I was recently stung by a hornet or wasp on my wrist right on a vein, which is probably why my reaction was severe. I took Benadryl within 5 min., but 10 min. later my head was pounding, and I was weak with rapid heart rate and breathing. My daughter luckily was home and used the Epipen in my thigh. I was then in and out of consciousness and had an urge to have a bowel movement, but I was incredibly weak and not able to stay awake. My family dragged me to the bathroom, (after calling the ambulance), where I was unconscious when I wasn't vomiting. The EMTs gave me oxygen, IV Benadryl and Solu Medrol. My blood pressure in the ER was very low (80/30) with tachycardia. I don't understand why I had no rash or throat swelling unless epi took care of this. They kept me overnight with IV fluids and Solu Medrol. Now I will keep Epipen close by, but I am afraid to ever have this happen again.

I have had three anaphylactic events, two of which required hospitalization. I also have bilateral shoulder shrugging due to restless arm syndrome and the ER doctors get side-tracked with that and fail to treat for my allergies. The last time my husband, a dentist, assured the ER doctor that this was my third event, but he was told it wasn't an allergic reaction. Finally, after they had ruled out seizure or stroke, I was treated with IV Benadryl and Prednisone hours later. I was non-responsive for eight hours. It's frustrating to have medical directives or an alert bracelet when the ER doctors just ignore them.

I experienced anaphylaxis the other day. I had a very intense episode of hives, and I had to go to the emergency room. It began with my palms itching, then the itching spread all over my body, face, and scalp. I had tongue and throat swelling, and I felt chilled after every new wave of hives and itching. I took two tablespoons of Benadryl at home. I went to the hospital after noticing the throat swelling, and they gave me an epinephrine shot that helped some. They also gave me a steroid pill and Zantac. They gave me prescription of Epipen, which I now carry. My primary doctor did the same. He sent me to an allergist who said until it happens again we won't have any idea why it happened. He also said it wasn't life threatening. (Really?) How odd that he'd think that. Still, I carry the Epipen no matter what he said.

I was in the hospital for double pneumonia. After I had been there about 2 hours, my blood sugar was taken. It was 156, somebody panicked I think, I was given 3 units of insulin and in about 10 minutes I was in the throws of being in shock. Several nurses about 7 surrounded me and tried to get my breathing under control. I was also given Benadryl. They said later that I was on 100% oxygen. I was then taken to ICU and spent 3 days there. I was then transferred to a nursing floor. They then discovered that I had an ecoli blood infection along with the pneumonia. After a weeks stay and many test later I was discharged.

I have had 3 episodes of anaphylaxis shock so far. 1st time was in turkey, I was stung by a hornet. All other times have been in the UK. When I had it, it was the most frightening thing I have ever experienced, as soon as I'm stung I get flushing of the skin, anxiety feeling that I'm going to die, fast breathing my BP drops very low and my heart starts racing. The sight of the sting also swells up and is very red and wide-spread. The last time I had it was in May, I had to be taken to hospital by ambulance and was put on a drip. I found out that I'm also allergic to certain food as well as insect stings. I now carry the epi-pen and wear a Medi-alert bracelet.