MotherGoose Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 I was bitten yesterday on the foot (gardening barefoot). I'm in hospital, getting antivenin, taken care of, etc. they say I will eventually get Over it. Currently in a lot of pain if not medicated. Any experiences to share? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 (edited) Hugs and prayers. Twenty years ago I had a student who was bitten by a copperhead while swimming at a lake. Of course, it was scary at the time, but AFAIK he has made a full recovery. I see him at church sometimes and he does not have any noticeable effects. Edited October 7, 2017 by Junie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meena Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Oh wow, that is scary! No experience or knowledge to share, but I do want to say I hope your pain subsides soon. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 (edited) My aunt got bitten. It only got one fang in and they chose not to give her the antivenom, so her exoerience may be different from yours. Her leg turned black and swollen. She couldnt put any weight whatsoever on it for weeks. She was sick and couldnt eat regularly for quite a while. It was rough. Hopefully the antivenom wi allow you to be better sooner. After the few weeks no lasting issues. Edited October 7, 2017 by Elizabeth86 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Your experience pretty much matches everyone I've heard of with a snake bite. Here, it's copperheads too. Where I grew up I knew multiple people who had been bit by rattlesnakes including a park ranger. That can be worse supposedly, but all recovered. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 No experience (thankfully!) but sending you :grouphug: . Hope you feel better soon!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanier.1765 Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Oh wow, I'm so sorry! I hope they are able to manage your pain and that your heal fully and quickly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Hugs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 No info, but prayers for a quick recovery! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiffnkids Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Several years ago, our dog (at the time just a puppy) got in to an altercation with a copperhead. The snake bit her on her nose. Our dog's face swelled up a lot! Vet prescribed antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory pain killer (no anti- venom). She was perfectly fine after a few days. So sorry you are dealing with this! You definitely did the right thing by going to the hospital. Copperhead venom is "relatively mild," and hopefully you'll be feeling better soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Yikes! Hugs to you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooCow Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 How awful and scary! I hope you get better soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi K Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Yikes. No experience but sending all the best. Hope you heal quickly and your pain is well controlled. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwalker Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 I was bitten yesterday on the foot (gardening barefoot). I'm in hospital, getting antivenin, taken care of, etc. they say I will eventually get Over it. Currently in a lot of pain if not medicated. Any experiences to share?How scary! I'm a nurse and years ago took care of a little girl who was bitten on the foot by a rattlesnake. She got tje antivenin and did fine. Foot swelled up, she was in hospital getting IV steroids for a few days. I think the copperhead bites are more harsh on the tissues, but there's less worry about swelling if I'm remembering this correctly. <3 in the meantime! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 How are you doing today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 7, 2017 Author Share Posted October 7, 2017 I'm feeling okay today, I guess. Still in significant pain. My leg continues to swell. They gave me some lasick To see if that would bring down the swelling, as well as Advil. They are talking about PT to get me walking but I told them No way can I walk on this. And I was pushing myself to walk laps around the halls less than 24 hours after my c section so I could get home. Not a whiner about pain generally. Basically imagine the most awful bruise you've ever head, and imagine your entire leg feeling that way. Thanks for all the reassurance! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Do you have any animal protein allergies? Or allergies/sensitivities to wool or lanolin? If so, you may need antihistamines as well-the two most common antivenins for North American snakes either contain sheep proteins or horse ones. That's something that sometimes gets missed, and can complicate treatment. I hope you feel better soon. We know several people who have experienced snake bites, and they're not fun, but generally don't have long-term effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 My friend's husband was bitten a few years ago. It took some time, but he made a full recovery. Hope you feel better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Yikes. Hope you get better soon and are just left with a cool story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 I know a young lady who was bit this summer. She was in the hospital for a bit over a week. She went back to college in august and is doing fine. It was very scary for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 Update one week post-bite: I was in ICU three nights and regular room two nights. Ten vials antivenin. I'm able to walk with crutches and put minimal weight on my foot--bite was on my foot. My foot and leg remain extremely swollen. There is no necrosis and they expect me to make a full recovery. Pain lessens a bit each day. My entire leg feels bruised and my muscles feel "pulled" as if I've overdone exercise. Still feel very tired. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 oh my goodness MotherGoose! Just seeing this. So glad you were at the hospital and glad you're beginning to recover. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 oh my goodness MotherGoose! Just seeing this. So glad you were at the hospital and glad you're beginning to recover. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery. I missed it until now, too! How terrifying! I'm so glad you're going to be okay. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 10 vials! That was a really bad envenomation-the protocol for Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes is 10, and they're considered a lot more venomous than copperheads. A lot of copperhead bites don't even require antivenin, just other support (still horribly painful, though). I'm glad you're recovering, and I hope it goes smoothly. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 10 vials! That was a really bad envenomation-the protocol for Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes is 10, and they're considered a lot more venomous than copperheads. A lot of copperhead bites don't even require antivenin, just other support (still horribly painful, though). I'm glad you're recovering, and I hope it goes smoothly. He bit me twice in immediate succession.I'm told. I had symptoms within ten minutes. Numb fingers, lips, and vomiting, plus all my blood clotting factor were all crazy, as were my electrolytes. And of course I was at home alone with the kids when it happened. I had it together long enough to call dh and 911 but then just started feeling confused and awful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 Thank goodness you were right by your house and you had a chance to call 911 and your dh! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 I would suggest having someone check for a den. I'm wondering if you disturbed a gravid female. Usually copperheads do a dry strike and then an envenomqted one if the threat doesn't back away, but that was obviously two full octane bites to get that kind of reaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 12, 2017 Author Share Posted October 12, 2017 I would suggest having someone check for a den. I'm wondering if you disturbed a gravid female. Usually copperheads do a dry strike and then an envenomqted one if the threat doesn't back away, but that was obviously two full octane bites to get that kind of reaction. My husband has been out looking. It's not the first one, plus we have seen rattlers. And ideas on how to find a den? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 12, 2017 Share Posted October 12, 2017 Woodpiles, rock piles, especially crevices would be where to check first. Also, if you're in an area where people dump trash, anything big and metal is snake heaven (to the point that researchers will often flag such things as "do not collect" because they are such consistent places to find snakes). Low, mowed grass and shrubs cut back with a several inch margin are not Snake friendly, but anything that provides cover can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 13, 2017 Author Share Posted October 13, 2017 (edited) Woodpiles, rock piles, especially crevices would be where to check first. Also, if you're in an area where people dump trash, anything big and metal is snake heaven (to the point that researchers will often flag such things as "do not collect" because they are such consistent places to find snakes). Low, mowed grass and shrubs cut back with a several inch margin are not Snake friendly, but anything that provides cover can be. Fabulous....we live in a rural area with lots of things like that. 😜There are many rock piles in the woods from where farmers cleared land, we should check there. Any ideas on how far snakes travel from dens? I appreciate your information. I recall that your daughter is very interested in reptiles? I've scoured the internet but most of what I have found has been along the lines of "don't kill the snakes, they are docile and won't hurt you if you don't bother them." I have great respect for nature and don't indiscriminately kill snakes...I even share my chicken eggs with the ETA "nonvenomous " snakes as long as they don't decide to move into the henhouse and eat from the egg vending machine. But my dog was bitten by a poisonous snake and only lived because he had the rattlesnake vaccine, and then my lawn man was nearly bitten by a rattler, and we killed a copperhead earlier in the summer, and now this. We have s serious problem and I have three young children whom I'm scared to let outside much. I love to be outside in my garden and I feel violated and scared. I wonder how Charlotte mason And her nature study would have handled this (and 100 degree days, ice storms, etc.??? :) ). Edited October 13, 2017 by MotherGoose 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 At this time of year, they'll be moving to the dens, and can go pretty far. In mid-summer, they'll stay in areas they can find ready food, water, and shelter. Snakes aren't aggressive in that they don't hunt in packs or seek out humans to attack, but they are very cryptic. Like you can be inches from one and never see it. And if you step on one or put your hand where one is, it's likely to see you as threatening it. I'd suggest getting a professional. The Wildlife resources agency in your state will know who is licensed to deal with venomous snakes, and also tend to (because of being in the business of managing wildlife for the state) know if there is anyone who can relocate snakes and where they should be relocated to. That person can help you set up a zone that is less comfortable for snakes. The ideal is to relocate venomous snakes to areas that need those predators, but are not used by people much, and to move non-venomous snakes into areas with humans to fill the need, because if you have copperheads and rattlesnakes, you have an abundance of small mammals that can, uncontrolled, cause a lot of problems. Not all areas have people who can do this,but the state wildlife folks are the ones to ask-because they're the ones that make the rules. Rattlesnakes, especially, are on quite a few state species of concern lists. And yes, DD is the one who is into snakes. We just got back from the state Herpetological society meeting, which had it's keynote focused on snakebite prevention and management, especially for places like parks and nature centers, where the goal is to be as natural as possible, but you really don't want visitors getting bitten. And even the pros in working with snakes recommend getting help from the pros who are specialists in knowing where snakes live and what habitats they like when it comes to keeping both human and animal populations safe from each other. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 13, 2017 Author Share Posted October 13, 2017 At this time of year, they'll be moving to the dens, and can go pretty far. In mid-summer, they'll stay in areas they can find ready food, water, and shelter. Snakes aren't aggressive in that they don't hunt in packs or seek out humans to attack, but they are very cryptic. Like you can be inches from one and never see it. And if you step on one or put your hand where one is, it's likely to see you as threatening it. I'd suggest getting a professional. The Wildlife resources agency in your state will know who is licensed to deal with venomous snakes, and also tend to (because of being in the business of managing wildlife for the state) know if there is anyone who can relocate snakes and where they should be relocated to. That person can help you set up a zone that is less comfortable for snakes. The ideal is to relocate venomous snakes to areas that need those predators, but are not used by people much, and to move non-venomous snakes into areas with humans to fill the need, because if you have copperheads and rattlesnakes, you have an abundance of small mammals that can, uncontrolled, cause a lot of problems. Not all areas have people who can do this,but the state wildlife folks are the ones to ask-because they're the ones that make the rules. Rattlesnakes, especially, are on quite a few state species of concern lists. And yes, DD is the one who is into snakes. We just got back from the state Herpetological society meeting, which had it's keynote focused on snakebite prevention and management, especially for places like parks and nature centers, where the goal is to be as natural as possible, but you really don't want visitors getting bitten. And even the pros in working with snakes recommend getting help from the pros who are specialists in knowing where snakes live and what habitats they like when it comes to keeping both human and animal populations safe from each other. Thanks so much! If you or she has any links that might be helpful I would appreciate it. I guess the parks tell people to stay on marked paths, etc. I grew up in an area where we would roam through the woods, always aware of snakes, but never seeing any except rarely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 Wow, like other said that is an impressive bit for a copperhead! We don't have those snakes here really, but I've heard they are similar to pygmy rattlers and those are not a serious threat, so I thought the same of copperheads. I guess not! My ex got what we figure was a mostly dry bite from a pygmy and was discharged with just some pain meds (and an idiot discharge sheet that said it was a non venomous bite...um..non venomous snakes don't have fangs, and don't cause you to get a metallic taste in your mouth, have tingling of the extremities, etc. Not to mention the pain level! He said it was like stepping on hot nails.) He stepped directly on the snake, so yeah. ONLY time he EVER went barefoot in the yard and he got bitten. Meanwhile I went barefoot all my life and no issues. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 I'm so sorry to hear that you got bit! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 So sorry. Glad you are Improvng. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 13, 2017 Author Share Posted October 13, 2017 Wow, like other said that is an impressive bit for a copperhead! We don't have those snakes here really, but I've heard they are similar to pygmy rattlers and those are not a serious threat, so I thought the same of copperheads. I guess not! My ex got what we figure was a mostly dry bite from a pygmy and was discharged with just some pain meds (and an idiot discharge sheet that said it was a non venomous bite...um..non venomous snakes don't have fangs, and don't cause you to get a metallic taste in your mouth, have tingling of the extremities, etc. Not to mention the pain level! He said it was like stepping on hot nails.) He stepped directly on the snake, so yeah. ONLY time he EVER went barefoot in the yard and he got bitten. Meanwhile I went barefoot all my life and no issues. I have gone barefoot my entire life and was barefoot when I was bitten (if not barefoot I would have been wearing flip flops which would not have made a difference). I think of the literally thousands of times I have gone into my garden over the years: have worked in it mostly daily for 12 years and this one time was it. Going to get myself some snake boots as soon as I can get my foot into a shoe, as well as snake boots for all the kids, although I don't know if they come in toddler sizes. I was pulling weeds off a bush and it was under the bush. And that is crazy how they treated your ex too. However, the antivenin has some very serious potential side effects so that's why they are hesitant to give it out, not to mention the cost. I was very sick. No way I could have left. He just not have gotten a full strike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 Wow! I'm so glad you are getting better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 If you can't get snake rated boots, leather hiking boots are usually enough. So are the really thick rubber rain boots. Snake boots are expensive, and I don't know if they exist in sizes other than the smaller women's sizes. DD did rain boots until she was a size 6 (and actually, about half the time we're in areas where venomous snakes are common, everyone is in rain boots or waders because we're going into water). Denim jeans are also usually enough to prevent snakebites (although I will say that I require my DD to do looser fit jeans, not the tighter cuts she prefers because I am not sure whether it's actually the cloth or the fact that the jeans provide a buffer zone. Tuck the jeans into the boots so there is no exposed area. Hopefully, you'll be able to get a snake-unfriendly buffer area in place. Also, depending on where you are, there may be an inactive period due to weather. Here copperheads brumate from late October to March, so while you still need to be careful if you go out to get wood for a wood stove (since they sometimes den in woodpiles), they won't be in your garden. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 I'm sorry Mother Goose! I hope you heal quickly. I'm headed out camping next weekend to an area where many copperheads have been spotted. I've only seen a couple dead ones, but others I have been with have spotted alive ones. I'll make sure to wear long pants just in case. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 What an ordeal - that sounds horrible! I'm glad you're going to be okay and I hope you find a way to make your property snake-free. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muttmomma Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 It may be prudent to wait until it's cold and then clean up the yard and a good perimeter. Butcher the bushes etc. Don't let them find cover when it warms back up. Also make a plan to help eliminate small animal (aka snake food). Eben if you two and relocate small mammals. .. It will knock down the population eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 It may be prudent to wait until it's cold and then clean up the yard and a good perimeter. Butcher the bushes etc. Don't let them find cover when it warms back up. Also make a plan to help eliminate small animal (aka snake food). Eben if you two and relocate small mammals. .. It will knock down the population eventually. I was developing a mouse problem in my garden and so we have mouse traps out there. I was just letting them coexist there and sharing beans, but sorry Mrs. Frisby you have to go:(. Looking forward to cold weather here, and hoping we actually get a winter this year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 (edited) So today my sister found a snake skin (newly shed) protruding from a hole in the garden. Hoping dh (trained in wildlife mgmt) can get this one. It's horrifying to think there might have been snakes crawling around in and under the garden. Edited October 15, 2017 by MotherGoose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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