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rattlesnake bites
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by bj7150 on June 11, 2002
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I was bitten by a rattler back in June 2001. Not fun to say the least. However, I have a problem that maybe someone on here can help me with. Like I said I was bitten last June. I was taken to ER within 10 minutes. It was 5 hours later before antivenin was given. The hospital did not tell us that they had none and instead of getting it from another local hospital they flew it in from Dallas which is 300 miles from me.
I was finally given 10 vials and in ICU for 5 days. Now I won't go into all the story as it is long and pretty bad but I need info on the length of time hospitals have to wait to give the antivenin (we were told they had to wait 2-3 hours to see if I was allergic) and I need as much info as possible on how antivenin works, if it works less if it is administered well after the initial bite...Please, anyone that can give me ANY info...I have medical problems still that are getting worse daily and I need this information. I don't know where else to go to get it. E-mail me with any help at bj7150@yahoo.com. Thank you, Brenda
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by Viperidaefan on June 12, 2002
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go to http://www-surgery.ucsd.edu/ENT/DAVIDSON/snake/index.htm its has the proper protocols for all U.S. crotalus
hope this helps...
if you handle hot herps you really should have the protocols ready to take to the hospital with you for the species you are dealing with if available.
Most doctors aren't familair with treating snakebites, so its up to us to be prepared as much as possible. let me know if have any more questions....
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by Viperidaefan on June 12, 2002
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just checked...the protocol says to wait 20 min for the intradermal skin test the begin giving 5 vials of antivenom in 50 cc of lactated ringers. 1 vial every 10 min should be given.....
The very detailed protocol is at the website i gave you
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RE: rattlesnake bites
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by Rabies on June 13, 2002
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Hi a bit more details on the bite ie type of snake envolved and where you've been bitten and also the medical problems you are know having.
As for giving anti-venom,hospitals don't have a set time period,the possible reason that the ER has waited so long is for the arrival of AV.Or another reason is just because you've been bitten by a venomous snake does not mean you need AV.Around the bite site YOU most probably had swelling,maybe quite severe.Bleeding from the fang marks?etc.The ER has most probably waited until you've had signs of SYSTEMIC envenomation,this is where apart from your bitten limb,other parts of your body are showing signs of poisoning,ie bleeding gums,prolonged clotting times and other blood dissorders,facial twitching etc.This is when AV is given,and depending on ER protocols if the swelling proceeds pass the half way point on the limb AV may also be given.
Obviously the sooner these signs&symptoms are spotted then AV should be given,People have been given AV 12-24hrs after the bite,and in some countrys even days.Even though you had some pain or what ever(no details)the spread of the venom has most probably taken so long to take effect.
As to testing for allergies to AV,again its down to the ER's protocols.If you did react to the AV upon testing it would mean delaying treatment while they dealt with the reaction,also the test may not show anything and when treated you may react to the AV.What is neede before AV is given is simply a good medical history,hey fever,asthma etc and if so a possible bolus of anti histamine maybe required.
If you gave more details of the bite and what you experienced then maybe sombody hear could give you some more details.Sorry to be so long winded,hope it has helped.
John
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