Hm, good question. She gave me some painkillers and antibiotic and told me to rest. Oh, my favorite. But the infection had already got the best of me and I was totally exhausted and feeling all around infected anyways. I spent a lot of time on the couch staring at the ceiling. About the 4th or 5th day, I remembered that before I left on the volunteer trip, I had the “First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries Checklist” in my hand to pack, but didn’t want to seem so nerdy. Hmpf.
So I picked up the manual and am reminded that I should have a. cleaned the wound with soap and water b. covered it with sterile guaze and tape c. monitor for shock and infection and d. seek medical attention immediately…infections from marine life can become rapidly devestating.
I mean, these are quite simple steps that I forgot to apply to myself – hence my conclusion that I was in shock. And now I’m in shock that the professional scientific team I was with didn’t think of these things either!
But I prevailed over the infection, and after the ten days of antibiotics, I got a nice massage to help break up the damaged tissues in the infected area…I was feeling good. And the next day the nerve damage hit me. It started with a dull aching when I did dishes, cooked, did anything with my back or arms. Then the aching turned into spasms, feelings of hot and cold, and eventually little pricks all over my body. Like being in a pool of jellyfish! NO FUN! It finally got me to tears one day, and I decided it was time to see a specialist.
My good friend Linda flew up to Belize City with me and in the emergency room I saw an animal bite specialist. “Excuse me? Did you say a loggerhead turtle BIT you? I’ve never heard that one before!” Oh how many times have I heard that already! He did an xray and full battery of blood tests after dispensing me a healthy dose of morphine. The infection was gone, and I had extensive nerve damage from the beak clamping…and thus begins the internal healing process!
