Copperhead Bite

"I fear chiefly lest my expression may not be extravagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limit of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced." Henry David Thoreau

What ever was I thinking?

I wasn't thinking. That was the problem. If I had been, I wouldn't have gotten this ridiculous hand that has swollen up like a cane toad and hurt enough that I wished it belonged to someone else. Preferably an enemy.

April 28^th: What happened was, I'd gone to the show at Hamburg Pa, more to visit with friends and see the sights, than anything else. Wandering about, I found a vendor with a nice-looking, W.C., sub-adult, Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon c. contortrix). I do some educational presentations and didn't currently have a Copper. This one looked a lot better than what we find around my digs. As it costs not a sheckle more to feed a pretty one than a drab one, and as I have to live with it between shows and see it daily, I decided to cut a deal with the man. I visited a little more, then because I had an eight hour drive to get home, I put myself and the snake in the south-bound lane around noon.

When I got home, I was all but exhausted, much too tired to be dealing with a hot snake. I should have just left the Copper in it's container over night, but instead I set up a cage for it. I had a 10 gallon tank with a locking, screen lid that I put it on the floor and got ready for the snake. Then, instead of opening the container in the tank, I remained standing and popped the lid. As I stooped to pour the snake in, predictably, it took off and landed on the floor. I HAD NO HANDLING TOOLS WITHIN REACH! So, I did the only thing I could do and tried to tail it. Unfortunately, I was wearing a brace on my right hand due to arthritis, which helped matters not at all. I took a hit at the base of my right thumb -- Aw, (insert four-letter word of choice)! Being already bitten now, I simply grabbed the snake and dropped it into the tank.

So. Here we go again. The snake safely put away, I took off the brace and sat back to see how bad it was going to be. I soon saw that for a small Copper (aprox. 18''), it was a pretty stiff envenomation. I decided to document this bite and took the first of a series of photographs, measured the fang spread with a vernier caliper, cleaned the site of the bite with alcohol and went to bed. The spread was .572 inches.

April 29^th: Sunday morning, I woke up with a severe headache that might or might not have had anything to do with the bite. The hand was so swollen that the fingers were all but immobile. The swelling continued all the way up to the shoulder. I had limited motion in the elbow and almost none in the wrist. Even the shoulder felt a little stiff. The entire arm ached and the thumb was excruciating, and beginning to show some color. I drove over to my daughter's where some more photos were taken. There was a spirited discussion with her and my son-in-law as to going to the hospital, which I won. I am sensitive to horse serum and would have refused that treatment, anyway.

April 30^th: The whole arm felt pressurized. I was getting a little worried about blood circulation to the hand, the lack of which brings on gangrene. We were having a Spring chilly spell, not uncomfortable, but the fingers of the bitten hand felt very cold. I got some more photos and offered the Copperhead an undeserved mouse. The camera worked and the snake ate the mouse with every evidence of smug self-satisfaction.

May 1^st: The Communists and Socialists had a good time on this day. I did not. It was pretty much the same as yesterday except that the snake did not get another mouse. The camera continued to function well and we got a pic of both hands for a comparison . The swelling appeared down slightly.

May 2^nd: The swelling was defiantly going down, and rapidly. I was getting a fair amount movement in the fingers and more range in the elbow and wrist. The pain was not as bad, but it had broadened it's horizons a bit. I was now beginning to notice a deep muscle ache, mainly in the forearm. It was the beginning of the swelling's aftermath. I was also getting a strange, little muscle spasm in the space between the thumb and forefinger.

May 3^rd: The swelling was down dramatically, but I got a really nasty surprise when that odd, little spasm turned into a cramp that ground at least a millimeter of enamel off of my molars as I pried the thumb away from the forefinger, making the whole hand hurt a lot worse. This was to happen several times during the next, few days. The ache in the muscles of the arm was more pronounced, but the worst was in the back of the hand. The thumb was very sore. We took a final pic of both hands.

May 13^th: As I sit here two-fingering the keyboard, the hand and forearm are still, perhaps not swollen, but very slightly puffy. It's all functioning just fine, but the whole thing feels a little stiff. The thumb remains larger than it should be and there is a spot at the site of the bite with no feeling at all. The joint at the base of the thumb is swollen. The muscles between the thumb and forefinger remain a little sore and there is still a little residual ache in the muscles in the forearm. At the moment, I don't think I'll lose any function in the hand, but the thumb has yet to regain a full range of motion. A tendon running between the joints is pronounced even when the thumb is relaxed.

And that's the story; the comedy of errors that would never have happened if I'd simply followed my own, first rule: "Don't mess with venomous snakes when you don't feel up for it." "It's just a Copperhead!" This is one of the stupidest statements we can make. It shows a vast disrespect for an animal that has put goodish number of digits and some entire limbs on the hospital floor, and failing that, always causes a world of hurt. There are no recorded deaths from Copper bites, but that does NOT mean that there have been none. It just means that possibly everybody was looking forward to partying at the wake and didn't bother to document it. A bite from a three-footer-plus would be something to take very seriously.

This is the serpent that is most often recommended to the aspiring, venomous keeper due to the "mildness" of it's venom; the idea being that if a mistake is made, it's cost won't be too dear. Care must be taken not to put this animal forth as something that you walk merrily away from as you would with a Rat Snake bite. The envenomation I received was really a minor one, but it had my entire, right arm out of commission for days and the residual effects are still with me, and will be for a while.

The photos are available in the SHHS Photo Album, Snakebites Page.#

Member Comments: Add A Comment

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Toons on May 16, 2001	Mail this to a friend!
Been there, Done that It was my 19th birthday, October 19,1997. I too had just purchased a S. copperhead from the Hamburg show. But my lesson in stupidity is slightly different. It invovled inexperience and peer pressure so to speak. I was still a fledgling hot keeper and had a nice pair of great basin rattlers and about 20 non-hots. My mothers last words were "No more snakes especially venomous ones you have enough." In this case I guess mother knows best but I was paying all the bills so who could stop me from getting what I wanted? Well my friend and I made it to the show and there they were these cute little copperheads @ 8 inches long and I got the guy down to 10 bucks I had to buy one. Well my friend had been keeping herps for a lot longer then I but never a hot-herp. He thought that I should practice handling techniques on this on. I said no because like fish you put venomous in a nicely designed habitat and leave it alone and appreciate it's beauty. Well he said I'd have to hold it eventually. I said no I had owned my great basins for about 9 months by this time and had yet to run into a n occasion when i had to handle them and I told him tongs and hooks were made for a reason. The drive home was about 2 and a half hours and all I heard the entire way was stop being a pu---, its only a copperhead and other anti testosterone geared insults. We decided to stop at his house first to drop of his new snakes and eat before going to my house. He wanted a clear view of it (it was in an opaque sandwich box)and so did I so I thought I'd be smart when opening the lid . I put the box in a ten gallon aquarium because if it got out he(my friend) had no gear to get it with and it would be confined to the the tank. Well it of course got out and we tried to scurry it back into the box with the lid. We were successful only in pissing the little fellow off. So this is how it went down. I decided if he would pin it I would grab it. He pinned it with an aquarium algea scraper which worked wonderfully the snake stopped struggling and everything. I grabbed it w/ my middle finger and thumb like I had seen on T.V. so many times and it didn't squirm a bit. Then I lifted it up to put it in its box and I learned how mobile their fangs could be as he sunk them into my middle finger. Although it bit me I did get into the box then ran around like a litle girl screaming and yelling how it bit me. When I finally stopped I realized the bite didn't hurt.It must have been a dry bite."Should I go to the hospital anyway?" " No it was only a baby copperhead you weiny lets go eat." " Yeah I guess your right." Well about a half hour later while enjoying some pizza I noticed my hand was kinda hurting. When I looked at it I noticed my finger was swelling and my knuckles were slowly dissappearing."Dude I think i should go to the hospital now" " Awe man don't be a wus it was only a copperhead. It can't kill you besides what did your mom say about getting more venomous?" "Sh-- yor right. She won't notice" About 2 and a half hours after the bit I could no longer see any of the bones in my hand and wrist and decided now I should go to the hospital. My friend not only agreed but called me an idiot for not going in the first place! When my mom got the phone call she was definately pissed but luckily more worried then anything else.My real worry was the hospital staff.Just outside of Philadelphia there are no venomous reptiles and the hospital had never treated a bite before. The zoo...Closed! Poison control...clueless! The staff couldn't make up their minds. Ice .. no ice...elevate ..no wait put it down.. we may have to cut you open to releave pressure..no nevermind we won't do that. The hospitals biggest question was how did I get bitten in the first place. Of course I lied and said that I found it in my back alley. But this was to protect the snake not myself. I researched the need for pemits in my town/state before I got the rattlers and required none so I wasn't breaking any rules. I just didn't want them to kill the snake for doing what comes naturally to it especially when it was my fault not the snake's. After listening to my friend and I talking about snakes they caught on that this wasn't a chance incounter. A week after my stay I got a visit from animal control but he had no complaints when he entered my fort knox of snake rooms. Anyway I was never administered antivenin only antibiotics, a tetnus shot(even though I got one a year earlier for a dog bite ),benadryl, and a few steroids. At the bite's Zenith I couldn't see any knuckles, wrist bones,or my elbow joint. I was put on steroids to rebuild some of the muscle lost in my arm and my finger turned all kinds of neat colors. Its been a few years since that has happened and my recovery was complete after about 2 months but I still remember every detail like it was happenning right now. I now live in Fl thanks to the Air Force and have a venomous reptiles permit(pain in the butt compaired to Pa)and a whole room of snakes 6 of which are venomous. Now althogh I'm fine and it was a true experience to say the least it all could have been avoided if I went to the show ALONE. The really cooky thing is although I had daily contact with my rattlers, when ever I would go to the copperheads new home and amazing fear or gun-shyness would come over me. It came back last October when my wife bought me a canebrake rattler and a hot pink Southern copperhead for my birthday at the South Carolina exotic show. I am happy to say that that fear is now gone and I function perfectly around all my hots even my three copperheads. So to all hot and will-be keepers don't be stupid and listen to your better judgement and remember it isn't just a copperhead it is a venomous snake!

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by MWSERPENTARIUM on May 25, 2001	Mail this to a friend!
Filthy, I am sorry to hear about your bite, and I wish you God's speed in your recovery. I enjoyed your article, as well as the personal tone it was written in. Most important it gives the reader something to think about. Thanks for sharing.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Vishnu on July 10, 2001	Mail this to a friend!
I would like to add to this.I have 2 Copperhead snakes ,one I have had for 19 years.The other is a wild caught gift from a friend. I have so far not been bitten by any of them. One reason I'm sure is that I do not handle them.My long term female captive is deceptively "tame". She doesn't offer to bite and appears very docile. I do not trust any "hot" snake not to bite me. I realize that coppers are not the top of the list of mortality rates for pit vipers.These animals offer their unique existance and personalities,nothing else. I also have a 10 year old male canebrake rattler in my collection. This one will rattle and bite. He has not settled down at all. I feel this attitude keeps me honest ,as I don't have any desire to handle him,knowing what rattlesnake venom can do. I have a routine for cage cleaning that involves much space between the snakes and myself. I also do this when I am completely alone and there is no chance someone will divert my attention for even a second. I feel having hot snakes adds to my existance as well. These animals are killed everyday just for being snakes . You can't rteally blame the snake for doing what a poisonous snake does. I say just don't push it and you can get along with them without problems.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by snakecharmer on November 25, 2001	Mail this to a friend!
intresting story about your bite.i have received 73 venomous bites from many snakes over the past 22 years most of which were coppers and eastern diamondbacks. not fun but sure makes the hobby interesting. coppperheads are one of my favorites and account for about 30 bites.given this you know i can understand all too well what you went through. was this your first bite? reactions vary by size, species,temperment, last envenomation, and of course, the hapless victim.i am wondering about any past accidents you've had.please provide more info on this

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by serpentinespirit on July 6, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
whoa! I'm tuggin on my collar right now!!! I live in South Carolina and have been catching snakes all my life. Just recently i acquired two hot snakes, a gorgeous dusky pygmy (s. miliarius barbouri)and a southern copperhead A. contortrix contortrix). I'm a little nervous because I'm not used to handling them. I've always caught nonvenomous and never took great measures to avoid the bite, handling them in the middle, grabbing their tails for dear life as they try to escape, i learned ever so quickly with water snakes! boy are those guys viscious! if you dont grab em by the head they will bite. i dont ever intend on handling the pygmy, ive read a few horror stories about them as well, besides they are so small, hard to grip them without possible injury to the animal, i guess the closest ive come to a bite came during a bad shed for my copperhead, he had otherwise completely sloughed off his old skin, at least loosened it, but not shed. After about a week, iwas concered so i drew a warm bath and gave it a swim to loosen its skin but it still wouldnt pull its old skin off, even against the rough pieces of wood provided. The moment of truth, and i think i just wanted to exorcise my fears of handling a poisonous snake, so i used a homemade hook (a metal meat skewer, paintbrush, and ducktape, works great! maybe a bit too short for coppy!)naturally used three fingers to secure the head, this was really scary as the head will collapse to move the fangs closer to your fingers!!! I pulled off all but a bit right under his chin (i had enough at this point!),and promptly secured him back in his enclosure. The more i read, it sounds like a bite could be in my future. i hope this isnt the case. i love snakes and always will, this website only reenforces that.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Drock on October 23, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Hhat the heck I thought people die from Copperhead bites im scared to death of those things we have tons where I live.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by spanky on January 1, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
I was biten last week by a large southern copperhead, to the top of my arm. I run mississippi reptile rescue service, And I get all kinds of calls, most from people that are new to the field. The bite I am getting over now, was just such a call. A 16 year old boy had a copper in a small tank, and it got out. Thay called me to help find it. And I did, Under there washer, I was poking at it's tail and did not know the snake was right over my arm, It sank it's fangs in the top of my right forearm, and as you might know I pulled my arm out with the snake still hooked to me.I felt the venom going through my arm. with-in an hour my arm and hand was very swollen. I spent 4 days in the hospital. and now I am dealing with gangerien in my arm.This is my 6 bite. and Ican not get any antivinin becouse i am allergic to it.I most say if I did not love what I do, I would quit. Thanks spanky.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by filthy on May 5, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
This was not my first bite, sadly. I've had three that really hurt me, and several more that didn't amount to much. The worst was a large E. Diamondback, in the field, that was very bad. It was the only bite I've had treated, and it was then I found out I was sensitive to horse. I've been doing this off and on for some 50 years. It's easy to avoid joining the Brotherhood of the Fat and Possibly Rotting Hand. All you have to do is become intimatly familiar with your animals (in the field as well as at home), NEVER 'show off', and NEVER get careless. Most, if not all, bites suffered by hot snake keepers come from either carelessness, as was the case in this, my latest bite, or getting entirely stupid and trying to impress somebody. I've had one o' those, too. The Eastern. Taught me a lesson, it did. Many thanks for the reception y'all have given this article. Good luck, and be safe. f

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by thorn667 on May 14, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
So far so good. I haven't been hit by my little A.contortrix and have cleaned cages, treated for mites (preventitive), gotten him eating frozen pinkies, and all the other normal day to day functions. The way I practiced for hots was to rescue a sickly, wild caught four and one half foot C. caninus, nurse it back to health, and keep it for two years without getting bit. I even had to soak and peel him once. A friend that does reptile rescue recommended that method as a good way to practice.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Cantil on June 6, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
Good Advice from someone who was actually bitten by a copperhead. All snakes and certainly the venomous species deserve respect. I have never been bitten by a hot snake .... yet. I was bitten by a large burmese python that broke my hand before I could make him let go. The pain was terrible and caused me to gain new respect for all species. After 25 years of snake wrangling I still expect to be bitten one day by one of my venomous snakes and I really dread it! I hear people all the time say, " its just a copperhead". Copperheads clearly can cause you some pain even if there are no recorded deaths. My dad reminds me frequently of a man who came into his ER and had been bitten by a copperhead on his back and very close to his spine. The victim remained very sick for weeks.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by elapid62 on August 11, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
I to have been biten many times. 11 to date. Mostly by rattle snakes. But, Three of thoughs 11 times, were by copperheads. I found there bites to be vary painfull, and not something you want to go through many times. One of the three times were (IN) my knuckle. That bite was three months ago. I was helping a friend sex his coppers.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Teri on November 7, 2003	Mail this to a friend!
I must admit I am not a snake lover but, in hopes of talking to others who had been bitten by a copperhead this site was my best shot. I was bit by a copperhead July'99 while visiting my parents in North Carolina. I was running barefoot through the backyard with my 2 year old son who thank God had shoes on when I felt a sharp hot stinging through my big toe. Somehow I knew I got bit by something. My sister was laughing saying I stepped on a thistle or something. I looked at my toe and saw red dots on my toe. I then grabbed my son and ran for the house. My Father and husband then came out to investigate the snake my sister had now seen and killed it and then called 911. Which I thought was crazy. Anyway, I was taken to the hospital where I after about 2 hours started vomitting. My big toe had swollen and the leg continued to swell up the enitire leg. I was told I could loose my leg or at least my big toe if the swelling didn't go down. They gave me Bendadryl and iced down the foot and I don't remember much the rest of the evening. I was told I was vomitting most of the night. I woke up the next morning to a beautiful purple, blue, green toe and leg. No an�ivenom was given but, would have been Fed Exed if need be. They had me on back up Med Evac in case things complicated and needed me to go to a different hospital.I felt like a feak show for the 2 days I was in the hospital. Everyone came to see the bite that worked there.All they did was keep ice on it. The foot throbbed and felt like I had needles running through it. It was pure hell getting up to walk on it the first few days. I have never felt so much pain in those few days even after delivering a 9 lb baby natural could not compare to how I felt. I have recovered quite well but, still have problems with that leg. It still feels swollen and has shooting pains. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel the pain in that leg. I am interested in talking to others that have gotten bit and if they are having any of the same problems or understand what I am talking about. I have accupuncture done every 2 weeks to releave some of the pain. They said the snake that bit me was a baby and they carry more venom then the adults. Thanks for any help you all can give me.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by RandyRhoads on January 19, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I too have been bitten by a copperhead. My story dates back to when i was a mere 10 yrs old. Up to this point I had caught hundreds of nonvenomous snakes in the woods down the street from my house. One day I found a copperhead and decided to test my abilities. I picked it up in the WORST way possible...scooped it up and held it out in my open palms. Luckily for me at this time, it didnt care. I wanted to take it home so I made my way out and it still didn't care. But when I got to the road he decided he had had enough. My idiot 4th grade instincts told me, ''nah, you should keep it''. So I grabbed it in the middle, it bit me (fortunately I had read every book I laid eyes on about snakes before this point), I did all the safety measures, told my parents, and spent a painful 3 days in intensive care. I like snakes no less...only more. It is completely my fault for being bitten. That's how it is for every snake bite.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Lynn1974 on April 26, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I was struck by a Copperhead 3/10/00 (7PM), after walking out of my front door and stepping on it. It struck me on the top of the left foot. By 8PM, the swelling had gotten so bad that I headed for the ER. They rushed me in and started an IV of antibiotics, determined that antivenin would be the last option. The antibiotics were sufficient. I was able to go home about 3 hours later. The swelling lasted about 2 weeks. I still have cramps in my foot where the snake struck me. I live in Texas, the snake was about 2 feet long and the fang marks were almost an inch apart. I still have two tiny, tiny little scars from the bite. I hope that everyone who reads your story understands that it's important to go the hospital. Your situation could have been much worse with the swelling. The doctors at the ER where I had gone were in awe that I had waited an hour before I headed there. I actually wanted to just go to bed, but the swelling scared me.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by 91C2 on April 30, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Why must people be sarcastic and make comments about something misread????? This person merely stated all she wanted to do was go to bed. But, did she? No, a trip to the hospital was clearly indicated, displaying the correct approach. Why call this person sarcastic names??? There are too many self rightous people in this site that look for ways to humiliate others that enjoy the hobby. I understand the comment about wanting to go to bed. The mental trauma of a serious situation such as this wears the mind down. How do you not know this person worked hard for 36 straight hours before the bite and is actually tired? You don't. You assumed that because this person wanted to go to bed and sleep, this person is an idiot. I do not normally jump on someone for their opinions, but this is a case that must be pointed out. You do not know this person, but can publicly humiliate and call this person names. Are you implying that you have never felt tired???? Leave the childish name calling to the kids. Be an adult and get all the facts, then, if you must point out something to correct another person, be an adult and do so in private message, not public forums. I know that next, you'll say it is for educational reasons to say something in public. That would be incorrect, too. You have the need to belittle someone else. An educated adult would not belittle, but try to understand the circumstances involved. An adult, not needed to humiliate for entertainment purposes, would say something constructive, not destructive. Try something like, " I can understand being tired and though you were, you did the right thing by going to the hospital", or " going to sleep at a time like that could have had potentionally life threatening results, you did the best thing". Either way would have ended with " I hope you get over the bite soon and all fares well for you, best of luck to you and be careful when it comes to getting bit". There you go, MATURE responses that do not belittle or humiliate anyone. Try it......... it won't hurt you.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by 91C2 on April 30, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
On a side note, I did not correct you spelling, grammar, or point out that Einstien's name should be captialized in a humiliating manner. But, the point is, if you are targeting someone for any mistakes, of any proportion, be sure you, yourself, are perfect first. Next, I did not come here to start a fight, but to get everyone reading this thread to understand that there are many people, formally educated, and not, that enjoy this hobby and come here to talk about it. Humiliation is not the way to propagate the hobby. We all enjoy the same hobby, we should be able to get along together without the need to belittle others. This is my first visit here in months. Attitudes and unwarranted comments are the reason I stopped coming here. Seems as though every post MUST have a sarcastic remark by someone else. Explain this. Is it part of being a member here?????

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Lynn1974 on April 30, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
91C2, thank you for your comments. I try to ignore people like Rhinoruss who clearly have issues and take their frustration out on other people. And like you, I will refrain from lowering myself to his level and commenting on his ignorance, (I stated in my post that it was important to seek medical attention after a venomous bite). I'll bet he'd be even further shocked to know I shaved my legs before I headed to the ER. :) _________________________________________

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by 91C2 on April 30, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Normally, I refrain from this practice, too, as it only lowers my personal standards, and those of the site, which could be a great site. But, like anyone else, enough is enough and something should be said. Yours is clearly one of those cases. How did your bite fare so far??? I know it still aches every now and then, but have you noticed any major changes, such as twitchiness, numbness, weakness??? If you would like to dicuss this more, please drop me a line in my email. I have compiling case by case differences and similarities of bites from the copperhead. My email is "fischefather@yahoo.com"

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by rihnoruss on May 1, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Please disregaurd any comments made by rhinoruss on this site that were unsavory to say the least . Unknown to me my 16 year old son , who has been collecting reptiles with me since he was about 4 , sighned on to this site under my name and made some comments on a few differnt articles that were very rude and very uncalled for .I have been keeping venomous for about 10 years , not in my home , and I thought I had taught him more respect for this feild , and his mentors and peers than he has exibited here . I am incredibly embarresd and angry that he has disrespected me , you , the writers of the articals , and this intire community .I want it to be known that this sort of thing will never happen agin , and that since Trez has shown how immature he is , he has lost a great deal of respect from me and the privliges that go along with it. I understand the point he was trying to make , but it was presinted in a very crude and ignorant light and I am ashamed of the way he has portrayed himself and me by using my name .Please forgive me for having to write this letter and for the ignorance of youth.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by psilocybe on May 17, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I'm not going to comment on the reasoning behind going to sleep after being bitten by ANY venomous snake, but I believe the comments (and yes, I agree they were crude) made to the person about going to sleep were directed to the author of the article, not the woman who commented on being bitten by a copper as well. The author of the article DOES indeed state that he went to sleep after being bitten. It may have been confusing because the kid posted the reply directly below the woman who mentioned she "felt like going to sleep". Either way, his comments were rather harsh and immature, but unless I'm wrong, he was talking about the author. AP

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by DKT9572 on May 26, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
May 26, 2004 - Sitting here tonight with my foot elevated to relieve the swelling and discoloration from my 18th day after being bitten by a large adult Copperhead. Tired and frustrated with the rehabilitation, or lack thereof, I've decided to document my ordeal. I welcome comments and feedback on what I might expect next as that has been one of the most frustrating things about this type of injury-no one seems to know how long the pain will last, how to rehab my foot, or what the best approach is. Flashback to May 8th, 2004: It was 10:00pm, our dinner party with friends was winding down, and I got the bright idea to walk down to our corral to get a citronella candle. My husband told me not to go, he told me we didn't need the candle, he asked me to come back. If only I had listend to this wise wonderful man. A few steps later, I screamed that something was in my foot. Being as dark as it was, my only guess was that somehow, I had stepped on a knife and it was sticking up through the bottom on my foot! Once my husband ran down to me and shined the flashlight at my foot, we saw the 2-3foot beast that had bitten me. My life has been upside down ever since. I was rushed to the hospital where they started in IV of antibiotics and a large dose of morphine. The morphine didn't even phase me...the pain so intense that I began shaking uncontrollably and throwing up. More morphine was given, more throwing up, and intense pain shooting up my leg. I wanted them to cut my leg off it was so intense. Finally, the morphine kicked in and I settled down. May 9th - Happy Mother's Day to me...not. I don't remember anything on this day. I stayed in bed on pain pills with no recollection of visitors or conversations. My foot was so swollen and painful that I couldn't put a sheet over it. May 10th - Went to see another doctor - searching for all the answers that the hospital couldn't give us, i.e. how long before I can walk, what can I expect next, why is the itching so intense? Once again, no answers, just stronger antibiotics. May 11th -13th - Unable to lower my leg due to the intense pain of blood rushing to the bite site. Completely bed-ridden the entire week. Very bad emotional and physical rollercoaster. May 14th - Back to the hospital in search of more answers. I was originally told recovery time would be around 5-7 days, but my foot was only getting worse. Once again, no answers, just different medicine. This time steroids. May 15th - First attempt at crutches. As long as I kept my leg as high up as possible, I could manage for short periods of time. Swelling still bad, pain intense, foot very hot. May 16th - 20th - Another week on the couch with leg elevated. More conflicting instructions with various doctors...do not ice it..put heat. No, put ice, no heat...try to put it down, no, keep it up..on and on. Now the doctors decided that the steriods were only hurting the situation. I was glad to be taken off the steriods as I had been awake for more than 36 hours straight. This was one of the lowest points of my ordeal. Basically, no one knows how to handle victims of snakebites!! May 21st - New doctor seemed upset by what he saw happening to my foot. Streaking from toes to ankle, under foot, up other side. Referred me immediately to Orthopedic Surgeon. Surgeon thought maybe I had deep tissue infection going on but before she would operate, we would try mega-antibiotics for ten days. May 26th - Swelling is down, red streaking is gone. Foot still turns purple when down too long. I can move big toe and little toe, but three middle toes can't move. Unable to apply pressure to bottom of foot due to painful "needle-like" sensation on heel and ball of foot. Arch feels like a vice-grip when I try to put any weight on it. Each day is a new day but progress is going much slower than I ever dreamed. Does anyone know what tomorrow holds for me???? I need hope. I need a goal to shoot for. Am I looking at another week of pain or another month? Six months? Is this forever? I am desperate for answers.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by 91C2 on May 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I am compiling all info I can about copperhead bites. Please email me to give me more info on your case. As for the pain, it should not last much longer, sometimes only a few days, mostly, though, a few weeks. I have one case that the pain continued for almost two months, with lingering effects. But, that is one of maybe three hundred cases. My email add is fischefather@yahoo.com I will send you a list of questions and ask you some relevant details. Thank you, Michael

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by PAMom on June 28, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I was bitten by a baby copperhead when I was about six years old, in 1974. I don't know if my account is like anyone else's, but some people haven't believed my story because of my physical reaction and where the snakes were located. I'm recounting the event to the best of my knowledge. I'd welcome comments. At the time, I was living on my grandmother's property in Haverhill, Mass before it was developed. Back then, the roads by her house were still dirt. She had a small house, an old derelict guest cottage, and a huge old barn. We'd found nests of snakes underneath patches of Rhubarb and under pails left outside before, but never in her garden. One day I remember going out to her garden for a snack. We were allowed to pick green beans or cukes to eat if we wanted them. I was wearing shorts and a pair of canvas sneakers with no laces. I remember that my leg just stopped working, like it had gone dead. I wasn't frightened, just puzzled. I hopped on my other leg to my grandmother's back door and called for help. My oldest brother (15 at the time) was the only person home. He looked at my leg and found two tiny little bite marks just inside my shoe, inside the arch of my left foot. He got out his jacknife, heated it over a gas flame on the stove, then cut an X over the bite, then sucked the venom out. I remember feeling THAT, and it did hurt quite a bit. When my mother came home, I was walking around on it just fine. There was some swelling, but it was negligible. She didn't call the hospital or our doctor and I was never seen for the bite. My two brothers went out to the garden to find the snake that bit me, and discovered a hole in the side of the watermelon that I'd been standing next to. They broke open the watermelon, and it was FULL of baby snakes. The mother must have bored a hole into the melon and had her babies there. Until recently, I thought copperheads laid eggs. But because I now understand that they are born live, that does not mean my story can't be true. So she laid live babies instead of eggs. I've never heard of coppers having babies inside of fruits, but that doesn't mean they never do. I've also not heard a lot about a limb "going dead" as my leg did, but that is what actually happened.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by SunnyD on July 12, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
to: dkt9572 I am very sorry that you got bitten by one of these mean things (Copperhead). I also was bitten this July 5, 2004, as I was walking off my deck. I didn't see it happen, praise God. I was just wondering how you are getting along? At this time it has been 6 days tonight at 8:30pm. I have been having the most terrible time with this also. I was bitten on my left side foot near my ankle and it is very sensitive from my knee down to my foot. I also have a discoloration to my foot and up a small ways of my ankle. It is like the very bone hurts in my leg if I bump it or whatever. I cant stand very long without elevating it and then it stings and burns. I still have some swelling also. Did they give you the anti venom? Are you healing as well now. I like you have never been bitten before or really knew anyone that has. Please keep in touch and let me know how your progress is going. I pray that you are feeling better. sunnyd Darlene

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by tootough on August 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I am writing to the lady that got bite on May 8th. I got bit on july 12 2004. It has been a nightmare for me. I got bit at my barn feeding my horses at 10:00p.m. that monday night. After I looked down at my left foot at the left of it between the ankle and little toe,I saw two marks I knew only then that I had been bitten by a snake. It was dark at that side of the barn and I could not see it. Of course I freaked out and just started screaming and running to my car. I drove myslf to my sons house just a couple hundred yards from the barn honking the horn and screaming I had been snake bit.He was already running to the car. Then he took off his shirt and tied it around my leg above the knee and held my left ankel with his hands very tight and begin to suck the venom with his mouth. I wasn't sure if it was the bite or the sucking that was killing me.He then got in the car and drove me to my home where my husband was comming down the steps to get in the car. Then my husband got me to the hospitalat 10:28p.m. and thats when the hell began. I finally got to the examing room after tring to explain to the people at the hospital I didn't know what kind of snake it was and my husband was ill cause he had to get off the couch and take me to the hospital in the middel of the night because I had waited till dark to put the horses up. Hell if had known that I was going to get bit I would have done things differently. None the less I was still very upset and hysterical. That was not helping matters. Finalt the nurse came in and gave me a shot. It was the tetnis shot then benadryle and demerall and finagrin. I never got sick at my stomach. But by this time my foot was swelling pretty good and they kept marking it every 1/2 hour and hour. There were Two doctors on duty and one said it will probably be o.k. an the other want to give the antivenom.I was in great pain. My foot and calve of my leg could not touch anything,not even the pillow or the sheet. I had to hold it up while lying on my back. At one time I wasa practly on my head streaching my leg out behind me in the air to try to get some type of relief. My mother was watching my vital signs and my bloodpresure would drop pretty low she said. It was pretty scary. I didn't have alot of reasurrance that I was going to be alright and the pain was getting worse.Well at about 2:30 a.m. the swelling had gotten to the Knee and was not stopping.Then doctor that was There was the one that wanted to give the antivenom and he ordered it then. My husband I had sent home and my mother was there. I wanted my father there when they gave the antivenom to me so he came at 3:00a.m and then they started it about 3:30 a.m.-4:00 a.m. I finally went to sleep for a few minuets. I was still in pain and could hear what they were saying and they started giving the antivenom they gave it slo to watch for allergic reactions of any kind but every thing went well.They gave me six viles.I was amitted to the hospital at 7:00a.m. and put in a room to be monitored. They drew blood every sis hours and then another Dr. saw me aroud 9:00a.m. All i did for the next day and a half was ly ther with my leg elavated and draw blood every sis hours. They had me on antibiotics in a drip and fluids. My leg swollen to my thigh by now. But The next day it wasn't swelling anymore it was the same.My foot was hugh.ait felt like a burn and you could touch it it was so sore all around the bite aqt least the size of a baseball. On July the 14th 2004 I left the hospital around 4:00 p.m. with few instructions on what to do and what not. I was told not to get in a pool or the ocean for few of infection. I asked about the pool and ocean because i was going on vacation the next Day.My plans had been made for sis months and we were going. I thought that I wopuld be walking in a few days.WRONG!!! I could let my foot down for long let alone walk or let it touch anything. On July 19th one week after the bite I was still bound to the wheel chair and the bed keeping it elevated and still on vacation. I'm glad I went because I would have gone nuts sitting at home. On July 26th Two weeks later I still can't put pressure on the foot. swelling gone out of the leg totally and now just in the anlle and the foot.I can move big toe and the one next to it but can't bend the others. On July the 27th I finally can put some pressure on the foot.Walking with the use of my crutches and appling some pressure. On July 29th I go to visit the Dr. He says that it looks good and that just do what I was able and keep elavated when the foot starts swelling after I have it down for a while and the I can soak it a little. He preferred I take a shower. Also to put neasporine cream on it.It may also drain some. CALL ME IF YOU NEED ME...That was it. On August 2nd Three weeks later I'm walking better but still limping on it and its still swollen on the ankle and the top of the foot and the bitten side. I courious to if it will rot or peel or what is it going to do? On August 8th 2004 tonight I am still wondering when do I get the total use of my foot will I be able to put my boots on in the near future? How are you ? Please tell me somthig? My bite looks good I guess I would love to see some pictures of some that are the same age as mine. Four week old. My calve is very sore but I do stay up on it a good bit but it will tell you when to get off of it also.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by tootough on August 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I forgot to tell that my husband was bushhogging by the barn and killed my Damn Snake. It was a Copperhead and it was 38 inches long and the size of a silver dallor or a little bigger. It doesn't make me feel better because I am almost horrified to get in the grass,the gravel is bad enough. I just find myself looking down all the time. I was not like this before but it makes you be more aware of every little twig and rock and stick. The weather has had a lot to do with more snakes around. It has been so wet around here. If you know what kind of time frame on the bite healing please e-mail. Thanks...

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by cole07 on September 17, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I have a bite condition similar to this, please help

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by tuffdaughter on October 25, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
My 12 year old daughter got bit Thursday Oct. 21. She was going out to feed her rabbits and it luckily just cut her instead of biting her all the way. Her toe & foot are still swollen and the toe is black & blue. She did not have to have the anti-venom and only stayed in the hospital for about 8 hours. She did not throw up or anything, I guess she was lucky, since it did not completely bite her. I guess she has a while to go before the swelling goes down from what I am reading from all of you.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by PeteF on December 3, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I have added an article titled "My Snakebite" about an ongoing recovery of a facial copperhead bite.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by dew on December 8, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I would like to share our story with you to the best of my memory as we are all about at our wits end. Last July 29 our 14 year old son was bitten by what we believe was a copper head snake. (other venomous snakes in the area are rattle and water moccasin) The local ER stated there was no such thing as antivenin and after an hour sent us home with a script for tylenol 3 for pain as needed. By the time we got home Noah was in excruciating pain and the swelling from the bite was approaching his shoulder. (bite was on pinky) his hand was deep purple. I decided I would rush him up to the Army Hospital an hour away for another opinion. We got an escort from the gates to the ER they immediately started morphine drip for his pain, called poison control to find out the recommended procedure then sent him up to Saint Louis to receive care. At Saint Louis they did a skin fascia upon his immediate arrival then began the first of 2 bags of antivenom that he would receive. He spent 3 days in ICU. It was some 13 hours from bite to antivenin. Since that time Noah had become progressively ill. He started getting heartburn a lot but we figured it was his diet as he liked to eat a lot of spicy foods. In January he had begun loud and obnoxious long winded belches. I recall because at his sister's birthday dinner in Jan. he excused himself and went outdoors to belch - we were able to hear him IN the restaurant. Somewhere around this time he was prescribed zantac for acid reflux. His belching got worse no matter what he ate and soon his stomach would begin a continuous rumble that was audible across the room and at times sounded like a commode flushing. The peristalses was quite visible. A visit to the doctor put him on some medication to relax a sphincter muscle. Following day the pressure he was having in his chest along with the belching now included vomiting. Ribs very sore. We took him to the ER (military after hours you do not see your primary doctor) either the next day or shortly after (Noah had already altered his diet to exclude most animal fats and spices) where I suggested that he may have pancreatitis the nurse agreed with me. The doctor however laughed and said "the reality is, this boy has a stomach virus" his ribs and chest are sore from all the throwing up. 2 days later, late at night he began with the horrible pressure in his chest, continual throwing up and again long winded belches very forceful, but now a new chant....over and over "my back my back my back my back my back" back to the ER...diagnosis Ideopathic Pancreatitis. Released 2 days later. Enzymes back to normal however symptoms continued. The belching increased to continual however they changed in quality. Now instead of sounding like a belch they sounded more like air being squeeeeeeezed out. His diet now consisted of things such as Boiled potato and Boiled Chicken with no spices or fats, he could also tolerate canned fruits. In March he had a regular doctor appt for this progressive disorder at which he began coughing up large amts of blood. Bright red. The doctor called in another doctor for an opinion. She ordered barium enema to be done which showed nothing significant. She then refered him to "specialists" in Saint Louis who did numerous tests then threw their hands up in the air. At the time of his Snake Bite Noah weighed around 145 pounds by the start of June he was down to 113 pounds and literally skin and bones. In May he was able to eat frozen yogurt and fresh yogurt (fat free varieties) he could not tolerate canned fruits anymore and jello was difficult. During all these months his chest pressure continues and the throwing up (mostly bile at this point as his diet was so limited) and the continual belching. He was on double doses of prilosec an awful amount of tums and simethicone. I also forgot to mention that he suffered daily headaches and he sometimes complained that his belches tasted like feces. On June 29th in tears as they refused to see him for the walk in appt which was made the week previous (the doctor allowed for too many of these appts.) I was in near hysterics, this boy who was of good build previously now could barely hold his own frame up, and not straight at that. I asked if I could at least have him weighed to which they agreed. His weight was 108. The doctor then agreed to see him. I told her I was scared and she said she too was and asked what I wanted to do. I asked yet one more time if there was such a thing as a venomologist who may know if this is snake bite related and if there is any treatment. no. I said send him somewhere at least get some nourishment in him or he will die of starvation! She sent him up to Columbia University healthcare where he remains today. He dropped down to 103 after the first couple of days. The only thing he had been able to keep down was italian shaved ice. A cat scan showed that due to his rapid weight loss he has an artery wrapped around his intestine, this is why he has not been able to eat a thing. They say this is a complication and not the source of his illness. The started a pic line to deliver mega nutrients and fat into his starved body. He quickly gained to 120 poounds and began to lose again. He countinues with the chest pain. The belching has calmed down quite a bit. The pic line became infected and with a 104 degree temp for a couple days and saturated sheets and a feeling of not being able to breathe they discovered the infection spread to his lungs. They started antibiotic therepy. They are going to did surgery to place a Jejunal feeding tube direct into his small intestine. To every doctor he has seen I ask the question, could this be a residual of his snake bite? perhaps the snake bite caused damage to an organ which is causing the symptoms? the delay in receiving competent care regarding the snake bite etc. I also ask if it could still be pancreatitis - only without the elevated amylase and lipase. The doctor he has now thinks it may be something called a conversion disorder in which the traumas/anxieties/stress he has had is not being expressed outwardly but is being converted to physical disorders. While I agree that may be possible, I do not want them thinking it may be this and discount other alternatives. So now, desperately I ask you. Could this be a residual of snake bite poisoning? or the result of the delayed treatment? I thank you so much for your time and consideration in reading my long letter and anxiously await your reply. Kindest Regards dew December 5, Noah is at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia again (for the past 3 weeks) as he has gotten to a point where he can barely tolerate the J-Tube feedings anymore and has been consuming only around 750 calories a day. They are keeping him sedated inorder to deliver the nutrition.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by herpitoligist on March 12, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Touch any snake and you can expect to get bit.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by rastaman on June 4, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
I feel you brother

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by gerry on June 23, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
My son was bitten a week ago. He was playing in our field with some other kids and layed down in the grass to hide and felt a sharp pan in his leg. He though he was stung by a yellow jacket and went about normally. The next afternoon, he was limping and complained his leg hurt. When we looked at his calf, there was a very clear 3/8" spacing fang marks, about 6" diameter area of bruising (a multitude of neat colors) and the entire lower leg was a little swollen and hot. We went out to where he was playing the night before, and about 10' away there was a 12" long copperhead curled up on a board. Our guess is he laid down on the snake. After a little reading and a call to a doc friend it was decided that since it was already 24 hours ago, there were no systemic effects and the area was very localized, the envenomation was probably small and there really wasn't much that could be done to treat it. (other than a tetanus shot which he had recently) There are several studies now (including Journal of Trauma) that there is little difference in outcome with or without antivenin for bites that are localized, but the risks from the antivenin are substantial. The other interesting thing is that there are fewer records of people dying from copperhead bites than from bleeding from cutting the wound open, car accidents on the way to the hospital and reactions to antivenin. (Most were internet posts so some skeptecism is appropriate) It's a week later and the swelling is gone, the bruising is dissipating and other wise it's pretty well healed.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by afraidcantchange on July 24, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
I need to get rid of such snakes because i fear the same and just want to enjoy my property I know this may sound incesitive but I must get rid of them and I want to do this is a respectfull way east texas is the property and its in a very heavily area with ponds and creeks help please

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by gerry on July 25, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
You can't get rid of them unless you pave your whole property. The moment anything grows on the property, you'll attract insects and mice and that attracts snakes. You can kill every snake and, if there are insects or mice around, snakes will return within weeks. How about some precautions, a trip to reality and a change of attitude. Non-venomous snakes can't hurt you and rapidly retreat when they sense you. They are totally a non-threat. Venomous snakes are really only a threat below the knee. They don't jump and nothing in your area can spit venom. So if you buy a set of puncture proof leg protectors (chaps, gaitors, several different names) and high top leather boots, and wear them when you go walking, the snakes are no longer a threat. Remember, snakes are a significant predator of mice and rats. Would you prefer to take on huntavirus or bubonic plague(much more prevalent in mouse infested areas.)which you can't see and which are VERY frequently fatal or a snake which you can see and which even if it bites you is very rarely fatal. (10 times as many people die from huntavirus than snake bites) (As a note- I am not a snake owner or afficianato. I do relocate an occasional snake to put it out of harms way. I just respect their role in nature and pity the way they are maligned for no logical reason.)

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Scott7590 on August 13, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Very informative, Phil. I hope you and those who responded to you have helped to dispel the idea that copperheads are nothing to worry about. I think the "It's just a copperhead" attitude has caused as much pain and suffering as potentially more serious encounters with venomous snakes. The real problem with copperheads is that they are widely regarded as "starter" snakes for those who want to get into hots. So what does someone do after he's gotten used to his "starter" snake? He graduates to something more impressive, often a rattlesnake. Then comes an exotic, for which antivenom may be unavailable or very hard to locate -- in time. Many years ago a friend who was about 16 years old took me to visit a friend of his, also about 16. The kid had an EDB and a canebrake his parents had bought for him on a trip to Florida (we lived in Connecticut). He had them both in a large cage in his bedroom. The cage appeared to be secure. I had copperheads and timber rattlers, as well as a number of six- to 10-foot boas and pythons, so I wan't concerned. The he said, "I have another snake, but I can't put it in a cage because my parents won't let me keep it." To make a long story short, he had a shallow wooden box (about 3' by 3') with a heavy, flat top. The top was not secured, but was held down by its weight. I asked him what he had. He said it was a small Russell's viper. I asked to see it, and he handed me a snake stick. I used the stick to push the box's "lid" away and let me see the snake. The small opening I created was barely open when his new addition came pouring out. It was a Russell's viper, all right, but it was not "small" at all. It was over four feet long and and thick as my arm. It hissed loudly and came towards me. My friend and his friend jumped up onto the bed. The house was old, and I had no idea if there were any escape routes the snake might be able to find. So I used the snake stick to push the snake back towards the box. The snake wasn't having any of it. He kept coming. Fortunately, there was a broom by the door. I grabbed the broom and, after what seemed like forever, managed to get the snake back into the box. The kid had purchased the viper from a dealer located near the Bronx Zoo. I knew the dealer, and was not surprised that he would sell such a snake to a kid. I pegged him as someone who believed that "No records = no liability." After the snake was secured, I told the guy that he was an idiot and that if the snake ever bit him, he would be very dead in short order. I also told him that his parents, or anyone else entering his room, could inadvertently dislodge the cover of the box and allow the snake to escape. That would be the end of them, too. In conclusion, after I threatened to call his parents that night to tell them what he had, he agreed to let me come back the next day and return the snake to the dealer. The following day I wrote the dealer and used every expletive I could think of to express my opinion of him. Fortunately, no one died from this lttle "experience," but it taught me a valuable lesson, which is reinforced by so many experiences I have heard and read about, including your. Many doctors and hospitals, even those in areas where venomous snakes live, do not know anything about snakes and the treatment of snake bites. If, as I have seen, a doctor in Connecticut doesn't know how to treat a copperhead bite, what is he going to do if a patient comes in after taking a hit from a Russell's viper or other exotic? I can imagine it now: "Hi, doc, I was just bitten by a Russell's viper! Help me!" To which the doctor replies, "Why tell me? Call Russell!" The moral of the story is simple: If you don't know where to obtain an adequate supply of antivenom in a timely manner, don't keep the snake! Even if you get antivenom and don't die from a bite, you may suffer long-term consequences from it. And remember, antivenom is VERY expensive. Be careful.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by jeichs on August 15, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
I, too was bit by my CB 04 Southern Copperhead about a month ago. This wonderful event came as a surprise, as I didn't think he had the range and was using tongs to separate myself from him. "F me!" was my first thought as I looked down and saw the tell-tale tiny pin prick marks on my right index finger. Then, the lightening bolts of envenomation started to streak up and down my finger. I wasn't sure how bad he got me, so I took a couple ibuprofin and chugged a couple glasses of water and sat down to wait. After a little bit, two things occurred to me. One, that I was probably going to be ok, and two, I had to say goodbye to my knuckles for a bit. The girl I was with at the time asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital, but of course being the "tough guy" that I was I of course declined. An hour later there was still quite a bit of pain in my finger and hand, and I started to notice bruising near the bite. Realizing that staying awake during this fiasco would probably not be the most fun ordeal, I decided to call it a night and passed out. The next morning my right hand was pretty damn swollen. I had bruising all over my finger and hand, and my arm was tender up to the elbow. I couldn't really grip anything with my right hand, and even brushing against anything solid would set it on fire! Fortunately that was all that really happened. I learned that you can never be too careful with hots, and I will definitely take this lesson to heart! Jason

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by SnakeFriend on September 20, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Live in Cary NC in what some might call a very suburban area. Three days ago, at about dusk we had a good hurricane warning type rain and as I arrived home my 11 year old son noticed a brown baby snake with a green tail sitting on the front steps. Both he and I are snake enthusiast so we immediately recognized it as a baby copperhead and removed it with a shovel to the nearby bushes. We were very excited by this, but at the sametime concern that this was to close for comfort. What if it had been darker outside and/or we had been barefooted? Later that night, my wife went to work and saw the very same type of snake. The next day, I overheard a construction worker say he'd seen the same thing. Why would a baby copperhead be on our front steps? and so visible in general?

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Stupid-Head on October 3, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Re: Sept 20th 2005 I found this website by chance after being given a young southern copperhead who had bite a teenage boy. I live in east Texas and recently experienced the same likely hurricane you mentioned. Anyway, I have many years experience with a variety of harmless snakes & I�m guessing copperheads probably have young (live birth I think) around the same time that many other snakes hatch from eggs. That is, around the 2nd to 3rd week of September. In regards to your question about why a baby copperhead is hanging out on your porch all of a sudden, and the two other sightings if in proximity of your home (your wife�s and the construction workers sightings) , you may have a new brood of young copperheads around your house. If your porch is made of concrete, snakes tend to crawl out on it in the evening to warm up, since concrete will retain heat from the sun during the day. If your still finding baby copperheads in proximity of your house, you may want to consider dropping them in a deep bucket or other container instead of nearby bushes and transport them to a remote country side instead. Hope this helps.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Rosemilk on October 13, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
In spite of having been written some time ago, the article on the copperhead bite informs the would-be copperhead keeper to respect his/her new ward. That would be me. Recently, I acquired 2 southern copperheads that were born 21 Sept. 2005. Before the acquisition and afterwards, I have been reading many accounts whether they be net postings or sections in herp books. All come to the same conclusion: respect this venomous snake even though fatalies are rare. Many snakes bite. Venomous and non-venomous alike. Not getting bit should always be the goal. It's my goal.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by bittenonce on October 29, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Does anyone know how to contact DKT9572? She wrote about her copperhead bite on May 26, 2004 and her experience sounds very similar to mine. I was bitten on the left ankle 42 days ago and the swelling is still so intense (from toes to knee) that I cannot put on a shoe. No one in the medical community here in Oklahoma has ANY idea what to expect concerning how long this thing is going to last. I would like to talk to her further about her healing process. Also, poison control told me there is a newer antivenom made from sheep that doesn't have the side effects of the older horse antivenom. The say the hospital should have administered it. I wonder just how better my healing would have been had I received the antivenom. Anybody familiar with the newer antivenom?

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Myrna on November 8, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Hello Dew, I hope your son is now well. I am writing because I have received two bites, both believed to be Copperhead. I saw neither snake. The second bite was this morning at about 10:00 a.m. when I was walking about my yard. This bite has not caused as severe symptoms as the first, but it scared me. (I am neither professional nor amateur - just a hapless victim.) I was first bitten on an early summer evening about two years ago. I began to feel very ill and noticed unusual swelling on my right hand and arm. The arm became numb to my shoulder. The severe nausea came in waves for a few hours. I did not seek medical attention, because I had no idea it was a snake bite. I am very allergic to insect bites and stings, and thought this was probably just another insect bite; I did not notice the fang marks. About two or three weeks later, I saw my Dermatologist and explained my symptoms and the pain, which was not terribly severe. He showed me the fang marks on my inside arm, about two inches above my wrist. There is still a bit of an unusual feeling there, not quite numbness, but I know it's there. Since that time, I have endured two bouts of Mononucleosis, which is not supposed to happen. You are only supposed to have it once. I have no idea if there is a connection, but after reading your post, I have to wonder. Last week, out of desperation, I consulted a Homeopath who advised me to take Lachesis Mutus 6c (Bushmaster Snake Venom). It has helped me feel better. The bite this morning swelled, but not as much as the previous bite. I've said all of this to say that your son might improve by seeing a Homeopath. I located my Homeopath by Internet search. I hope this will help you. I wish the very best for your son, you and your family.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by YoYoBo on December 1, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
Hi I just read your entry about your son. Hopefully, by now your son is okay and those chronic symptoms have resolved. However if not, I have a suggestion that will very likely help in a definitive way. I am going to say something that may sound really strange to you - or not depending on your belief system. I am a homeopathic physician. I administer homeopathic (super diluted) doses of snake venoms (and many other medicines) to patients for various chronic health complaints on a regular basis. Your son, if still symptomatic, would very likely benefit greatly by having a very dilute dose of a homeopathic snake venom. It is hard to explain why, but consider it like giving a virus. The super diluted dose would act to stimulate his system to finally resolve the symptoms. There is a lot more I can say about this, but would only do so if there a need and/or you are interested to hear more. Contact me if you are interested and if not, best of luck. Sincerely, Dr. Shannon drt@drtshannon.com

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Pigbaby on December 26, 2005	Mail this to a friend!
I live in Louisburg NC. I currently keep copperheads as I have for many years. Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in our state and can be found from the coast to the mountains. During summer months the copperhead becomes increasingly nocturnal in nature due to the higher temp.'s during the day light hours. I racall you stated that a construction worker had spotted a snake as well. I assume that you may be living near a new construction job where woods may have been thinned. Any time you have a brush pile, logs etc. you can exspect to find a copperhead. I can assure you that there are many copperheads near your home. But I must admit that it is unlikely that you should ever see one. Count yourself blessed to have had the chance to share this adventure with your child. I was pleased that you did not kill the animal, what a good example you have set. You are a testiment to your upbringing.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by timers on February 20, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Have you considered that your son's problems may be mercury poisoning from the mercury in the antivenin? They put mercury in the antivenin in the form of thimerosol - the same stuff that is under massive controversy in vaccinations with children and the problems caused - and it's not a small amount. I got it and had problems. He should get tested with a chelation challenge test. Normal doctors won't know about it so study it on the internet first. DMSA is a good choice for chelator especially if he has it in his stomach.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by MaryAnn on May 28, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
I was bitten by a Copperhead Snake just below my left ankle 5/21/06 at 2320 hours. Today is Sunday 5/28/06, I still have a swollen ankle, pain in my calf and knee. Frequent stomach cramping. I'm still tired and thirsty, but the discoloration and swelling is nearly gone. How are you doing? How long did it take you to recover? How long were you off work? Do you have any complications from the bite or suspected problems? Would love to hear from you, AMNilson@sbcglobal.net; We are in East Texas, thanks, Mary Ann

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by chrisb on July 9, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
OK, I'm a new member to the Copperhead snake bite community, and am not happy to be included. My bite was from a 10-12" snake, located between my right instep and big toe. It happened on 7/1/06 @ 9pm. My foot swelled pretty quickly, and I went to the emergency room. They gave me an IV and took a blood test, watched me for 3 1/2 hours and let me go home. The next 72 hours were a burning hell when I tried to crutch around - the couch to the bathroom. Keeping my thigh parrallel to the ground was the only way to walk. My calf to my knee was painful to the touch too. It is now Sunday 7/9/06. I am still on crutches, the swelling is from about 2" above the ankle down. I feel a tightness in my calf still, and get the "needles" feeling on top of my foot when I crutch around. I was "walking" with crutches on it yesterday evening for a bit, and it swelled to a bright red. The foot is still very warm to the touch. I wasn't given any antivenom or antibiotics and have been taking Advil only. I saw the emergency room doctor and my general phys. last monday. Neither one have had much if any experience in Copperhead bites, it seemed to me. That's my story. I am asking for anyone to tell me should I have been given, or should I get antibiotics? How ling should I expect to have swelling? How long should I expect before I walk without crutches? If you had to get a bite, is a small snake worse, the same or better in terms of delivering an injury? Going crazy in Texas...chrisb

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by bittenonce on July 9, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
This is for chrisb, the newest member of our evergrowing "society" of snake bite victims! My bite was 10 months ago. I would be glad to e-mail you of my experience if you would e-mail me. Kathy in Oklahoma at robsmax@aol.com

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by jennalayne on July 26, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
I live in Annapolis, Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay. My 8-year old Golden Retriever died yesterday from organ failure due to what we believe was a copperhead snake bite. We never saw the snake that bit him. The area where we walked him is surrounded by woods and we often follow a trail that leads down to Broad Creek, a tributary of the South River. Goldens are a breed that rarely complain even when they are in pain. We think he was bitten during a walk at dusk, but we did not notice the swollen paw until the next day. We did not know he had been bitten by a snake. The surgeon that treated the wound to his paw said the tissue deterioration and swelling of the limb suggested a venomous snake bite, probably a copperhead (we have both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes in Maryland). By the time he was admitted to our veterinary hospital the internal damage caused by the venom was too widespread. His kidneys and liver failed and he lapsed into a coma. At this point, his surgeon advised us to put him to sleep. We are still in shock, devastated by the loss of a our beautiful golden. We did not understand the cause of his illness, only that he declined rapidly after being bitten. It could have been myself or my husband who sustained the bite, in which case we would easily have seen the wound. All we can do is wear boots when in the woods and try to be more aware of our surroundings. This was a painfull reminder of the dangers that lurk just outside the front door.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by LindaPA on August 21, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Hi there. I recently got bit on vacation in KY, (saturday, August 19th). I asked in the hosp about antibitoics and they told me a Tetanus shot was enough unless the bite spot looks bad. I did get some antivenum. However, they told me that it did more harm than good and did not give me more as they had planned. I was in the hosp 3 days. they were worried about the swelling that travelled up my arm. I am wondering about any long term effects of the bite. it doesn't seem that there will be any, but i was wondering. How are you doing?

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by MasterSgt on August 27, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I killed a snake. A two-foot-plus copperhead bit one of our rescue dogs within six feet of our front door, and we just held it down for a few minutes with a broom, considered the options, and then dispatched it quickly and started first aid on the dog ... 1000mg of Keflex and 50mg of Benadryl, and 36 hrs later her muzzle is still swollen, throat area is pouchy, but she's doing pretty well. We'd often talked about what to do about copperheads and Black wiodows, both of which occur here (rural Fredericksburg VA), and decided to leave them alone as long as they weren't near the house or poultry house, or the kennel. Actually, it's been almost 20 yrs since we've seen one, probably due to the black rat snakes and Northern Water Snakes we encourage, and even import from other farms when possible. I admit to feeling bad about killing the copperhead, but now that I have serious leg infection and circulation problems in my legs, due to diabetes, even a minor bite from a copperhead could easily lead to amputation or swelling & circulatory problems added on to the already severe problems I have. The last bad infection landed me in the hospital for a month and three more hideous months in bed, endurable only by large doses of morphine. Relocation? WHere? Pick some random farmer and pass the problem on? Animal Wardens kill them in our area, so I did what I did. I know all the idealistic arguments, since I've used them myself, but having a healthy appreciation for what a bite can do to a healthy adult, I'm unwilling anymore to take the risk in my shape, at age 60.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by gerry on August 28, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Since there seems to be some interest in long term effects, here's the report on my son 1 year after his copperhead bite. To refresh, it occurred in july 2005, he was bit while playing at a party. There was no treatment administered. The bruising took about 2 months to completely dissipate. He did have a hard lump the size of a golfball that remained for well over 6 months. He is playing soccer and has found he tends to pull muscles easily in that leg. No general physical problems. Good luck

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Scott7590 on August 28, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Hi MasterSgt, Don't feel badly about killing the copperhead. I have a problem with people who hike deep into the woods, far from their homes (or any homes at all), looking for snakes to kill. That's not what you did. Yes, the snakes were there first, and relocation sounds like a great idea. But we don't sell our homes and move when a snake moves in, and relocation is not always an option (particularly in your case). No one can reasonably expect you to capture and relocate a copperhead and, in the process, risk your health and life. Besides, if you relocate the snake to an area that is not its natural home, it may not survive. You did what you had to do and I don't see how anyone can fault you for that. Regards, Scott

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by MasterSgt on August 28, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Thanks, Scott. I appreciate your support. We�ve kicked it around ever since then, my wife feeling particularly guilty, and just in case this comes up again I�m going to contact a guy I met years ago who breeds a lot of reptiles. I don�t think I�d want to pass a hot snake to some hobbyist I don�t know a great deal about, but there may be some local wildlife or State Agriculture place that might give a copperhead a good home. I�ve seen them, I believe in a couple of County Park centers up in Fairfax, and I know in Florida there were a couple of park service places that had hot snakes to amuse the tourists. If I can work it out that way, I can probably figure out a plan for humanely snatching the next one and doing something different. Update on the copperhead bite to my dog two days ago; We suspect it was a nearly �dry� bite because of her quick recovery. The swelling is reduced at the site; her lethargic, miserable feeling is much improved; her appetite & water intake are nearly normal. The overall joint stiffness seems to have largely dissipated, and she�s anxious to go out to hunt rats & mice again. She is noticeably careful of the area in the yard where she was bit, repeatedly visiting the site and sniffing it. After looking over my initial post, and being somewhat surprised at not being flamed for killing the copperhead, I notice that I failed to mention one item. The copperhead was, I believe, a goner already because of the damage done by the dog, a small terrier mix (55 lb) who probably instigated the attack when she grabbed and shook the copperhead. He (I assume male only because of the old, and admittedly unreliable,�long tail� rule) had a somewhat ragged two-inch rip midway down his back, and hadn�t moved from the spot as we held a flashlight on him for five minutes or so while looking for some way of securing him. We�ve taken a number of Black Rat Snakes and Blacksnakes to knowledgeable herp people and one pro bono wildlife vet after they�ve wandered into a kennel or dog yard, and thus far zero have survived even when the apparent surface wound didn�t look very bad. Our assumption is that it�s the shaking that does the real damage, much like it is for kittens who get shaken. So far, zero recovery on them either, even when there is absolutely no surface wound visible. Several thoughts have occurred as we mulled over this first sighting of a copperhead in twenty-plus years. We are in near-drought conditions locally, and since we water the front yard (where the bite occurred) and its flower gardens, and keep lots of fresh water available in the poultry pens and dog yards, perhaps the moist conditions have drawn the copperhead�s prey closer to us. Still, we�ve had a couple of bad droughts over the past dozen years and no sightings until now, and considering that there are almost always a few dogs roaming around during the day, one would expect some dog-snake confrontations by now if there were copperheads here in any number at all. I spook at least one or two garden-variety snakes every time I mow or bush-hog eight acres, and thus far all have been obviously blackish color with an occasional �chain link� marking. A copperhead would be hard to miss. Another aspect of our situation is that we�ve altered the environment a lot by closing the kennel and moving the last few old, retired dogs inside. We�ve also cut our poultry down by 80% or so, more or less in anticipation of the bird flu virus becoming a problem at some point. When things get ugly, and I suspect they will at some point, I don�t want to have any unnecessary human contact with poultry, and no feeders that will attract the amount of wild migratory birds we see here. Since we have stopped all poultry breeding by separation and breaking eggs, there aren�t the large numbers of chicks and ducklings wandering around to feed the snakes and hawks as in past years. All this has of course also altered the mouse, rat and bird prey that all these snakes have had available thus far, which may be encouraging the up-until-now rare copperheads to come back, though it gets a bit murky trying to sort out the competing biological drives here. I'm still trying to figure out why Mother Nature is out to get me lately ... we've always had a few very small Black Widows around, but don't bother them and just remember to wear gloves when picking through the stacks of cinder blocks. Last week, however, my wife dragged in a female the size of a soccer ball. Well, actually the size of a marble, but huge in comparison with every other female we've seen. My wife was bitten by a Brown Recluse a few years ago, but the pain and swelling wasn't bad enough to go to war over it. And of course as I�ve been mulling this crappy situation over the past two days, I�m nursing two tiny scratches on my ankle that have become infected and are not responding well to my usual Dakin�s Solution treatment the past two weeks, so tomorrow I go in for another course of damned antibiotics. Which unfortunately only reinforces my absolute convicton that I can under no circumstances take a chance on getting bitten by a hot snake. The tissue loss I�ve already had from a particularly deep infection five years ago makes me look like I�ve already been bitten by a good-sized pit viper. Several doctors have asked me if that was from snakebite, but actually it was just from bad medical care. But nonetheless, having the necrotic tissue debrided thrice weekly is a pretty horrible way to live, regardless of the cause, and I�m somewhat maniacal about not risking the few limbs I was born with. Morphine is fun when you�re 20, but it holds little interest for me anymore.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by TinaM on August 31, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
I got bit by a copperhead on Aug 15,2006. It bit me on my right ankle. The pain and swelling lasted about a week. I received the new antevenom made from sheep which made me sick. I have had more problems with nausea, extreme thirst and being tired than anything. It has been over 2 weeks and I have been told I may have PTSD. I am still dehydrated, thirsty and tired.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Caro on October 15, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
Teri, I too was bitten on the foot this past summer on the 4th of July. My foot still aches and I cannot wear some types of shoes. Oh my gosh! Does your foot and leg still hurt after all this time? Oh no. People have NO idea of what a snake bite entails do they? Is your leg and foot any better now? Cary

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Caro on October 15, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
How is your foot and leg now? I just subscribed to this site as you cannot get any information from docotrs at all. I was bitten on 4th of July, 2006 by a large adult copperhead. My husband and I were moving our grill and of course I was wearing flip flops. I spent one night in the hospital and did not have to have the anti-venom. I was so glad as they say that is very hard on the patient. I couldn't imagine it getting worse! My foot still aches and I cannot wear certain types of shoes. I know your post was a while ago....can you tell me how you are doing now? Thanks, Cary in Arkansas

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by chrisb on October 16, 2006	Mail this to a friend!
A follow up on my July 1, 2006 copperhead bite... I spent 12 days on crutches before I could walk, with the first 7 being a burn I cannot decribe other than being on fire. When I could tolerate having my thigh other than elevated, it took about another week to walk without the crutches. The swelling lasted for at least 7 weeks, and I couldn't fit into any shoes for at least 6 weeks. I wore sandals for 2 full months. I do not have any lingering affects today. I wish all that encounter the same ordeal to keep up your spirits. I feel I was lucky. It wasn't comforting to know the medical community does not have much experience in copperhead bites.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by goobettesmith on July 19, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Hello, I am new to the site and I am looking for some information on the after effects of the anti vemom and a copperhead snake bite. My mother-in-law got bit on the top of her foot twice about three-four weeks ago. we went to St. Johns hospital and they gave her anti venom, well she is able to get around on it and is working again but ever since she had pain in and around her kidneys. we were wondering if anyone else who has had the anti-vemon has experienced anything like that, she never did get sick( they gave her some stuff to keep her from getting nausated) Please get back to me. Thank you Southern Missouri

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by fredssister on August 21, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
my brother was bitten by a copperhead May 1, 2007. He was treated immediately, no anti-venom was required. After about three weeks of severe swelling and pain from his knee down; bite was on the foot, he developed an extremely itchy rash on his lower legs and buttocks. As of this date 8-21-07, numerous visits to doctors, several rounds of varied drugs the itchy rash pretty much covers his body. It is virtually impossible to not comply with the old saying "if it itches, scratch it". Could there be a connection? His dermatologist don't know. and so far I have been unable to Google even a remote clue. This is not a really active site so I just hope we can learn something. Good luck to your mother in law.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by sugarsmom on September 4, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
I'm not sure if this is the same for humans and dogs, but my dog was bit on his eyebrow aoubt 8 days ago. I didn't know what it was when he came in. He had a spot of blood on his brow and it looked a little swollen. Over the next 3 days his face continued to swell and it seemed to being itching like crazy. He was rubbing his face on the couch, on the bushes, in the grass and even on me if he was close enough. After the 3th day, the swelling was pretty bad, it looked like his nose was going to split on the sides and his eyes (both) had swollen so much that they were splitting some. On the 4th morning, I noticed that his nose and muzzel and even into his ears was covered with this bumpy rash and starting to scab, the weird thing was right on his nose, it was blistering, like you could see the blister come up and pop and then more form. At that point I figured I better get him to the vet, (before the blistering, I thought he had rubbed on poison oak not knowing that dogs don't really get poison oak). Anyway, the vet thinks that it was an almost miss, that he was able to back up fast enough to really only get hit by one fang nd not for very long, mostly like a poke not a full bite. I just wanted to say that the itching and rash my dog got was insane, he literally had scabs from this crazy rash for 4 days and it wasn't a full on bite. If that is what it is, I think a rash on a human is very possible. I wish your brother well. It's awful, I can't imagine going through that. By the way, we we live in Williamsburg, Va and have a conservation area directly behind our house that he goes out and runs around in. The scary part is so do my 2 boys (7 & 12)

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by earlymtngirl on February 10, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Hi: I've read several articles here about the confusion of medical personnel when confronted with snakebite. Though snakebite is something many physicians in North America will never see, it would undoubtedly be useful for for physicians familiar with envenomations to develop and approve a universal flowchart type protocol to be distributed to EMS, hospitals and clinics in the US. Yes, different snakebites require different treatments, but some guidelines would undoubtedly help physicians to "do no harm." This would benefit everyone.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by zeke on May 21, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Have you had the and resultant damage evaluated by an MD who knows his stuff? I have been bitten by the same species and after several months all symptoms resolved. No anti-venin was admisnistered. Pain was intolerable even with morphone drip. Most pain resolved after several weeks. Swelling lasted a while but no danger to limb. I was bitten on my index finger while trying to capture a very docile looking copperhead. All the time he was docile - even while he sank his fangs in my finger. I flipped out but the snake was calm as hell. It was like he was saying - "oh god, another stupid human wants to play woth me". I made certain the snake got away unharmed as my friends wanted to shoot him. Humans are sure dumb at times. I am 60 and still play with wild snakes BUT i use tools and keep that damn head away from me! Hope you have a complete recovery by the time you read this.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by exOkie on June 5, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
You're right - many medical personnel are not too knowledgeable about treating copperhead bites. But I think a bite can affect each patient very differently. So, they monitor and observe us like an experiment. I was in the woods of eastern Oklahoma and was bitten by a copperhead in the ankle, in the late 70s.(A lot of people don't know that eastern Oklahoma is hilly and heavily wooded with a lot of creeks, rivers and lakes.) Great for outdoorsmen and a good hiding place for copperheads and water moccasins. It was a 20 minute drive to the rural hospital where they keep antivenin. They kept asking me to describe the snake which was hard to do. They said they needed to know if it was a juvenile (with more potent venom) or a mature snake (with weaker venom but more of it.) I was in a hospital for 3 days while they waited to see how I'd react to the antivenin. I remember a lot of doctors stopping by to see me because they had never treated a snake bite. Sure the antivenin is almost as tough as the venom itself but I was a small 11-year-old and they thought this was the best treatment. An unintended side effect of the antivenin was that(since it was injected into my ovaries) I never had children. Although I didn't fully realize this consequence until 27 years later when I happened to mention it to an expert toxicologist. That is A-OK with me but understand that the antivenin is toxic to the body too. I am surprised to learn that in more recent times, some snake bite victims do not receive antivenin. I sympathize with many of you at this post who recovered by "waiting it out." That had to be equally tough.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by grandview3596 on July 15, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Hi, I just read your article about your copperhead bite a few years ago. When I read it I felt as though I were writing it. I was bitten July 7, 2008 and am still going through the process. Your are right, no one seems to give you solid answers about what to expect during recovery. I was naive enough to believe that in a week or so I would be back to chasing my grandkids. WRONG.. How long did it take for you to walk again without the aid of crutches or a walker? I got bit on the upper part of my foot above my little toe. I am soooo weary. I am a very active person and this just stoped me in my tracks. I can't drive either since it is on my right foot, not that I feel like lowering my leg down. The hot fire you feel when you lower your leg is horrible isn't it. Do you have any advice for me. What can I expect after a week or so. Kat

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by chrisb on July 15, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Answers below GRANDVIEW 3596.... good luck I just read your article about your copperhead bite a few years ago. When I read it I felt as though I were writing it. I was bitten July 7, 2008 and am still going through the process. Your are right, no one seems to give you solid answers about what to expect during recovery. I was naive enough to believe that in a week or so I would be back to chasing my grandkids. WRONG.. Hi, How long did it take for you to walk again without the aid of crutches or a walker? TWO WEEKS AND I STARTED TO WALK ON IT. IT FELT "FUZZY" BUT DIDN'T HURT. THE SIDE AFFECT WAS SWELLING FOR TWO MONTHS AND WEARING SANDALS NOT SHOES OR SOCKS. IF I WORE A SOCK, MY LEG ABOVE THE SOCK WOULD SWELL TO DOUBLE THE SIZE. THE WATER RETENTION IN THE LEG WAS INCREDIBLE. I got bit on the upper part of my foot above my little toe. I WAS BITTEN ON MY INSTEP ABOVE BIG TOE. I SWELLED TO JUST BELOW MY CROTCH AND GOT BRIGHT RED IN COLOR - NO BLACKENING LIKE A RATTLESNAKE BITE THANK GOD. I am soooo weary. I am a very active person and this just stoped me in my tracks. I can't drive either since it is on my right foot, not that I feel like lowering my leg down. The hot fire you feel when you lower your leg is horrible isn't it. IT WAS SOMETHING YOU CAN'T EXPLAIN ADEQUATELY TO OTHERS. FIRE IS THE ONLY COMPARISON I COULD THINK OF. Do you have any advice for me. What can I expect after a week or so. TIME IS YOUR ENEMY AND YOUR ALLY. TO PARALLEL WHERE YOU ARE FROM MY EXPERIENCE, YOU ARE IN A PERIOD WHERE NOTHING IS CHANGING - SAME PAIN WHEN YOU DROP YOUR LEG BELOW HORIZONTAL (GRAVITY AIN'T YOUR FRIEND THROUGH THIS PROCESS), SAME COLOR AND SAME SWELLING. YOU HAVE ABOUT 4 MORE DAYS OF IT, THEN I STARTED TO USE THE CRUTCHES AND LOWER MY THIGH A BIT FOR SHORT PERIODS. THE FIRE WOULD COME BACK, BUT AFTER WHILE IT WOULD TAKE LONGER AND LONGER TO RETURN. (THE FUZZY FEELING) PUTTING WEIGHT ON IT IN 12 DAYS, WITH CRUTCHES, THEN LIFTING IT AND EASING BACK INTO IT. GETTING RID OF THE CRUTCHES IN 2 WEEKS AND TAKING YOUR TIME WHEN YOU WALK IF THE PAIN GOES AWAY IS MY OPINION. SWELLING FOR TWO MONTHS, SO WEAR A PAIR OF SANDALS TO MINIMIZE SWELLING, AND KEEP IT ELEVATED WHEN YOU ARE NOT MOVING AROUND. After 4 months, I had no real affects from it. "Phantom" feeling (not intense but almost like you feel when a cobweb touches you....weird stuff) at the bite mark while driving with my foot in the same position for a long time is about it. My daughter calculated the number of people who get bit in the US every year is about 0.007% of the population. You are rare company - the copperhead club. Best to you in your recovery, and take your time - I know what it feels like......... Chris

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by grandview3596 on July 29, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
To Chrisb Hi, You were right on the money! After 3 weeks I am getting my life back. I have shed the walker (never could do the crutches) and walking on my foot, however it still swells with to much use. I really appreciate your giving me info on what to expect. It really lifted my sprits knowing that recovery was around the corner. Best to you and thank you!

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by sandi4u2 on September 13, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
to grandview3596 and Chrisb, if anyone knows how to get in touch with either of two please advise I realize their postings were in 2008 and did not see any for 2009 but I have joined the ranks of the Copperhead club. I was bitten on August 5, 2009 twice on the inside of my left big two and I could have written some of the posting I read. It has been almost 6 weeks and still have swelling and peeling. I was given the serum, but the intense pain and the feeling of "fire" as the blood flows down when I would try to stand would almost make me pass out. Sometime I would simply crawl to the bathroom, but then I would have to pull myself up and that was worse. As i said before did not see any current posting for copperhead bites, please let me hear from you if you are going thru this at present. Sandy

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Char on October 26, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
I joined the Copperhead Club on Friday the 13th, July, 2007. I was getting some things out of the back of my cargo van which I had earlier backed up to some blocks and rocks (which I normally did not do). I was in and out of the van, unloading all kinds of stuff. I was wearing flip flops. While pulling another load out of the van, I felt a scratch on my heel and knew immediately I had been bit by a copperhead even though I had never seen a copperhead out where I live before or since. I live in a very rural area next to a state forest and my neighbors report seeing copperheads regularly. Rattlers are in this area also and I have seen those. After I was bit, I looked down and saw a large, pink snake coiling around the rocks at my feet. I immediately drove myself to the nearest hospital, 45 minutes away. My foot and ankle were already swelling and painful. I did not take any drugs and the ER doctor did not recommend that I take anything after I told him I am sensitive to drugs and chemicals. They kept me for 3-4 hours for observation and then sent me home. Since I was bit on the left heel, I was still able to drive home ~ but just barely. I crawled into the house and didn't leave for nearly two months. My foot, ankle, and leg swelled up all the way to my groin. They turned green, black, blue, and purple and were excruciatingly painful. Lowering my leg was even more painful and increased the pressure and swelling in my foot. Eventually, the discoloration of my leg faded but my foot remained puffy, purple, and painful and lowering it made it unbearable. I could not touch my foot to the ground or anything for a month. I was also extremely tired and have since learned that the venom destroys red blood cells and can cause anemia. I was on crutches for two months. But mostly I was in bed with my foot elevated. Week after week went by with no change. My foot remained puffy. purple, and painful and I began to wonder when or if it would ever get better. The doctor had told me it would be better in a few days and this was much longer than a few days! I never took any drugs or painkillers as I was afraid they would interfere with the healing process. Later on, I did see a naturopath who, after some research, recommended a homeopathic, ledum, taken orally. Not sure how much it helped since I was already well on my way to getting better. I eventually started wrapping my foot in an ace bandage to stop the extreme swelling that occurred whenever I lowered my leg. Wrapping my foot made it possible for me to eventually give up the crutches. Later, in December, I was in Chicago for several days and walking on the concrete seemed to aggravate my foot and create swelling and limping again. I had to buy an ace bandage and start wrapping again until I returned home. You should have seen the look on the faces of the city dwellers who asked why I was limping and I told them I was bit by a snake! After the trip to Chicago, I have never had any more problems although now and then I do fancy some tenderness in my foot but that could just be the bad memories. Actually, just writing all this seems to have made it a bit tender! Good luck to all healing from this really painful experience.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by ssseteve on April 13, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
I got bit Aug 9 2010. Stepped on one in my yard while doing some yard work. Got me 3 times on my foot. 7 vials crofab followed. This incedent sparked some interest and respect towards these animals.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by kentuckygirl on July 5, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
I live in western Kentucky and have handled snakes since I was small.(usually nonpoisonous) My father taught me how to handle snakes, but carefully. I came across a small snake that I thought might be a copperhead. I needed to move it, so I trapped it's head and grabbed it with my left hand(which was the first mistake). He reached and bit me on the side of my middle finger. I knew immediately it was a copperhead, my finger had two puncture wounds and was throbbing. My husband rushed me to the hospital and I thought they would be giving me the antivenom. Not the case, as most of you probably know. Well, after observing me for a couple of hours, tetanus shot, and painkillers, they sent me home. I was bitten on Thursday, June 30, 2011. Today is Tuesday, July 5th. My finger swelled very bad, my hand swelled pretty bad. I could not bend my fingers. You could not see my knuckles. My wrist swelled slightly, but the odd thing was my arm is yellow and green all the way from my wrist to my underarm. I guess this is bruising from the bite. Anyway, the swelling in my wrist and hand have subsidded, but my finger is still so swelled and painfull. I am still putting ice on it and every time I put my hand down below my shoulder it pounds. I have never experienced anything so painfull. I also know from reading other stories, I am lucky. I do not have as much swelling as some. Any way, I found this site to be very interesting. One thing I did not understand at the hospital was, the dr. said if I had red streaks on my hand to come back, it could mean infection. Well, I don't know why they did not give me antibiotic. I did go back to the emergency room thinking I had some infection in my finger. They did give me an antibiotic. I know I have a long road ahead for healing. This web site has been informative for me. Thanks.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by tebu4 on August 4, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
Hi! I was bitten by a copperhead on July 9, 2011, a little over three weeks ago. I�ve seen three doctors now, and hands down, I�ve gotten more helpful information from this website than anywhere else. So�thanks for the website, and the testimonials! I�m sharing my story below, in hopes that it will help others. Here goes: On Saturday evening, July 9, I went rushing outside to yank my clothes off the line, because it was about to rain. I was in a hurry and never even considered looking at my feet. I live in a rural area, in the mountains of western North Carolina and my home is surrounded by pasture and woods. We�ve seen maybe five copperheads in 20 years of living here, but I never considered them a problem. So, I�m yanking clothes off the line, and I felt a pain in my ankle, as though I had bumped into something really sharp. I looked down and saw the copperhead, coiled beside my foot, and two bleeding marks on my leg, just above my right ankle. My husband was home, so I went running inside. We jumped in the car and headed into Asheville, 30 minutes away. I was in the ER within about 35 minutes of the bite. In the car, maybe 15 minutes after the bite, the burning and swelling began. The burning sensation began at the site of the bite and radiated out until my entire lower leg felt like it was on fire. With the swelling came a tremendous sensation of pressure. Soon after I got to the hospital, I received morphine, vicodin and a tetanus shot. No antibiotics; no antivenom. I stayed at the ER for about three hours, during which time, my vitals were good. Around midnight, the doc sent me home, with very little information about how long my recovery would take. By day two, my foot was extremely swollen, my leg was swollen up to mid-thigh, and I was dizzy and mildly nauseous. (I am unsure if the nausea was due to the venom, or the pain meds.) If I kept my leg elevated, the pain went away, but if I lowered it at all, the burning pain and pressure were intense. The entire right leg from the knee down was also extremely sensitive to touch. By day three, the area around the bite � maybe 2 inches in diameter - began turning purplish-black. Also, there were small bruises all over my lower leg, and the entire calf area on the back of my leg was bruised. In the days that followed, as I was slowly able to get around better on crutches, my foot developed a bruised look, as though the bruises had bled into it. After about a week, the pain was a little better, but then my foot and leg from the ankle down turned bright red. Also, the fang holes started oozing clear whitish liquid. I went to the doctor and got antibiotics for an infection in my leg. I took the antibiotics for maybe five days without much change. My right leg looked like it belonged on a corpse; it was purplish red from the knee down and still swollen. I went to another doctor, who switched the antibiotics. She also ordered an ultrasound on my leg to check for blood clots. (There were none, thank God.) I think the second antibiotic did the trick because at that point, my leg started improving, slowly. I was able to put a little weight on my foot after about two weeks. It�s now been three and a half weeks, and I�m doing well as long as I leave my foot elevated most of the time. If I walk too much, or leave my foot down, it begins to swell and hurt. Luckily, I have an office job, so I am able to keep my foot up for most of the day. When I get home in the evening, I lie on the couch and elevate my foot up high, to get rid of extra swelling from the day. From what I can tell from the stories above, patience is required! I was out at the clothesline yesterday, and found myself getting scared. I�ve always been a walker and a hiker and I hope this experience doesn�t keep me out of the woods. I figure that I need to get back out as soon as possible to keep this experience from curbing my enjoyment of nature. Thanks again for the website! I�ve come back several times to reassure myself that my recovery � slow as it has been � is normal.

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by kmkirkland on August 5, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
You guys are awesome!!! I really appreciate all the helpful advise and info. It really calms my nerves to know others have been in the same boat. It baffles me that snake bits are so common but apparently no one in the medical field knows anything about them (at least from my experience). Maybe some real experts can help me out. Who knows better than people who have been there, done it, and got the fang marks to prove it. :) The 411 on my situation: I am 25, 5'1", 100 lbs., petite, very healthy, have lived on the Alabama and Florida border all my life, and consider myself an expert on avoiding snakes(being a farm girl who loves the woods and natural Fl. springs). On July 4th, 2011 I was outside getting ready to light some fireworks with my mom at 9 p.m. I was in the drive way with security lights, 2 german shepards, and in flip flops. I was walking when I stepped on something too soft to be a stick and knew IMMEDIATLY it was a snake. I jumped in reaction and when I moved off of it, I felt head brush my heel and a wasp like sting to my right ankle (just at the inner concave soft spot). Instantly, I felt the intense burn and knew it was more than just a plain bite. I never got a great look at the culprit and it was dark but the snake was grey/black and brown tones at least 2.5-3 foot with a thin neck and huge head (I saw and felt that). We have killed several Timbers, Cottonmouths and Copperheads within yards of the house so it could be any of them (we don't kill all snakes just venomous ones that wonder too close to the house). Pain was imminent and I could feel the venom spreading up my leg like fire as we drove to the ER. Not knowing any better I put a rubber hair band around my calf in the vehicle and by the time I got to the ER they had to cut it off. By this time my leg had swollen to an enormous size (my thigh was originally 22 cm and was up to 45-50cms)the fang marks blead profusely and were a little over an inch in width. The Dr's said it was a dry bite, watched me for a few hours, and sent me home with antibiotics and an outrageous bill. By the time we got home I couldn't feel my face, was having troubles breathing, and passed out in the vehicle for at least 15-20 min. Blisters covered the ankle/foot, swelling continued to my pelvis, along with discoloration, severe neurological and physical pain. Also my leg bruised up to my crotch and seemed to stay cold all the time and took longer to adjust to enviromental temps. (I won't even go into the nausea, vomitting, fevers, etc). Its now been a month and the swelling in my foot is still quite profuse and gets worse with any temp changes, useage, etc., making any warm showers or going outside impossible, temps above 78 are unbearable and cause almost immediate reactions (good luck with that in Fla huh, today the heat index was 115). Also my foot and ankle are still a light purple, there's still no movement of the ankle joint but toes are starting to work again, I can't really feel past my knee except for the tingling/pain and my knee catrlidge feel unstable like its filled with jello. I have phantom sensations, phantom pains, tingling throughout the leg, I sweat all the time, and when I wake up my hands and feet swell so bad any digit movement is difficult. If I get hot or do too much activity I get trembling shakes really bad, my vision blurs and if I don't sit down and chill I black out. I'm anemic and have had occasional spells before, and this is similar, but I don't feel it coming on and it's much much more severe. The pain was never so intense that I couldn't handle it, I have a VERY high tolerance of pain, so its something else causing the spells. I also have had severe pain and cramping in my lower right ovary/kidney/side which first I attributed to female issues but it has continued for too long to be that. I cannot hold the leg vertically for any length of time. I started limping around again last week and am able to do menial tasks but the symptoms are driving me crazy. I asked my Dr about it and he thought I was making a big deal out of nothing. My boss is threatening me to get back to work or find something else to do so I tried to drive yesterday and almost passed out behing the wheel. I was just lucky I was going really slow and pulled over quickly. I don't have any other medical conditions that I can blame all this suffering on so I am assuming that it was the "dry bite". Everyone I've talked to says that even if it was a venomous bite I should be pretty well over it by now and there's no evidence of residual effects with snake bites. This is the first time I've heard of others experiencing similar "supposedly non-exsistant" residiual issues. I was hoping someone could help, maybe give a rough estimate of how long this crap is gonna last, any ideas on what type of snake it could have been, any suggestions for pain/symptom releif? I'm pretty well on my own so driving to Montgomery or Pensacola isn't an option and I've used all the local medical sources available. I'd really really appreciate any advice or help you guys might have to offer. Thanks so much to the people that are putting out all the hard work on the site and all the folks sharing their stories, that alone was a blessing and consolation in itself. Truly love and appreciate y'all, Krys

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by sandi4u2 on August 5, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
to KMKIRKLAND So sorry to hear about your snake bite. I posted when I was bitten in August of 2009. As I re-read some of the post I am surprised to read how many did not receive antivenom. The doctors in the emergency would not prescribe the antivenom it was completely left up to Posion Control. I was in the er at 9:00pm and it was 1:30am before I received any. My daughter was told the swelling had to pass the first joint which in the case of the big toe the first joint was the ankle. By the time I was given the antivenom the swelling of my foot was 3 times normal size and it had gotten to right under my knee. The copperhead affect the muscular tissues, a friend was bitten my a cotton mouth and her symptoms were more neurological and she still has problems. Never have understood why they waited so long to give the antivenom, they gave me medication for nausea and pain but waited for the GO from poison control. Hope all is well with you.

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by lk231 on September 17, 2011	Mail this to a friend!
I am so happy to have come by this website. The hospital that I went to didn't really have answers for me and it is reassuring to read your stories. My story is long. But, I wanted to give all the details because I hope that it helps someone who may have questions about what to expect from a Copperhead bite, especially one to the heel. I also feel that my story is a little unique because I am a nursing mother. There isn't much information on how long to wait before nursing again when the victim receives antivenin. On Friday, September 9, 2011 at about 7:30pm, I walked out to the field behind my house to get my horse and put him in the barn. It was dark and I was wearing flip flops. I called for my horse and he came trotting up to me. Then, oddly stopped about 8 feet away. I think he either saw or sensed the snake at my feet. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain on the inside of my left heel. It felt like two sharp things pierced my skin with the second being deeper. Whatever it was hung on there for a few seconds. I screamed, spooked my horse, kicked my flip flop off, and hobbled away from where I was bitten. I knew I hadn't stepped on anything and originally thought a wasp stung me. But, I quickly realized the pain was more than any wasp sting. I hobbled up the hill back to my barn to take a look at my heel. Sure enough there were two fang marks clearly visible on the inside of my left heel. At this point, my heel was throbbing. Within 45 minutes, I was in the ER. I was asked to describe the snake that bit me. However, I had not seen the terrible thing. At this point, my entire foot was swollen and red. I refused pain medication because I am still nursing my infant son. The ER doctor said that the snake was most likely a Copperhead since that is the only venomous snake in Southern Maryland. She said that these snakes usually give a "dry bite" and that Poison Control wanted her to keep me there for 8 hours for observation. She said to let her know of any new symptoms which may indicate a venomous bite that would require antivenin. I was given an EKG and hooked up to an IV. By 11:00pm (roughly 4 hrs after I was bitten), my entire leg up to my stomach was throbbing in pain. It felt like a severe deep bruise. I felt cramping similar to menstrual cramps in my abdomen. I felt numbness and tingling in my heel. I was also feeling nauseous at this point. The pain was so severe that I was given morphine which didn't take away any of the pain anyway. In fact, it only caused me to feel even more terrible at first because the ER nurse pushed it in my IV way too fast. If you ever need morphine ask for the nurse to slowly push it in your IV!!! At 12:30am, the ER doctor described my symptoms to Poison Control and it was decided that I would need an intial dose of 4 vials of CroFab. After I was given CroFab, they kept me in the ER for observation to see if I had any allergic reactions to the antivenin. They also checked the swelling to see if I would need another big dose or just maintenence doses over the next 18 hrs. The swelling did not continue after that initial dose, so I was sent to the ICU. I was given another dose of 2 vials at 4:00am. My entire leg hurt so badly that I couldn't stand to move it or anything else for that matter since my lower abdomen throbbed as well. I could barely move enough to use the bathroom and needed my husband's help to use a stinkin' bed pan! I was very alarmed at the severity of the pain and loss of use in my leg. The nurses and doctors had no answers for me. My heel never got gigantic with swelling or black like most snakebites. So, the doctors kept saying "Oh that doesn't seem so bad". But, boy was the pain in my leg and lower abdomen bad! I almost felt like they didn't believe me which made me feel even worse and more depressed. Something worth mentioning was that my heart rate remained in the low 50's the entire time I was hooked up to a heart monitor. The doctors and nurses didn't seem alarmed and said it was due to the fact that I'm an active person. I don't know how true that is. I'm not sure if a low heart rate is a side effect of snake venom. By Saturday afternoon, I was feeling a little relief from pain with morphine. I was given the last dose of antivenin at 12:00pm in the ICU. So, a total of 8 vials was given through the IV. I had to stay another night in the hospital to make sure that things were going in the right direction. They did lots of blood work the entire time I was at the hospital. I was finally released at 5:00pm on Sunday evening when my bloodwork came back fine. I had so many questions because I'm still nursing my son. There is no research on lactating women and snakebites. I was told that the half life of the antivenin is short. So, I should wait 24 hours before nursing my son. I pumped and dumped that milk while I was in the hospital and when I first got home. I waited 34 hours before nursing him. He had no adverse reactions. I could not walk at all those first two days because I couldn't stand to put pressure on my foot or even have my leg in a vertical position...too much throbbing and pain. I could finally walk on Monday, but with limping. Oddly, my upper thigh and lower abdomen still hurt the most. On Thursday, I went back to work and taught mainly from a chair. On Friday, a week after my bite, I noticed brusing all over my inner thigh and on the inside of my foot. There were red streaks coming from the fang marks and the inside of the foot is purple and a little swollen. Today (Saturday), there really isn't any change. However, I can walk very nicely without limping. My foot and thigh still hurt and are bruised. If I stand too long, my foot and leg will throb. I am not sure when I'll be completely healed. But, I hope soon. My husband and a friend went looking for that Copperhead in our back field. Since I was near the creek, they figured it would be there. However, they haven't been able to locate it. Please be careful where you put your feet!!

Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Joeman166 on July 9, 2012	Mail this to a friend!
Their was just a recorded copperhead death in Missouri last week, a man was drunk, camping at the river for his 50 th birthday and was bit on the thumb by an approx. 3 foot copperhead and lived for around 7 hours and didn't receive anti venom and he died from multiple heart attacks caused by the bite,

RE: Copperhead Bite	Reply
by Hammer4 on September 3, 2017	Mail this to a friend!
I was bitten by a large copperhead on the pinkie finger last month. The combination of the venom and the morphine stopped my heart beat for 14 seconds - luckily it restarted on its own. My respiration rate was falling off as well, once they put me on oxygen things returned to normal. I ended up getting 8 vials of antivenorm after the swelling went above my elbow. I spent 3 days in the hospital, the bite has healed well but the finger is still swollen, my grip is weaker and I have pain in my hand, wrist, and forearm. Just be cautious of pain meds that can slow respiration and heartrate when being treated for these types of bites.

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