Bite Me!

I have come across a few centipedes. However, my sudden encounter with such kind last May 29 made me go to the hospital.

I was going over my clothes that fateful Tuesday night, trying to pick out what clothes to bring for our upcoming trip. As I was rummaging through my closet, a number of clothes fell on the floor and something bit my big toe.

That was so painful! I saw some blood and tried to adjust to the pain. But it was so painful! I then tried to lift the clothes to check what bit me and lo and behold, I saw one long centipede scampering away from me. I then called my brother that I got stung by a centipede and to go after it. But we could not find it anymore.

Anyhow, I remain seated on the floor and tried to release blood from the sting. I could not help but cry. I decided to wash the wound but the pain remained. Later, my brother tried to elevate my foot and put a cold compress, and later a hot compress. But the pain remained. I then felt some cramps and I was worried that the centipede might be venomous. And it was still painful!

I told my brother to tell mom and dad that I got stung by a centipede and the sting was so painful. I was rushed to the emergency room of the hospital and the hospital staff was not aware what was the first thing to do. After a few minutes, they put me in a stretcher, put some ice on my toe and injected some pain reliever into my veins. The hospital staff said that all they could do was to manage to pain. There was no need to worry about the poisonous sting because it would not spread to the other parts of my body, only to that part bitten. However, it was indeed poisonous such that it was so painful.

I was anxious and agitated because the pain was still there. My mom asked how painful it was - I said "parang kusi na dugay kaayo". I was admitted to the hospital. It was after more than an hour when the pain somehow subsided but the pain was still there. It was only the next morning when there was not much pain but the swelling remained. I stayed in the hospital for two nights for observation.

What an experience! I can't say if I was traumatized. I hope not. I just hope it would not happen to me or to any one I know. I would not wish such pain to anyone. And I thank GOD that I got over it!