fast acting as the epi-pen, it is a little more long lasting in case of rebound.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 25, 2016 8:38:43 GMT -8
Definitely a good idea. I carried one for several years, after Eldest Son had a couple of reactions to stings. I stopped carrying it after he got stung a few more times without reaction. Benedryl always goes along (or similar). Question: does Claritin work for those reactions too? I know it's a different active ingredient, and I can take it without such an extreme reaction to the meds (Benedryl leaves me seriously drugged for up to 24 hours, and that's with the standard 4-hour stuff). But if it doesn't work as well for an allergic reaction to a sting or bite, I might carry both.
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Post by trinity on Apr 25, 2016 10:24:46 GMT -8
I have had a few very bad reactions to wasp stings, and now I never go out into the backcountry during the warmer months without an epipen. I hope I never have to use one again though--those things leave a mark. I also carry benadryl.
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Apr 25, 2016 11:06:28 GMT -8
Epipensare for delivering doses of epinephrine, i.e. adrenaline, to treat anaphylaxis. Usually anaphylaxis is not dependent on where on the body one gets stung. Rumi
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johnnyray
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Argle-Bargle, Jiggery-Pokery, and Applesauce
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Epipens.
Apr 25, 2016 11:21:53 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by johnnyray on Apr 25, 2016 11:21:53 GMT -8
I also get severe localized reactions to stings, have sought medical treatment a few times but have never had a doctor recommend epinephrine just Benadryl and ice . .
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 25, 2016 11:27:01 GMT -8
even though it adds a few ounces to our packs. It's worth more than its weight in gold if you ever need it.
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sarbar
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After being here since 2001...I couldn't say goodbye yet!
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Post by sarbar on Apr 25, 2016 12:02:37 GMT -8
Well....I carry 4 Epipens when I hike. Why? Because my youngest son is severely allergic to many foods. Now then, Epipens work that if needed, you stab in the thigh, thru clothing even.
As for the Benadryl comments: while it can be good, for life threatening reactions ALWAYS give Epi first. Always. Never the other way. This has been a new change in recent years. It can mask a full reaction and then it comes back again.
I don't even consider his med kit to be part of my weight count.
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sarbar
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Post by sarbar on Apr 25, 2016 12:05:01 GMT -8
Also, be sure everyone you hike with knows where it is, and how to use it A good way to learn is to use expired ones on oranges. Or as the company says...."Blue to the sky, orange to the ground" it makes sense when you look at the devices....
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 25, 2016 12:40:16 GMT -8
Usually anaphylaxis is not dependent on where on the body one gets stung. Would it be the right choice if localized swelling was causing breathing problems (i.e., for a person who reacts will a lot of swelling, a sting on the face or neck might interfere with breathing without being actual anaphylaxis?). I'm just wondering. In any case, from our experience, the docs expect the reactions to keep getting more severe, and you don't know when the next one will be life-threatening, wherever you are stung, if you once start down that road.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Apr 25, 2016 12:47:16 GMT -8
I should have known, but just found out that epipens expire. Was packing for a short fishing trip the other day and saw that mine had expired 3 years ago!
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Apr 25, 2016 13:04:23 GMT -8
Well, I am NOT a doctor, but it has been noted that doctors often over prescribe epipens, kinda like antibiotics prescribed for colds and such. I don't know how local swelling reacts to adrenaline
Epinephrine is adrenaline. It is also used to treat severe asthma attacks. My two brothers sometimes had to go to the ER for adrenaline shots when they started turning blue from asthma. They hated the effects, well except that it opened up their bronchi.
Rumi
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Woodsie
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Colorado
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Post by Woodsie on Apr 25, 2016 16:13:04 GMT -8
Also, be sure everyone you hike with knows where it is, and how to use it A good way to learn is to use expired ones on oranges. My epipens come with a tester. It doesn't have a needle or the meds in it, but you can simulate the act of jabbing yourself. I've shown a couple of friends how to use an epipen if I need it.
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Woodsie
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Post by Woodsie on Apr 25, 2016 16:14:25 GMT -8
Well, I am NOT a doctor, but it has been noted that doctors often over prescribe epipens, kinda like antibiotics prescribed for colds and such. Antibiotics are prescribed too often, but with an epipen you don't use it unless you really need it. It's better to have the epipen and not need it than not have it and need it.
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Apr 25, 2016 17:29:59 GMT -8
If a person has anaphylaxis, then that person heeds an epipen. If not, then the person does not need one. If a person has anaphylaxis, they will know it. Severe local swelling after being stung is simply a localized reaction to the sting. Anaphylaxis is systemic. If you get stung on the leg and your chest and back breakout in hives, your face flushes, and your eyelids burn and start to swell, you are having a systemic reaction and need to carry an epipen.
Various reasons doctors over-prescribe epipens are: the doctor thinks it will help the patient feel more confident, the doctor is doing a little CYOA, it feels better than telling the patient to take an antihistamine and wait out the swelling, patient asks for one, the patient's mother asks for one, the patient's father asks for one, the patient's grandparents ...
Epipens are expensive, rather bulky and weighty, and inconvenient to carry. If out in the backcountry, a person needs to carry at least two because it may take more than one dose to get results. Bottom line is if you need it, carry it. If not it is a waste.
Rumi
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