Highway 138 Overpass to RATTLESNAKE
The day started out pretty normal with the waking, eating breakfast, and preparing to hike. Tim is going to meet us at Cajon Pass at the end of the day, so we were able to slackpack today allowing us to keep our bags lighter with just water and food for the day. I do know, from the time stamp on the following picture, we got a late start on the trail starting just after 10:00 AM.
I looked down at my ankle and noticed a single puncture with a little bit of blood. The only thing I could think to do at the time was continue hiking. Hiking will help me calm down and bring my pulse rate down. We probably hiked for about 10 minutes when I started to feel funny. My lips and tongue was tingling. At this point we both knew that I had venom in my system and we had to figure it out.
Brad took out his phone (he actually had service) and read what to do about a rattlesnake bite. He then called poison control who told us to call 911 immediately. We knew the consequence of calling 911...a helicopter rescue. We looked at the map that told us we had at least 4.5 miles till Cajon Pass, so walking out isn't an option. Before we could think any more, Brad called 911.
While waiting for the "rescue" we discussed that hopefully they will just administer an anti-venom shot and we will be on our way. I could still stand and walk and the bite site looked like a small mosquito bite. The only effects I was feeling was tingling of my lips and tongue. It didn't seem too serious to either of us. About 15 minutes later there was a helicopter flying overhead.
The helicopter took me to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Coincidentally, this is the hospital that Brad had gone to when he fought and beat leukemia 2 years ago, so I have heard very good thing about it. We landed on the roof and was met immediately by a gurney. At this point the leg felt fine, so I hopped out of the helicopter and laid down on the gurney. I was wheeled into an elevator then into the emergency room where my gurney and I were met by at least 8 ER workers.
After the initial craziness and exam was over my nurse came over to introduce himself. He said his name was Jeremy and asked what happened. I told him I was hiking with my friend Brad on the PCT and got bit by a rattlesnake. "Brad who?", he asked. I told him Brad Wilson. He then told me that Brad was his second cousin. How crazy is that?!?
Tim, Brad, and Brad's mother Mary showed up within 2 hours of me arriving at the hospital. Tim told me that he had checked into the Best Western at Cajon Pass and was checking out Facebook and saw that a hiker was being evacuated due to a snake bite. He thought what was the chance it was Gerri or Brad. Two minutes later Brad called him and gave him the news.
Oh...Brad walked down to the helicopter that landed and got a lift over the hill to a parking lot and got a ride in a sheriff's vehicle to the Best Western to meet up with Tim.
After the examination the toxicologist determined that I required 6 vials of anti-venom which was put into my IV. After the first dose the tingling stopped, but my leg started swelling. My leg was measured for swelling every 2 hours and my blood was drawn and tested every 4 hours. The swelling continued so another 6 vials were administered. Here is a picture of a nurse measuring my leg swelling:
Brad's Mom and Dad invited us to stay with them while I convalescenced, so TIm brought me there. I figured it would take maybe 1 week to get back on the trail. Of course, at this point I couldn't put any weight on my left foot.
One week turned into two weeks that turned into three weeks. Oh, on top of all this, I had to get a blood test every few days for a week because the venom remains in my system and can affect my platelets causing me to possibly bleed out if I cut myself.
Finally, today, 18 days after getting bit, I did a 3 mile practice hike and did OK, so tomorrow I am headed back to the trail to do the 5 miles from the snake bite location to Cajon Pass. Assuming everything goes fine tomorrow, I will be fully back on the trail on Monday.
Meanwhile, Brad will be hiking from Agua Dulce on Monday, so he is 112 miles ahead of me. I have some catching up to do!