Severe ant allergy

3 days ago I sat down outside and felt searing pain. I knew exactly what it was as I had felt this before. I knew I'd been bitten by an ant. I immediately became very concerned because the first time I had a pretty bad reaction.

I was currently very sick with some kind of illness and knew my body was already under stress. I became covered in hives horrible burning itching hives ears and head were throbbing. Everything burned and itched. Had to go to the ER in an ambulance. My heart rate got up to 200 bpm.

I got a dose of epinephrine and several other meds. I could have died. I now have an epipen now but I would do anything to avoid that situation again. I just saw some tiny black ants in the house and even though that is not the kind that bit me I am very concerned. I have some ant killer but this is awful.

Does this mean I can never feel comfortable outside again? What else can I do? See an allergist? Better pesticide. I really want to be able to sit on my porch. By the way I have chronic lyme disease so that doesn't help.

Was it red fire ants (located in the Southern U.S.)? Those are very aggressive and sting. I am sorry that it happened to you. My only advice is to keep your EPI pen with you outdoors and contact an exterminator for the safest means of eradication. Make sure others in your family know how to use the EPI pen.

Are your outside days over? No. Just be sensible and prepared. My brother carries an EPI for yellow jackets. Eventually, you will get over your fear.

Thanks for the responses. It was a medium sized black ant. Searing pain upon sitting on it