Snakes Alive!!

Lions, Tigers and Snakes, Oh My! who knew when we retired to Florida from urban Atlanta that marsh living would be so dangerous…

Charlie and I feel it is important to let our neighbors know how significant and dangerous a venomous snake bite can be, unfortunately finding out from our own experience on Palm Sunday afternoon.

The Day It Happened 

Charlie was not working in the yard but casually went in the back to pick up and fold his golf net that had been hanging from a tree but blown off in the wind the week before.  He bent down to reach for it not knowing a huge snake was entangled in the net. He must have reached right near his mouth. He was bit immediately and the pain was excruciating, like a lightning bolt.

(We have been told by several sources that an adult cottonmouth, or water moccasin, emits less venom than the younger more aggressive babies.  Thank God the snake that bit Charlie was a fat older guy, at least 4 feet in length.

Decisions, Decisions …

Knowing what had just happened, Charlie wanted to drive to the ER. I felt we needed to first know what kind of snake it was. After an exchange of some unmentionable words, Charlie took me to the scene of the crime. And there was his snake, still caught in his golf net, and I fortunately  was able to grab some pics.  Then I consulted with a good, knowledgeable friend named Siri, and asked what to do.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY, came the reply. We did and here’s why:

The 911 Call

Calling 911 brings first responders right to your door, quickly.

After taking your vital signs, they will help ID snake you encountered. (Likely more quickly than you can drive to the ER, park and go in and find someone to get some attention). Then, the first responders will take pictures of the aftermath of the bite – your wound – and immediately forward those to the ER to prepare for your arrival. Since pain and swelling to the affected area is immediate and intense, they can start you on pain meds during the ride to the ER.

Also, I was advised to keep Charlie calm and sitting, keep his infected body part at or below his heart, and … important, remove any rings or watches or jewelry before the swelling reaches its maximum stage. AND … DO NOT suck out the venom, take any pain relievers, use a tourniquet, apply ice, or cut the area. Never never never!!

The ER

We are very fortunate that UF Health Flagler keeps a stock of antivenom, not all hospitals do. If you can identify the snake or have the first responders do that, they can send it in before your start your ride to the ER, and the anti venom may be ready when your arrive. The first antivenom treatment will be given as soon as possible in the ER  (the cost to your insurance co. is $75,000). You will need 2 or even 3 treatments in the following days. The area around the bite will be marked and measured for swelling every 15 min with blood tests after each treatment. Those 15 minute intervals will eventually extend to every 30 min., then every hour and then every 2 hours depending on your individual progress and response to the meds. This particular snake venom affects the platelets that produce coagulation of the blood so they are testing those numbers often to see when they get back to normal. You will be transferred from ER to ICU for that constant attention.  The ICU has 1 nurse per every 2 patients.

One interesting fact we found out is that Charlie’s case was reported to the Poison Control Center and his treatment was actually managed by them as they have the expertise-therefore on his room’s whiteboard listing of Provider it read “Poison Control” which received all of his test results.

Post-Bite Symptoms and Hiccups

The symptoms of this bite are swelling, bruising. Charlie’s thumb looks like a gigantic blood blister.  Breaking that blister or draining it was discouraged by all professionals who advised letting the body to naturally heal.  That did not happen, though. A pinpoint hole formed and soon off we went rushing back to the ER with blood spraying out of Charlie’s thumb like a geyser.  This ER doctor actually had snake bite training and let him bleed out for a while. Then he showed us how to clean, dress and wrap his hand to keep him comfortable. The healing process will be months and we are not sure what to expect. Yes, the pain has somewhat subsided as this gigantic blood blister leaks, relieving the pressure.  By far Charlie claims the PAIN has been the biggest factor

Going Forward

Weekly doctor visits and being vigilant to keep it from getting infected is our top priority. Charlie is on antibiotics. Luckily he was in good health going in so he has done well thus far. There can be a lot of other potentially serious issues, including blood pressure changes, fatigue, tissue death, amputations and secondary infections.

Advice

Be mindful when outside, make noise or vibrations in the area where you are working, wear snake boots and designated snake gloves. And remember we live in their world, especially on the marsh, and they are out there.

Thanks to ALL

Many many thanks to all the well wishers, calls and texts and mostly Prayers by our friends, neighbors and even those who do not know us have reached out  and brought treats, cards and yes even much appreciated food!  Thank You Marsh Creek!!

Dianne and Charlie Hood