Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

Sepsis is where the infection spreads to the blood stream. Many people die from sepsis. Some hospitals out that way are not very good. Glad you are getting better.

Im so sick... It hurts sooo much. I can't take it!!!

My Synopsis:
After 3 weeks, I was released from the second hospital. I followed up with their doctors and was sent home. I sent myself to wound care-- They performed emergency surgery and cauterization with no anesthetic-- there wasn't time for ER and OR prep.
My entire case was botched by more than 1 facility and more than 10 physicians.

If someone gets bitten by anything anywhere, you may want to contact Poison Control or The CDC--They will advise medical professionals as to the proper medical treatment or refer the case to experts accordingly.
Most hospitals here have limited or no experience with envenomated patients as Mike implied.
If I had taken the advise of Orange County Regional, Phelps Memorial, or my own physician- You would be reading my obituary instead of my story.
I am facing another surgery and am still suffering from fairly significant pain levels. I know this could be much worse. I also believe that all experiences inspire personal growth in many ways. I happen to be one of those people that had to learn several lessons the hard way . I hope this information may be relayed to friends and family to avoid a similar unnecessary events.
Thank You for reading and Happy Trails!
Kris

I've seen many copperheads, I'm an expert on the subject in this area and have written a 500 page book on their dens (along with timber rattlesnakes)

I've discovered new dens and rediscovered old historic ones and have never been bitten. I've even pet a wild copperhead, a 36 inch one, at a den I've been visiting since 2003 (I actually have a video of it) - I would not recommend petting them, I did it one time as I have been working with them for many years and I wouldn't do it again.

You have had the very unlucky experience of stepping on one, and aside from trying to catch one, this is about the only way you'll be bit. Most copperheads are small, under 30 inches, and will bite your shoe before your ankle and leg - if you're wearing thick hiking boots or tough leather sneakers I think the chances of the fangs going through are unlikely, Rattlesnakes are larger and a bite to the leg after stepping on one is more likely. Pants likely wont stop this.

A rattlesnake bite is also a more serious deal. I think about 1% or less copperhead bites are fatal, with modem antivenom, and perhaps less than 5% without antivenom, where as rattlesnakes might also be around 3-5% with antivenom and as high as 15-20% without antivenom. It’s hard to put numbers as everyone reacts differently to bites and antivenom, most deaths that happen with antivenom treatment are from complications due to the antivenom itself and allerigic reactions. Definitely get the treatment if you get bit by either of theses species. Sit tight, use your cell phone to call for help and stay still. Don’t hike out. This will spread the venom and put you in more danger.

So yeah, I've seen hundreds of rattlesnakes and copperheads in the Hudson valley, nearly stepped on several rattlesnakes (That I know of), never been bit... for what its worth