Rush Venom Immunotherapy?

Question

I recently was stung by a bee and had a systemic reaction that landed me in the ER. Problem is I am a farmer and beekeeper. Even if I never touch the bee hives again I still am exposed to lots while picking...

I'm seeing a allergist next week. I definatly want immunotherapy, but I am hoping I can have a Rush course, as I see many bees every day, and am a little anxious. Has anyone done this? How common is Rush or ultra-rush therapy as opposed to traditional immunotherapy? Should my insurance cover it? Are their any doctors in Ohio who do it?

Thanks...

Answer 1

Excellent question! Certainly, "rush" venom immunotherapy (VIT) exists, and it has for some time..it does work, and in the Army Medical Corps we certainly HAD to "rush" soldiers to get them to be deployable into certain (tropical) regions. You must find an Allergist (preferably board-certified) who will take this on (not all do), and you'd possibly need to have this done under observation in a hospital observation area (perhaps adjacent to an ER?)...some have admitted patients altogether (no standard of care about this part--up to the combined comfort of the clinician and the patient!).

GOOD LUCK!!! You will achieve desensitization one way or another as VIT is the purest form, (gold standard) of all immunotherapy and has been since whole-body extracts gave way to puried venom extracts in the late 1980's!

Answer 2

Ouch