Rearview Mirror

When Snake Bite Turns Your Life Upside Down

October 28th will not be a day to forget, currently putting up what has happened to update my friends in Hive, some I have made contact to notify what has transpired.

St Winifreds resident bitten by Green Mamba
The elderly man was rushed to hospital in a stable condition after being bitten on the head by a juvenile Green Mamba.

Vusi Mthalane
October 29, 2024
A Green Mamba in its natural habitat. Photo: Warren Dick.

AN ELDERLY St Winifreds resident was stabilised and rushed to hospital after he was bitten by a snake at his home yesterday (October 28).

PT Alarms spokesperson Dhevan Govindasamy said PT Ambulance Service was dispatched at around 09:00. On arrival, the crew was informed that an elderly man had been bitten on the head by a snake.

The medical crew acted swiftly as the suspected snake was said to be a Green Mamba known for its neurotoxic venom. The elderly male was given treatment before being rushed to hospital for further medical intervention, said Govindasamy.

Full article attached
"A snake catcher confirmed that a juvenile Green Mamba, known for its neurotoxic venom, bit a man on his head." South Coast Sun

Actual Snake Catcher from Rapid Response on Facebook in my garden shed! - Not my photo!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-10-28 at 16.54.34.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/
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My husband would not have survived this incident had it not been the extremely fast accurate reporting the incident to me, identifying the snake, Vusi has been assisting me since May upgrading the home repairing and painting.

Snake catchers took the snake to an area for safe release, the Green Mamba was startled by my husband, normally a shy snake that only strike when confronted or in danger.

29-10-2024
Visited in the morning, met Doctor for update, extreme loss of blood constantly being transfused, still restrained continuously trying to remove tubes. Not sleeping, which is what he needs.

Critical, being well cared for by Hospital Staff, Doctors and Nurses. Head scan revealed no sign of haemorrhaging, a good sign with bite to the head. Laboured breathing, on an oxygen mask with about 8 drips combating as best is possible.

Medicated to sleep and relax, Rob was not aware of our visiting, quietly spoke to him, advised more rest, with family and friends are holding him in their thoughts.

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30-10-2024
First time appears to recognize us, still internal bleeding, not off critical list.

Rob needless to say wants to come home, still combative toward nursing staff.

Before leaving we explained once again he has been unaware of our visiting for two full days.

Poison is very much in his system, to relax, sleep and allow his body time to heal.

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31-10-2024
Visit revealed an overnight turn-around.

On entering he immediately recognized Son and I, then proceeded to ask where is his clothing, he is going home!

Not so quick buddy, you have only had a cup of tea, have been non compos mentis for three days.

Nursing staff have been exceptionally patient, discreet with updating us, he is still slowly being weaned off medication. Bleeding has stopped, solid lunch should be served today.

Rough estimation another three days before he comes home, only time will tell the affects. One thing is his teeth have taken a knock so the Dentist will be next port of call once stable enough.

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01-11-2024
Call from hospital this morning, arranging an endoscope. Required to see why there is blood in the stool, scheduled for 11am.

Doctor phoned to let me know he has a massive stomach ulcer.

Second time working with Rob, Specialist Surgeon said his heart skipped into arrhythmia, has now requested a Cardiologist to check him over as well.

More lucid than previous according to Doctor, chatting away about his years running Comrades, one of his favourite topics.

Snake venom is no longer evident in his system.

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02-11-2024
Time to heal, no change, under the best supervision and watchful eye of Doctor and Nurses in ICU.
Will update if need arises. Well wishes have been passed along.

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04-11-2024
Visited hospital midday after Specialists and Doctors had done their rounds.

Cardiologist reported an incident had transpired, heart clear no longer showing signs of arrhythmia. After massive loss of blood during the first couple of days might be an indicator, we did not get to speak to Cardiologist.

Neurologist now assigned to assess brain, nerve or spinal cord damage, connecting back to repetitive/forgetful behaviour.

Still on tubes and has not walked in a week. Rob keeps asking if I am picking him up at 4pm to bring him home, does not appear to remember that I told him he will be in the hospital for a few days.

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06/11/2024

Still not sure waiting for Neurologist for briefing, did not get to see her today.

Presiding doctor said she would let her know to phone, or will try see her tomorrow.

Still in ICU being weaned off, catheter now removed waiting to see how he copes.

Managed a walk with physio today, balance and strength from years of walking he is still able to manage.

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09/11/2024
Neurologist phoned morning of 8th November to give results of MRI, Rob's Dementia cognition indicated a bad result on score. MRI scan, revealed Frontal Lobe and Temporal Lobe are in keeping with Alzheimer’s.

Remains in ICU waiting on motivation letters to be moved to Dementia / Alzheimer’s care home, with my not having any support in the home.

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11/11/2024
He now has a serious chest infection on both lungs after doing a scan.

Urinating blood again and bladder has become extremely enlarged.

It doesn't look like he is going to be on his way to the frail care home today or tomorrow.

Will now have to follow another five day course of antibiotics, with Urologist to diagnoze further. This urologist is the same Dr who treated him about 10 years ago with brachytherapy for prostrate.

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13/11/2024
Urologist checked up this morning, he is not fit enough to go into theater for full check-up.

Still on oxygen with physio visiting twice a day to help clear the chest.

Sister today did not know what lung infection Rob has, but indicated Surgical Specialist would update me.

Rob remains in ICU under high care.

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14/11/2024
Doctor/Physio now suctioning phlegm from lungs as Rob is unable effectively do it himself.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot) appeared in leg, currently on treatment.

Perhaps long term indication being bed ridden for three weeks now.

Currently we wait through to next Friday 22nd, see how he copes, deep depression setting in not being able to leave.

Very difficult trying to explain it is in his best interests to try remain calm and work with Specialist/Doctors and Nurses.

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Thought that came to mind "The longer we keep looking back in the rearview mirror, it takes away from everything that's moving forward. - Dan Quinn"

My sons and I have found a terrific small Frail Care home close to where we live, after inspecting and meeting the Nurses hopefully Rob will find a comfortable place to call home. Nice garden to enjoy with around the clock surveillance where he will be safe.

Updating Hive I have kept contact with Community Members to pass along the message when able, thanks to @lizelle, @papillon_77, @fionasfavourites, @SilverSaver888 and @melinda010100 your love and kindness is greatly appreciated.

Thought for Today: "Without life there is nothing." - Zulu Proverbs