I was stung again today - I didn’t do anything to the damn yellow jacket. I was minding my own business at 7 in the morning, hiking on a cool day beneath a cloudy sky. Wham! Stung right on my left side about six inches above the previous sting.
This reaction was worse. Hubby says - “You don’t look so hot…” I don’t know how I looked. We were fourteen-fifteen minutes from the car. He had the Epi-pen at the ready. He held the dog’s leash with one hand and me with the other, dragged us both along.
All I know is I was pissed off and scared. Within minutes my face felt all flushed, my head began to pound, my ears filled up, certain portions of my anatomy itched like hell - including some unmentionable areas- and I thought I might pass out. But I couldn’t pass out. We happened to be on a trail the EMTs would have difficulty finding. I had to make it to the parking lot and since I could still breathe, on we went.
Unbelievable. No more hiking until yellow jacket season is over. This is just like the year I was stung three times in three weeks and after the third sting, collapsed in a parking lot. A police officer had to take my dog, Louie, home for me while I went to the ER.
This is what I want for my birthday, or for Chrismukkah- Ripley’s flamethrower. Remember. Group gift. Flamethrower.
Holy cow, woman, that’s some scary stuff. You sound hella allergic. The toxin affects are cumulative? Yikes!! Seems like your body is one long red carpet to the yellow jacket awards or something. Be careful out there!
And thanks for the AWESOME Aliens tribute!
Is it your birthday? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
This might make you feel better….
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7763324546201298850
Why, just why do they do it? My husband was fishing in a boat yesterday and for no good reason, a honey bee flew into his shirt. Does he *smell* like flowers? After 5 hours in the sun, the answer to that would be no. And yet, stupid bee thought so. Or maybe it just wanted to rest in the shade. They were in the middle of a lake, after all, and bees have such little wings. My husband couldn’t chase him out, so he took his shirt off. Couldn’t find the bee in the shirt, so he looked down at his chest. Where the bee was sitting. As soon as the bee knew my husband was looking, it stung him and flew off. Stupid bee.
I know, Marie - just minding our own business and POW! KABLAM! Surely bees and yellow jackets have better things to do.
Actually, Penny, that is one scary ass video! Thanks a heap!
You are very welcome, Tracy. I’m always up for Aliens! Yes, every stupid sting sensitizes me more. Annoying.
I got stung several times this summer too. Did not need “the pen of death” though. That scares me more than the stingers! I was okay tho, the cellulitis(? swollen skin then soughing) on my skin made it look like raw meat, Charming. It’s hard to get enthused for the out doors when that is an issue. AND definitely no hiking alone! Hiking has not been good to you this year.
And, I have got to write your birthday down! I send you good wishes.
Okay, Julia, just for you during this trying time, I’ve assigned Clarence the angel to come and help you. The little guy is still trying to earn his wings, and waging a war to keep you safe from yellow jackets is one way to get his little angel wings fluttering in no time. Good luck, enjoy…and please send him back to me when you’re finished…
Trying to coexist peacefully with some insects is pretty tough… kinda like people.
Geez, I hope you’re feeling better.
Oh I know you got stung, Steph and I know it was bad. Nasty bees, wasps and yellow jackets! I’m temporarily exiled from the outdoors.
No honey, my birthday’s in April!
Thank you! I love Clarence, Marylin - I’ll make sure to send him home, wings intact!
Tim, yellow jackets have rotten tempers. Rotten evil vicious tempers. I need a flame thrower.
Once again, itchy, Amber. Maybe in 2-3 days.
I’d say I want to be Hicks, but Alien 3 makes that a kind of losing proposition. Actually, I can’t think of very many Michael Biehn characters that don’t get killed, so maybe I should steer clear of his characters entirely.
Hi, Aaron. I adore Michael Biehn’s characters, but they always die so… Losing proposition. I wanted him to survive Aliens - which he did only to die in the next installment. Sucked.
WE ARE buying you a white suit and a beekeepers hat and veil woman and you are not to leave the house without wearing it FOR ANY REASON
On the plus side if there are any yellow jackets in the back garden when you visit, the two ‘I’s and me should be ok as they make their way towards you as no doubt the yellow jacket air mail will have arrived ahead warning of your visit xxxxxxxx
Hi Tom. I’m very sure our Yank yellow jackets have wired ahead. Damn it! I hate them so…
Oh and Tom, I may buy my own beekeeping suit. Might not have a choice.
Ouch! I’m sorry, buddy.
I appreciate it, Sandra.