Anyone carry an epipen?

[Shabbycoconut]

I'm currently suspected of having multiple allergies, and have this week been given a couple of epipens. I feel relieved to have them as back up, but also nervous of having to use them, and hope I never do.

I'm also very forgetful and swap handbags all the time. I know I'll forget sometime. Also, they're huge! I thought they'd actually be the size of a pen. No more small handbags.

Anyone else carry one? How do you remember it? Nurse at the clinic suggested getting a pencil case, and maybe a keyring to indicate that I have it.

And how does it feel to use it? My allergic reactions have so far been a step down from needing it, and I hope I never do. But how does it feel?

This has all been very sudden, and I'm still getting used to the fact that I can no longer eat what I want, where I want, when I want. I'm hoping that if anyone replies, that'll make it feel a bit more normal.

My son carries an Epipen for his allergies.

Please don't be afraid of using one. That's what they are for. The medication can really stop a reaction in its tracks, and possibly save your life. We've told our son that it's better to use it than not use it.

I keep one at home and one in my bag, if you use multiple you just have to remember to swap it out. If your life depends on it, it's becomes the first thing you check before you leave the house.

We carry one and other antihistamines for Ds and it the paediatrician here gave up a proper medical red case for it that is obviously red and has ‘ emergency, epipen’ written on it.

DH has epipens and moves them between a work bag, the pram, his coat pocket etc depending on where we're going. It's just second nature, and he wouldn't forget them anymore than he'd forget his phone or keys for example.
I think generally if you are someone who isn't always forgetting their keys etc, then you'll be fine, just need to make it a habit. Stick a note on the door until then. Or if you have a specific place where you leave your keys, put your epipens there as well, so they always get picked up together?

Thanks everyone. I know I'll get used to carrying it, just all a bit new right now. I was expecting to go to the appointment, be told I was allergic to X and to avoid X. Not have a "this might save your life" training session!

Another question if I may. What about flying? And carrying/using/replacing it abroad? Trying to think of all possible scenarios.

They are essential medical equipment so no problem to carry them on a plane. Make sure to put it in hand luggage.

If you ended up needing to use one abroad, you would need a hospital visit at the very least, so your travel insurance might cover medicines and getting you home.

Dd carries two

she did need to buy a new ‘clubbing’ handbag because her pens didn’t fit in her old bag 🤔 ive a feeling ive been conned there

she has an orange medipac insulated pen case for her holiday, and ive just bought her a pink one for every day

she has used a pen already but I’m going to suggest she gets a training one for us to practice with

we think she had covid in march 2020 and shes been having reactions to medicine and other foods as well as peanuts in her case, shes been in A&E a few times now

I don't have an EpiPen but I do have an inhaler and felt like I was having a similar problem remembering it.

In the end my granny made me ❤a special bag innard - in it can go everything from a lipbalm to my meds, to tissues to the inhaler, plus my purse etc. If I change bags I can just hoik it out and pop it into whatever other bag I want. It wouldn't solve the small bag problem but it might work for you? I wanted a divided one but I think a soft washbag or something might work quite well?

I do. I carry it around in an epipen case that a transfer between bags. It’s bright orange so it can be found very quickly!
I’ve had to carry mine around for years (nut and seafood allergies) so it’s second nature to me to swap it around, but I second putting reminders everywhere until you’re doing it automatically.

You really need to have 2 with you at all times, in case one doesn't work, and in case the ambulance doesn't arrive quickly and you need a second dose.

Also, are people being told now to do the second epipen in the other leg? This isn't, AFAIK, 'official' guidance yet, but it has come out of case reviews that sometimes the second jab won't work in the same leg.