I had a blood test last Monday following a bad reaction to a bee sting. The nurse rang tonight with the result and I have tested as high. Also tested for wasp allergy and I tested positive too! Albeit low.
OK, I see in the thread that you have made your decision, and that the desensitisation is just too far away.
However...........my eldest daughter, who is my successor in the business and will be taking over from me in the medium term, was highly allergic too, went through the course in Dundee, which is a centre of expertise in this subject, and is now fine.
My second son, who works here and does all the truck repairs and keeps all the machinery running. has been through the course TWICE. His first test gave a result described by the professor in charge as 'extraordinary', and did the course, but was not fully sorted first time around so did it again, now gets a sting with no ill effects.
Monika, one of my ex staff and a close friend nowadays, also became allergic to beestings and took a bad reaction. She too has done the course and is now fine, though she no longer works with bees.
Dr. Flora Isles, a prominent beekeeper in the East of Scotland group, became allergic, took the course, and continued to keep bees.
Clem Cuthbertson, one of the most experienced bee inspectors in Scotland, took an allergic reaction in my apiary during an EFB check and I had to rush him to hospital. He went for the treatment too, and is back at the bees and at inspecting.
For a familiar name on here try Gavin, yes, he too had to go through the treatment and has continued to keep bees.
So, it need not be the end of the world as you know it. Not a thing to be taken at all lightly but some do cope with it, get the treatment, and carry on.
Only today I had a call from a beekeeper in Scotland seeking advice as she had taken a major reaction earlier this week. First year beefarmer, all the money invested, then this happens. She is going to start down the road leading to the treatment and had her first appointment ths afternoon.
Most heavy stinging incidents are the result of 'familiarity breeds contempt' on behalf of the keeper whereby they decide 'it will be ok' and take shortcuts, then get a hammering. They are also often the result of listening to foolhardy advice, often given by extremely experienced people, about how to work their bees. Be prepared, wear the best of gear, and in sufficient thickness for it to be impenetrable, avoid all stinging if possible, and stay safe. Try to keep stock that is at lerast predictable, and if possible gentle. We NEVER get a hammering nowadays as we have rules and methods, plus a plentiful stock of protective clothing, and it MUST be used. Those who have become allergic here and in my family have probably all been the result of the dried venom and bee hairs etc connected with taking the bee suit home to wash it. Not permitted now, must be done at work, and if you cannot, then at least soak it in a bucket before bringing it home and thus avoid your nearest and dearest inhaling the stuff. The highest risk group for beesting allergy is not beekeepers, its beekeepers families.
PM me if you want more info, or perhaps even a chat about it.
Murray
