Carrie's Story

“I worked with bees for several years before the allergy manifested and, looking back, I was complacent about being stung. I saw it as part of the job, and I expected to be stung most weeks and sometimes by multiple bees.

I was in my late 40s by this time, and, on one occasion, I was stung by 13 bees in a single episode. Bees can sting through beekeeper suits so I would usually wear several layers of clothes underneath as extra protection, but it was a hot day, and I was in a hurry. I had been inspecting the honey also, which agitates the bees so, really, I knew I was being a bit complacent, but I didn’t think anything of it.

Then, some weeks later, I was working again, and a single bee came through the top of my bee-keeping suit and stung me on my chin. I had an anaphylactic shock and had to get help straight away.

The consultant I saw suggested that the anaphylaxis might have been triggered by the previous mass stinging. I got a referral to a specialist allergy clinic – which was the start of a long process of treatment.

There were 10 weeks of weekly trips to London for an injection and then the same again every six weeks for three years. It has been a huge commitment. It was very important for me plan how to get to these appointments. It was a two-hour trip there and a two-hour trip back from my home in Kent. I’ve got young children, so I had to arrange childcare. There was also the cost element, plus it involved re-arranging working days.

The immunotherapy treatment was an injection of a tiny little bit of bee venom and then I was monitored to see how I reacted. I was really frightened that I would get a reaction, but the team have been great. I will have my last appointment in May.

I have my sheets of instructions from the allergy consultant, I always have my EpiPen with me plus my antihistamine. I have a little tag on my bag when I’m beekeeping, I have radio contact.

I’ve looked for all the ways to minimise the risk of bee stings and I tell other beekeepers that being stung shouldn’t be seen as part of the job. That’s what I wish I had thought about more – and realised I could get better protective suits for example.”