Flatlander Report post Posted June 21, 2015 How many of you guys hunt with an epi-pen? I have recently developed a severe allergy to something, no idea what. This morning it tried to kill me with a full on case of anaphylaxis w/shock. Luckily I live 5 minutes from Banner Gateway and they hit me with some epinephrine and got me back on my feet. It was a scary deal, my blood pressure got down to 50/11 at one point. Of course my first thought when I got home was, what if this happened in a camp, or on a trail, or some other God forsaken place not within a quick drive of emergency help. What do you guys with epi-pens do on hunts? Do you carry a sat phone additionally, my reaction to the epi was about as bad as the shock, so the thought of convulsing for hours alone in the woods isn't real appealing. Do you still hunt alone? With this still being unidentified I am pretty nervous about what could have happened. Just wondering what other guys do. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I had a gf years ago that carried one with her every time we went any where in case of bee stings. Not sure what to say other than im glad youre alright and just get used to having it with you. Keep it with your keys and wallet so you don't forget it. If it were me id be looking for some spots a little closer to the road, thats for sure. Cant imagine dealing with that in the middle of no where. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swivelhead Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Scary stuff, hope you find a solution soon. Pay attention to your body and try to pick up on the subtle hints that can tip you off to the onset of an event. Liquid Benadryl can head off a full blown event if taken soon enough. Also, an asthma attack can mimic anaphylactic shock. Get evaluated for asthma & pack an inhaler too if necessary. No experience with epi-pens (fortunately). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest akaspecials Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I have a few allergies that have sent me into anaphylactic shock. I always carry at least 2 epipens, benadryl, and shitload of prednisone to help control any reaction. Luckily the above cocktail has helped me to see another day a few times. Talk to your doc and he should be able to set you up. There is info online too that any wilderness first responder should know. I probably will be buying a sat phone in the near future too for some additional comfort. That epi is quite the rush? Huh? :-) lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fdh88 Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I am allergic to bees but have never been stung. I'm getting an epi pen next week. I don't want to risk not having one with hunting and fishing trips coming up. I'm not sure what the procedure is when you get stung and actually have to use it. But I always hunt & fish with my husband, so it makes me feel a little better knowing someone else is there in case something happens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rageinthesage Report post Posted June 21, 2015 My wife carries one, she is allergic to the little sugar ants of all things. Good to hear your ok. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I am allergic to bees but have never been stung. I'm getting an epi pen next week. I don't want to risk not having one with hunting and fishing trips coming up. I'm not sure what the procedure is when you get stung and actually have to use it. But I always hunt & fish with my husband, so it makes me feel a little better knowing someone else is there in case something happens. Procedure is pretty simple, read up on the symptoms of anaphylaxis and it will tell you when to use it. Hold it down on your leg and push the button. Then wait for it to work. You are supposed to carry two doses, as there is a small chance of recurrence of anaphylaxis within a short period. Lay down when you do it, that stuff put me into all out convulsions. It lasted several hours. Not fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Explorer Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Scary stuff, hope you find a solution soon. Pay attention to your body and try to pick up on the subtle hints that can tip you off to the onset of an event. Liquid Benadryl can head off a full blown event if taken soon enough. Also, an asthma attack can mimic anaphylactic shock. Get evaluated for asthma & pack an inhaler too if necessary. No experience with epi-pens (fortunately). i developed asthma after I got pneumonia 2 years ago. I was unaware of it at first, thinking it was bronchitis. Just about died on a day hike about a month later. Inhalers are a must even though now I only use it occasionally. Its like drowning but your not in water. Make sure you are not allergic to benadryl like I am. Glad you pulled through Flatlander that is scary as heck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest 300ultramag. Report post Posted June 21, 2015 good thing ur okay. Guy I work with does that with shell fish he says the liquid Benadryl does the trick. I can't confirm this but that is what he tells me.I'm right by you here in Gilbert,And work at gateway. IF you got a bad feeling about going solo or dr can't find what your trigger is by all means text or call me Ill gladly go with ya. You have my #. If not get it from captain Ron. take care. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xnt Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I have one. Haven't had true anaphylaxis, but did get close--hives, lip started swelling... not good. another poster was right on the head: you can't just county on eppy... it only lasts 5-30 minutes and if you got a really bad exposure of whatever it is that likes to kill you, even two wont be enough. I also carry generic liquid Benadryl (diphenhydramine) but not a steroid like Prednisone--though that may certainly be a good idea if your doctor recommends it. REMEMBER: epinephrine in an autoinjector is extremely temperature sensitive. It doesn't like cold and it doesn't like heat. If you're scouting in the summer you need to keep it close to the water in your bladder and if its cold you should consider moving it closer to your body. last thing you want is to think you were good to go and have dead epi because you left it in your car in Phoenix for an afternoon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WampusCat Report post Posted June 21, 2015 My buddy is is deathly allergic to stinging bugs. Whether overseas or back in the states our job finds us in pretty remote locations. He carries Epi-pens no matter where we go. Anytime we get a new guy or we are with a different group than usual he asks them for 1 minute of their attention. He pulls out an Epi-pen from a pocket so they can see where he keeps them and then explains the why and how to use them in the event he can't do it himself. My advice would be to do the same and educate anyone you spend regular time with and hunting buddies who may be your only hope a few miles from the truck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longshooter Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Blood pressure 50/11? Wow!! That's the lowest I've heard of. I had issues about 10 years ago with that. I carried a epi pen on me along with predisone and benedryl and a albutural inhaler as another member posted. Just watch high heat and cold with your pens.. And always check on the expiration date on them. I have gave myself a few injections with the epi pen and its no fun at all. Good luck flatlander. I had a couple episodes like that and after many test the doctors still could not find what my trigger was. We still don't know to this day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twigsnapper Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I carried one for many years, seem to have grown out of my severe allergy, never figured out what it was. I only used the epi pen twice while hunting. I still have minor episodes that are controlled with Benadryl. I carry liquid children's Benadryl in my pack at all times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6ANut Report post Posted June 21, 2015 No nothing of the subject but glad you are okay flatlander. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naturebob Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Long shooter, I bet Your Allergic to trophy animals. Just kidding, In all seriousness, That sucks . We all gotta watch it out there. On hunts I always take a full pouch of meds and inhalers. Had Asthma since I was a kid. Went quiet for years ,except allergy season but now that I'M gettin older its around alot. Keep meds with ya all the time. I been getting vertigo for 2-3 weeks. not severe but bad enough. Went to Doc. last week. Had severe case 10 years ago so I am hoping this goes away soon. Good luck to all and stay healthy............BOB! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
