Before we headed out on the trail, I went to my physician and got a new box of Epipens to take with me on the trail.
For me, it is a lifesaving measure that keeps me alive until I can get proper medical attention. An Epipen is an auto-injector loaded with epinephrine that you jab into your thigh when you are having a severe allergic reaction. The first thing I did was make sure that I always had several Epipens handy. So how was I able to avoid having an allergic reaction on trail, and how was I able to get by without an “essential” backpacking staple? Needless to say, I was a little worried about having an allergic reaction in the middle of the woods, miles from civilization and medical attention. After several hours of an IV of epinephrine and Benadryl at the hospital, I was cleared to go home with my steroid prescription and a renewed appreciation for how bad my allergy actually is.
Within seconds, my throat was closed and I prepared myself to meet my maker. The only reaction I can remember having was about 5 or so years ago when I drank unknowingly out of a straw that someone who had eaten peanut butter crackers had also drank out of. I get hives, swell up everywhere, and my throat immediately closes. As in I go into anaphylactic shock in seconds of ingesting anything with nuts. As well as a handful of Snickers, Clif Bars and probably some type of trail mix. You can find a jar of peanut butter or Nutella in almost every backpacker’s pack. I know… this is unbelievable, and even shameful, for most hikers. Confession time: I have NEVER tasted peanut butter.
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