Friday, March 9, 2012

The survival clock is ticking down.

My second allergic reaction to some kind of spider bite. My survival clock is ticking down.

13 comments:

  1. HEAVENS TO MURGATROYD!! Is the yellow thing some kind of magic poultice, or is that your poor swollen skin???? Like a giant blister? Betty, I am really starting to wish it were time for you to come home, no matter how much good you are doing over there. India will just have to motor on without you. You are needed here too,and hopefully you won't have to endure so many bodily insults in the process! Heidi is no match for the living things over there. haha

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  2. Holy hell Betty! That is beyond gross I'm so sorry. I would have died by now if it were me. You are one brave soul.

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    1. Definitely beyond gross. It itches like crazy. The blister popped this morning. It looks like a very obese person who has suddenly lost a lot of weight and has tons of skin left over. I love being my own scient experiment.:)

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  3. I just don't know how you are doing it....I read this blog everyday and never fail to be inspired, and horrified at the same time...PLEASE take care of yourself...we need you here too!!!
    Love to you,
    diane

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  4. Diane - FINALLY. Something I can put on Pinterest and Etsy. I have been feeling so sorry for the people who follow me on those sites. :)

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  5. I don't know if it's available in India but there is something called a Sawyer extractor. It's basically a big hypodermic syringe with several tips to fit over various body parts. The idea is to pull a good vacuum and suck the venom out. I understand it works pretty well if you use it quickly after envenomation, like within a couple of minutes. It was originally made for snake bites but has been found helpful to treat the bite of most any venomous critter. If you could use one right after being bitten it would probably help. (Forget the rubber suction cups included in the old snake bite kits, they don't pull enough vacuum to accomplish anything.)

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    1. Hal, I doubt that's available. I have yet to see anything even remotely resembling a drugstore. I'm doing all that I can remember to do from first aid - elevate, cold compress, ibuprofin. It looks better today, but only when I keep it elevated. It will be okay. It's not getting worse. That's a good thing. :)

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    2. Well, spider bites are probably more difficult for first aid treatment than snake bites because the treatment depends more on they type of spider. Fortunately they are seldom as dangerous as snake bites (especially the snakes you have there). You might look at

      http://www.biteremedy.com/Spider-Bites.html

      They say,

      Do's and Don'ts of spider bites:

      Do not take antibiotics unless the bite appears to be infected and your doctor has prescribed them. It has proven that they do not really produce a remedial effect on spider bites unless they have a bacterial infection.

      Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin or other over-the-counter medication to control symptoms.

      Do not try to dissect or open a wound as it may lead to further infection. Avoid scratching bites.

      Do not ignor more severe spider bite symptoms that may indicate an infection. Rather consult your physician as some bites need immediate medical care to prevent further complications.

      Do seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe spider bite reaction: fever, nausea, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, significant swelling, pain, or stiffness to the body.

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  6. So, what is the end story on the infection. Last we knew, you had that huge extension on your toe. Did the swelling go down quickly?

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    1. Garth, the blister finally popped. After trimming away the dead skin, the wound entire surface of the toe looks like a piece of meat. It's still painful, but bearable. I dress it during the day to keep it clean, then at night I remove the dressing to help it get some air. Thank goodness for 3 tubes of Neosporin. I'm going to make a list of all the absolutely essential things I didn't bring to India - and all the things I brought that I should have left at home. Thanks for asking!

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    2. Thanks. Glad you had the supplies and that it appears to be healing.

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  7. AT first glance of your feet and your title, "Survival clock ticking down", I thought that you were concerned that your nail polish was almost gone. Hahaha. That looks like a nasty bite, was this while you were sleeping? Hope it's better

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