first sting ever...a wasp!

[valerie_88]

Hi, I was bitten by a wasp yesterday at about 12 noon, I immediately put ice on the area and took some benedryl. I was weak all day yesterday and today when i woke up my eye is almost swollen shut. I read about the sting and I can't say I have had a tetnus shot in over a year. I'd like to know what to do about the swelling i try ice and heat but its only gotten worse! I am not as tierd as yesterday but more nauseated.

When i went to the ER at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital they advised me that it was a local bite and will go away.NO blood test, NO question about my immunisation records, NOTHING to help me! Im scared because my body does not feel the same!!

Please help me!

Kind Regards,
Valerie

[crystalfresh]

Benadryl I can't stay away. ....   away = awake as in drowsy and sleep.

[crystalfresh]

One more thing. Since the sting is in you, once the Benadryl wears off you can react to it all over again which is why I suggest staying on an antihistamine like Benadryl. That could explain why it is getting worst. I have to say "to be on the safe side" being tired could also be a more dangerous reaction as well. The ER should have evaluated you for that type of reaction but it can be delayed too. I do know that when I take Benadryl I can't stay away. The nausea is not part of Benadryl. That part concerns me. I personally wold see an allergist right away. But that's just me. I would not come off antihistamine either until it goes away as I learned my lesson when my reaction came back once the med wore off. Please be well. Good luck.

[crystalfresh]

First you need to stay on antihistamine until it is gone. Benadryl is great stuff. You should see a GP or allergist doctor. You definitely had a reaction to that sting and are still having it. Sounds like the ER ruled out anaphylaxis but you did have Benadryl in you so that I'm not sure about the results. Just stay on antihistamine on schedule to prevent something worst. Being tired could more than likely be the "drugged" affect from Benadryl which can hit you like a hang over for up to 12 hours as it does with me. Ask the pharmacy but I think you can use cortisone cream on the inflamed area while taking Benadryl. If you go to a doctor they might give you medication to make it go away faster. This swelling can last for 3 weeks as it will in me. It's different for everyone. Some people just a few days, some like me much longer. But I will still react to the sting as long as it is there, so I suggest being seen by a doctor.

The Benadryl gel caps every 4-6 hours as directed and cortisone cream might do it too. But if you do not feel better after 1 hour of doing all that it is recommended to see a doctor. The Benadryl should work quickly. Same for the cortisone cream.

If at any time you don't feel right go to the ER again just to be safe. Careful on Benadryl it is like drinking alcohol for some people and driving can be dangerous.