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FAK addtion...

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 8:34 am
by balzaccom
We've added one more item to our first aid kit for backpacking, but it's not something we suggest for everyone. As you may know, I am an avid cyclist. I try to ride just about every day for 15+ miles, and have regularly ridden over 5,000 miles a year.

But over the past few years, I've been stung by bees a few times, and each time the reaction to the sting has become more pronounced. The last time I was stung, about month ago, it was on the thigh, and my entire thigh swelled up to about 150% of it's normal size., and growing.

That's when I decided it was worth going to the doctor about this. The doctor prescribed some massive dosages of prednisone, and then asked me what I liked to do for fun. When I mentioned backpacking, the doc immediately prescribed a couple of epipens. He was concerned that if I were stung near my head by a bee, the reaction could easily prevent me from breathing, and I'd would be far from medical help. There's a happy thought.

So we've added this to our FAK for in the mountains, even though it adds a few ounces to our packs. Wonder if there is an ultralight version?

Re: FAK addtion...

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 10:06 am
by rlown
A very good addition!

Re: FAK addtion...

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 11:17 am
by copeg
In the same boat. Last bee sting (couple years ago) had a mild but scary full body reaction. Doc prescribed to carry Epipen & benadryl. Hiking at high altitude never worried much about bees, but now I do.

Re: FAK addtion...

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 11:27 am
by longri
I was going to add something about what else you need but then noticed you cross posted this and what I was going to say was said by someone else there. So I don't need to say it! :-)

I don't remember them being all that heavy, just a little clunky. What does your weigh?