@IXIREDNECK13IXI It has to heal from the inside out, so they use the gauze to prevent healing of the skin and outer layers before the inside does. If the outside heals first there will be a pocket which is bad.
I really appreciate you posting this. I have a fascination with hots and want to go into venom research as a career. It's good to see the consequences of what this occupation can hold. I started to feel nauseated and had to pause the video. But you and Jim didn't have that option.
Thanks for this - this the only time that I have seen what an advanced venom will do to Human tissue - I hope Jim recovers ok and doesn't lose anymore of his hand (I saw the missing finger tip - snake or accident?).
Did the doctors ever attempt to push fasciotomy? I know they are rarely needed, but often times pushed by medical staff. I am also curious about the tube Jim was using. I know Bothrops have a great strike range. Was the tube standard or cut in length? Hope he is doing well.
@bladecut11 No, they did not in this case. However, we always try to be as informed as possible and to arrive at the hospital with protocol and consultants in hand, so we are very proactive about this. The Dr.s in the local hospitals pretty much know who we are, so they are typically great about taking care of us.
@bladecut11 Yep, the tube was standard length. I can't remember how long they normally are, but it was not cut down. I usually only cut the very tiny tubes (like the 1cm diameter ones.)
@Keithattal5 The venom itself was neutralized by the antiserum within a day or so of the bite. However, the body will continue to react to the damage that was done by the venom.
@MintyModF1 NO, this is not a fasciotomy, Jim had abscesses develop in the hand/ wrist about 2 weeks post bite, the surgery was done to remove the abscesses. Abscesses are seen in about 25% of B. atrox bites.
Jim, I saw your episode on TV last week, and was sorry to see your bite got complicated. You are one hell of a man dude. I think I am a big stud, but after seeing you get those drains removed, I know I am just a little girl in comparison. How are you doing now? Have you regained most of the use of the hand, or was there enough tissue and nerve damage that full use will not happen? Again sorry to see this happen to you, but thanks for sharing. It will stay FAR away from this
@marketdemon It is much better, but probably the wrist will never regain full mobility and there will always be some pain. The pain is the biggest problem right now, but we hope it will get less and less as time goes by.
@kyreptilezoo THANKS for letting me know you are doing better. That chronic pain is a problem, I know since I live with it too. Makes me crazy from time to time, unfortunately there is not a lot they can do without getting you adicted to some prescription. Not sure if you are into any herbal or natural methods of pain modification, but I've tried them and they work without destroying my liver. I wish you as complete a recovery as possible, as quicly as possible. Merry Christmas too!!
Thank you for all the hard and dangerous work you do! If it wasn't for you guys and the antivenin made from your extractions, I don't want to think of all the lives and limbs that would have been lost. God bless and stay safe!
@ DVFDrinkorDie believe me Jim does what he does to help humans! and is not a showoff in any way! Jim is not the showoff type of guy, even when there are no cameras around.
Jim you are a soldier ! . I think it is great that you guys documented and recorded as much of this as is you could. Very happy you are still with this Jim :) .
PS: I never knew Kristen could drive so fast loll......
@Indianriverreptilezo Was she driving fast I did not notice. I am happy to still be here two. Apparently not everyone is though. I Checked out Thamnophis Forums and DVFDrinkorDie thinks I should have lost my arm. He apparently thinks what I am doing is just to show off.
@cannibalchewbacca Remember it can be done without getting bitten if you are only handling the snakes with proper tools. Jim is at high risk because he has to handle the snakes with his hands to extract venom. Also he does large numbers at a time. He may extract from several hundred snakes in one day this adds to the chance of a bite. Thats why we have a plan and antivenin if he does make a mistake. Take carel
So hey, I was reading about these snakes and read this: "Members of this genus are responsible for more fatalities in the Americas than any other group of venomous snakes" We've been following your video blog on this bite, on thamnophis forums. I am very curious as to why you were handling such a dangerous snake in the first place. Any response to that?
@DVFDrinkOrDie We provide venoms for research. This venom is being used in research on cancer cells. It is responsible for more fatalities in the Americas ,(correct),also often causes loss of limb. We also provide venom for antivenin here in the USA. We maintain one of the largest collections of venomous reptiles for venom collection in the world. Jim has been extracting venom for 35 years and averages 600 to 1000 extractions a week. He has been envenomated 5 times while extracting. Take care.
@kyreptilezoo Well, I suppose if there were a safer way to do it, you would already be doing it. If you look at sheer numbers, the safety record of being bit 5 times isn't really all that bad. It's just that I could swear I remember people milking snakes without the need to tube them or even handle them with bare hands. Just seems like this could have been prevented.
@DVFDrinkOrDie All bites could have been prevented when you are handling a venomous snake- Jim made a mistake no doubt about it. Tubing it is actually safer, it just backfired on JIm in this instance. We are unaware of any way to extract venom without handling, at least not in any way to actually get venom in any quantity. If you know of other techniques please share them, we are always open to new ideas.
I know that my post were lengthy and I'm sorry for that, but I really think it needs to be said, because so many of us (me included) rarely stop to think that people like yourself, take very serious and life threatening risk like this, to help advance medicines, make anti-venom, and help find a cure or better treatment, for cancer & others diseases, So again "THANK YOU" so much, I pray you have a fast and safe recovery, and please take care of yourself, and keep us updated on your progress.~Lee
@mykidsdad36 The bite happened back in May 2010.Thanks for your well wishes. I am back extracting and have been for a while but still recovering strength in that hand.
Continued - Not to mention, extremely costly (Financially) as well. I know that this is part of the risk & danger, that goes along with the type of job that you guys do,But that doesn't make the recovery any less painful. I just want to say "Thank You" for all that you are physically enduring so that when people are bitten like this, in an everyday life setting, they will actually have a chance to live and have a productive life, because of the sacrifices you are making and people like you!
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I didn see a date in the description box of when this took place, and I know that Jim had been bitten a couple of months back by a snake that use to belong to Al C. (Didn't list the complete last name for privacy reasons) if I'm not mistaken. So I was curious if this is the documentation from that or if this is a new bite? Either way, I'm so sorry for all the pain and complications that you are enduring, I'm sure it must be extremely painful - Continue -
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I didn see a date in the description box of when this took place, and I know that Jim had been bitten a couple of months back by a snake that use to belong to Al C. (Didn't list the complete last name for privacy reasons) if I'm not mistaken. So I was curious if this is the documentation from that or if this is a new bite? Either way, I'm so sorry for all the pain and complications that you are enduring, I'm sure it must be extremely painful - Continue -
OMG I feel so sorry for Jim. I know all about gettin bit by copperheads and I know its VERY PAINFUL But I dont know anything about this shew I know its painful! He sure is in my prayers!
@VonKulfon After surgery gauze was placed in the wound to keep from having another abscess form in the hand. The water is sterile and helps to clean the wound out. No problem asking questions. Thank you for your well wishes. Take care.
how is the hospital stay? I mean from the doctor's to the cleaning woman that cleans the room. What about insurance? When did they ask you guys about insurance. And are you guys sick of hearing "snakes" why would you
@jeffxl12 The hospital stay after the surgery was good and everyone treated me well. Which was good because I was in a total 3 weeks with the recovery time from the surgery. I have insurance it covered all but $5000.00. Never get sick of snakes.
Makes me wince just watching her pull the surgical cotton. It's hard to describe pain in a way that makes it real to the reader, but with this it's all but impossible to mistake it for anything but seriously uncomfortable. (At least until the pain medicine kicks in)
@SCE2AUX First time the day after surgery they did this I had no pain meds and my eyes rolled back in my head. You might hear the person working on me talk a little about that day. My problem with pain meds are that most slow my breathing down until it stops. You may hear Kristen telling me to breath and an alarm going off. I stopped breathing 4 times when I was first bitten because of meds and while in the hospital for the surgery had a reaction which lead to having a chest tube.
Had a V.aspis bite last summer and that was enough for me to get out of the hobby at last for a few years. B.atrox is a bad snake to get a bite from. Get well soon mate.
@IXIREDNECK13IXI It has to heal from the inside out, so they use the gauze to prevent healing of the skin and outer layers before the inside does. If the outside heals first there will be a pocket which is bad.
kyreptilezoo 3 months ago
Hemo or Neuro Toxin ?
Cortake 3 months ago
@Cortake These snakes are mostly cyto and hemo toxic.
kyreptilezoo 3 months ago
did he get to keep his arm??
AwesomeGwenKim 5 months ago
@AwesomeGwenKim Yes, he did.
kyreptilezoo 3 months ago
Its so unnerving when they put the wick in and take it out. vie never had it with a snake bite but i had it with MRSA
RepMontreal 6 months ago
@RepMontreal Yikes, I'm sure MRSA is no fun either!
kyreptilezoo 6 months ago
I really appreciate you posting this. I have a fascination with hots and want to go into venom research as a career. It's good to see the consequences of what this occupation can hold. I started to feel nauseated and had to pause the video. But you and Jim didn't have that option.
maarakailet1 10 months ago
Thanks for this - this the only time that I have seen what an advanced venom will do to Human tissue - I hope Jim recovers ok and doesn't lose anymore of his hand (I saw the missing finger tip - snake or accident?).
Great videos - please keep up the great work!
armandin2048 1 year ago
@armandin2048 The first finger he is missing the most of is from a weight lifting accident.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Did the doctors ever attempt to push fasciotomy? I know they are rarely needed, but often times pushed by medical staff. I am also curious about the tube Jim was using. I know Bothrops have a great strike range. Was the tube standard or cut in length? Hope he is doing well.
bladecut11 1 year ago
@bladecut11 No, they did not in this case. However, we always try to be as informed as possible and to arrive at the hospital with protocol and consultants in hand, so we are very proactive about this. The Dr.s in the local hospitals pretty much know who we are, so they are typically great about taking care of us.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@bladecut11 Yep, the tube was standard length. I can't remember how long they normally are, but it was not cut down. I usually only cut the very tiny tubes (like the 1cm diameter ones.)
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Thanks for taking time to answering my questions, please stay safe!!
Keithattal5 1 year ago
You mean 6 days later the venom was still acting? That is crazy!! Scary, be careful Jim!!
Keithattal5 1 year ago
@Keithattal5 The venom itself was neutralized by the antiserum within a day or so of the bite. However, the body will continue to react to the damage that was done by the venom.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Extrem,so EXTREM
Ilbis86 1 year ago
Was Jim given a fasciotomy?
MintyModF1 1 year ago
@MintyModF1 NO, this is not a fasciotomy, Jim had abscesses develop in the hand/ wrist about 2 weeks post bite, the surgery was done to remove the abscesses. Abscesses are seen in about 25% of B. atrox bites.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
wow thats crazy get well soon. how many times have you been bit?
rodriguez491 1 year ago
@rodriguez491 5 times while extracting venom.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo
Jim, I saw your episode on TV last week, and was sorry to see your bite got complicated. You are one hell of a man dude. I think I am a big stud, but after seeing you get those drains removed, I know I am just a little girl in comparison. How are you doing now? Have you regained most of the use of the hand, or was there enough tissue and nerve damage that full use will not happen? Again sorry to see this happen to you, but thanks for sharing. It will stay FAR away from this
marketdemon 1 year ago
@marketdemon It is much better, but probably the wrist will never regain full mobility and there will always be some pain. The pain is the biggest problem right now, but we hope it will get less and less as time goes by.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo THANKS for letting me know you are doing better. That chronic pain is a problem, I know since I live with it too. Makes me crazy from time to time, unfortunately there is not a lot they can do without getting you adicted to some prescription. Not sure if you are into any herbal or natural methods of pain modification, but I've tried them and they work without destroying my liver. I wish you as complete a recovery as possible, as quicly as possible. Merry Christmas too!!
marketdemon 1 year ago
@marketdemon Jim tells me he will just have to deal with the pain. Thanks for the nice post.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo man thats crazy, yea i noticed your missing the tips of some fingers. is this the worst bite youve had?
rodriguez491 1 year ago
@rodriguez491 Yes, by far this was the worst, due to time in the hospital and amount of rehab and pain involved.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo damn, well good luck with the recovery!! hopefully this is the last of these types of videos
rodriguez491 1 year ago
get well soon jim, i really appreciate all you do, you put your life at risk to help save lives of people you havent met, you are a great man
CrotalusKid1 1 year ago
I didn't know Jim got bit, wow! Do you have documentaion of the bite or were you filming! Anyway GOD bless you Jim!!
Keithattal5 1 year ago
@Keithattal5 There is the first section of this video posted. We don't have footage of the snake actually biting Jim.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Thank you for all the hard and dangerous work you do! If it wasn't for you guys and the antivenin made from your extractions, I don't want to think of all the lives and limbs that would have been lost. God bless and stay safe!
megyerdon 1 year ago
@ DVFDrinkorDie believe me Jim does what he does to help humans! and is not a showoff in any way! Jim is not the showoff type of guy, even when there are no cameras around.
Indianriverreptilezo 1 year ago
Jim you are a soldier ! . I think it is great that you guys documented and recorded as much of this as is you could. Very happy you are still with this Jim :) .
PS: I never knew Kristen could drive so fast loll......
Indianriverreptilezo 1 year ago
@Indianriverreptilezo Was she driving fast I did not notice. I am happy to still be here two. Apparently not everyone is though. I Checked out Thamnophis Forums and DVFDrinkorDie thinks I should have lost my arm. He apparently thinks what I am doing is just to show off.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo seriously?! that's ridiculous! i'm sure like 99% of us agree that we're glad you do what you do. get well, man!
Tarzan07330 1 year ago
Screw this. I planned to get into venomous in the future but after seeing these things...not happening lol
cannibalchewbacca 1 year ago
@cannibalchewbacca Remember it can be done without getting bitten if you are only handling the snakes with proper tools. Jim is at high risk because he has to handle the snakes with his hands to extract venom. Also he does large numbers at a time. He may extract from several hundred snakes in one day this adds to the chance of a bite. Thats why we have a plan and antivenin if he does make a mistake. Take carel
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
So hey, I was reading about these snakes and read this: "Members of this genus are responsible for more fatalities in the Americas than any other group of venomous snakes" We've been following your video blog on this bite, on thamnophis forums. I am very curious as to why you were handling such a dangerous snake in the first place. Any response to that?
DVFDrinkOrDie 1 year ago
@DVFDrinkOrDie We provide venoms for research. This venom is being used in research on cancer cells. It is responsible for more fatalities in the Americas ,(correct),also often causes loss of limb. We also provide venom for antivenin here in the USA. We maintain one of the largest collections of venomous reptiles for venom collection in the world. Jim has been extracting venom for 35 years and averages 600 to 1000 extractions a week. He has been envenomated 5 times while extracting. Take care.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@kyreptilezoo Well, I suppose if there were a safer way to do it, you would already be doing it. If you look at sheer numbers, the safety record of being bit 5 times isn't really all that bad. It's just that I could swear I remember people milking snakes without the need to tube them or even handle them with bare hands. Just seems like this could have been prevented.
DVFDrinkOrDie 1 year ago
@DVFDrinkOrDie All bites could have been prevented when you are handling a venomous snake- Jim made a mistake no doubt about it. Tubing it is actually safer, it just backfired on JIm in this instance. We are unaware of any way to extract venom without handling, at least not in any way to actually get venom in any quantity. If you know of other techniques please share them, we are always open to new ideas.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
@DVFDrinkOrDie They were handling the snakes so they can help save lives, if thats a good enough reason
cavajason 1 year ago
I know that my post were lengthy and I'm sorry for that, but I really think it needs to be said, because so many of us (me included) rarely stop to think that people like yourself, take very serious and life threatening risk like this, to help advance medicines, make anti-venom, and help find a cure or better treatment, for cancer & others diseases, So again "THANK YOU" so much, I pray you have a fast and safe recovery, and please take care of yourself, and keep us updated on your progress.~Lee
mykidsdad36 1 year ago
@mykidsdad36 The bite happened back in May 2010.Thanks for your well wishes. I am back extracting and have been for a while but still recovering strength in that hand.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Continued - Not to mention, extremely costly (Financially) as well. I know that this is part of the risk & danger, that goes along with the type of job that you guys do,But that doesn't make the recovery any less painful. I just want to say "Thank You" for all that you are physically enduring so that when people are bitten like this, in an everyday life setting, they will actually have a chance to live and have a productive life, because of the sacrifices you are making and people like you!
mykidsdad36 1 year ago
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I didn see a date in the description box of when this took place, and I know that Jim had been bitten a couple of months back by a snake that use to belong to Al C. (Didn't list the complete last name for privacy reasons) if I'm not mistaken. So I was curious if this is the documentation from that or if this is a new bite? Either way, I'm so sorry for all the pain and complications that you are enduring, I'm sure it must be extremely painful - Continue -
mykidsdad36 1 year ago
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I didn see a date in the description box of when this took place, and I know that Jim had been bitten a couple of months back by a snake that use to belong to Al C. (Didn't list the complete last name for privacy reasons) if I'm not mistaken. So I was curious if this is the documentation from that or if this is a new bite? Either way, I'm so sorry for all the pain and complications that you are enduring, I'm sure it must be extremely painful - Continue -
mykidsdad36 1 year ago
OMG I feel so sorry for Jim. I know all about gettin bit by copperheads and I know its VERY PAINFUL But I dont know anything about this shew I know its painful! He sure is in my prayers!
Snakehunter0930 1 year ago
@Snakehunter0930 Thanks.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
can you describe what are you doing, and why?
whats that stuff ur pulling from those cuts and putting back later?
why he put hand in water? is that some special fluid or just water?
im not from us so its often hard to understand what are you talking about.
this guy is fckin tough, i cant even imagine how must it hurt - get well soon man
and huge thanks for those vids
VonKulfon 1 year ago
@VonKulfon After surgery gauze was placed in the wound to keep from having another abscess form in the hand. The water is sterile and helps to clean the wound out. No problem asking questions. Thank you for your well wishes. Take care.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
how is the hospital stay? I mean from the doctor's to the cleaning woman that cleans the room. What about insurance? When did they ask you guys about insurance. And are you guys sick of hearing "snakes" why would you
jeffxl12 1 year ago
@jeffxl12 The hospital stay after the surgery was good and everyone treated me well. Which was good because I was in a total 3 weeks with the recovery time from the surgery. I have insurance it covered all but $5000.00. Never get sick of snakes.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Makes me wince just watching her pull the surgical cotton. It's hard to describe pain in a way that makes it real to the reader, but with this it's all but impossible to mistake it for anything but seriously uncomfortable. (At least until the pain medicine kicks in)
SCE2AUX 1 year ago
@SCE2AUX First time the day after surgery they did this I had no pain meds and my eyes rolled back in my head. You might hear the person working on me talk a little about that day. My problem with pain meds are that most slow my breathing down until it stops. You may hear Kristen telling me to breath and an alarm going off. I stopped breathing 4 times when I was first bitten because of meds and while in the hospital for the surgery had a reaction which lead to having a chest tube.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
That venon is powerful.
wagneritb 1 year ago
@2:22 is the doc or whoever that is in the background criticising her for video taping so much?
trabang 1 year ago
@trabang No, they were just surprised that we were taping it. No one minded or was critical.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago
Had a V.aspis bite last summer and that was enough for me to get out of the hobby at last for a few years. B.atrox is a bad snake to get a bite from. Get well soon mate.
Najakeeper 1 year ago
@Najakeeper Thanks. Take care.
kyreptilezoo 1 year ago