paintedpaw
Retired NYSDEC Lake George Ranger
Posts: 688
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Post by paintedpaw on Dec 27, 2020 18:23:44 GMT -5
I tell this story as a warning to all trappers:
This fall I had just got my fisher line out when I became very, very sick.I had high fever, chills, tremors, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, and extreme weakness. The doctor advised my wife to get me to the emergency room and I was so weak that it took an hour to change .my clothes to go. My wife got me to Saratoga hospital. We both thought I must have Covid 19 The hospital quickly ruled that out and diagnosed me with anaplasmosis, a disease transmitted from a black legged tick. I had IV's going in both arms and I've never been stuck with so many needles. Later the nurses told me I was close to death when they got me.I spent two days in the hospital and have been recovering ever since. I had friends pull my traps. The disease adversely affected my kidneys, liver, lungs, and weakened my heart. I have since read that it can be fatal particularly to those aged 60 and above. I'm 82. Fortunately I'm just about fully recovered. I owe my life to my wife that insisted I go to the hospital, the skill of the hospital staff, and the prayers of family and friends. A big thank you to all. My friend Gordy Berndt tells me he has Lyme's disease from a tick bite this fall.
I tell this story to warn other trappers; there are other types of ticks out there and other types of diseases from them, some fatal. TAKE PRECAUTIONS !
Today is the first day I've been able to set some beaver and otter traps. It was wonderful, trapping is my thing.
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Post by Adirondack-Jim on Dec 27, 2020 22:58:16 GMT -5
Very sorry to hear about your infection and wish you a speedy recovery. I will absolutely not go trapping, hunting or fishing without permethrin treated clothing and appreciate your reminder how serious this exposure can be. Also need to make sure to apply the proper amount per garment and thorouhly shake a liquid solution as it settles out of suspension while stored.
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Post by salmonrun on Dec 28, 2020 12:50:51 GMT -5
Good news your on the mend from this; I contracted this in the summer of 2019 and was very ill as well. It's nothing to fool with; I caught it early and a strong round of antibiotics knocked it out from me. I most likely was exposed in Northern Saratoga County and not at camp in Hamilton County, however that couldn't be ruled out. I'm always in the woods fishing trout or running my hunting dogs off season. They ran a gambit of tests and the urgent care doctor believed it was this from the start so treatment started early on. After numerous tic disease tests were conducted all were negative; so don't take total faith in these tests... Stay well and best of luck !!! Better days are coming for all I sincerely hope...
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Post by fisher on Dec 28, 2020 20:37:21 GMT -5
good to here u r doing better.
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Post by trapperjack on Dec 28, 2020 23:49:31 GMT -5
Glad to see you back out on the line. I know how you feel when it comes to trapping. I am the same way. I got some type of infection years ago from cutting myself skinning a beaver up here in Essex county. Took a while and a load of antibiotics but I am fine now and still taking beaver. Continued good health to you and tight chains always.
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Post by fisherman on Dec 30, 2020 10:43:04 GMT -5
Thank you for the well wishes. I trap Warren County; towns of Luzerne, Warrensburgh, and Bolton. Was treated at Saratoga hospital, can't speak highly enough for them.
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Post by milkie62 on Jan 10, 2021 23:34:03 GMT -5
Glad you are on your way to recovery Al.
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