[JavaBrewer]

OP, you had a moderate reaction to the venom. Like you I have been stung many times as a kid. In my 30s got stung and had your reaction...swelling and itching for days. In my late 40s I stepped on a bee and ended up in emergency with anaphylaxis. That was scary ... My throat was closing and muscles were locking up. I should be carrying an Epi-pen but they are a huge pain so I have lots of benadryl in my cars and backpack to buy time to get help.