got stung by a lion fish

[Cruella]

so today I was moving the top glass on the big display tank at work. I feed the lionfish all the time. but today I was not watching him when my hands were int he tank and he got me. My god it was the most painful thing I have ever felt. My arm was on fire. I soaked my arm in hot water for 45 minutes trying to dilute the venom. I have a very sore numb arm now. those fish sure pack a punch

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Ouch, I bet that hurts. What kind of Lionfish? You go to the hospital or anything?

[Cruella]

believe it or not no one knew what to do. I called poison control and albany med and no one knew what to do. it was a voltian lion. a huge one

[Linda C.]

Like I told you on the phone Amy...

Lion-fish stings can cause nausea, breathing difficulties, paralysis, convulsions and collapse. Even death may occur in exceptional circumstances.

antibiotics or steroids may of been prescribed IF YOU WENT TO THE DOCTORS/HOSPITAL . Possible local anesthetic or even a nerve-block might of been something depending bad the sting was and species of lionfish.

Also, depending how bad the sting was an X-Ray might be taken to make sure there is no piece of broken spines, so an infection can be prevented.

Possibly decrease activity involving the injured limb until it has recovered. This will decrease swelling and slow spread of any venom present in the wound.

It may take several months for a full recovery and if the sting is left untreated, gangrene may develop.

When first stung they say to immerse the affected area into hot water. This is thought to improve the blood flow and disperse the venom.

[jallard]

seems like a resonable response...definatly what I would have done, why take a chance

[HealthyPetPete]

Wow Linda, awesome information!! I will have to keep that in mind next time I go near a lion for sure. And I was just wondering, did Joe down at Reef Splendor hook you up with all that info while you were on the phone last week? Or did you research it AFTER you talked to him? I'm just wondering since you called him not knowing what to do...

When I left, he told me to let you know that he has some REAL NICE live rock and it's priced to move. He was saying that he was selling the nice stuff around the normal price of live rock rubble! You should take a trip down there to check it out, just say Eddie's said you could go.

Talk soon!

[JenniferP]

Not sure why it matters where she got the information?!?!

Atleast she provided helpfull, detailed information on the issue that validated her posting in this thread.

Not sure what value your post just added to this thread!!!

[HealthyPetPete]

I don't recall ever saying the name JenniferP in that post...I believe I was talking to Linda.

And the value of my post will definitely be held in the eyes of the beholder.

[mhurley]

I'd like to point everyone to the [ua].

Particularly this part:

1.POSTING: You agree not to post, transmit or link to any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, profane, hateful, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable material of any kind, including, but not limited to, any material which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, violate the rights of others, or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national or international law.

I hope everyone takes this warning appropriately. We will not tolerate any type of harassment of our members, posted or via PM.

[Anemone]

Originally posted by HealthyPetPete

And the value of my post will definitely be held in the eyes of the beholder.

You might be surprised the number of "eyes" that are out here.

Kevin

[Savas]

Cruella, first, I am glad you are alright. Someone should post a procedure for handling these stings somewhere on ReefCentral once they are reviewed by a doctor.

I am somewhat baffled that any one keeps poisonious fish. I agree that Lion fish are beautiful, but are any of these fish worth the risk. With your hands constantly in the tank, it just seems like a risk.

[Chiefmcfuz]

Hey, NYC area here, was poking around and came upon this thread.

I got hit with a nice sized Lionfish sting as well. I took some benadryl and hightailed it to the Emergency room which is about 10 mins away. I had the Doctor informed about what stung me and the approx size and that helped quite a bit.

You should keep in mind that id you have allergies to bee stings being stung by a venomous fish of this type can be extremely life threatening as well. But if you are not you should still seek medical treatment right away.

There was a man killed by a Zoanthid sting not too long ago in Manhattan so please keep this in mind and be safe. Happy reefing.

[reefD]

i also was stung( i posted it a while ago when it happened ). i didnt read all the post so im not sure if anyone stated this. i was hit by a coral catfish. went to st claires hospital and was treated for a plotto toxin. lion fish have the same. hard to believe but its not fatal. its like a bee sting...if u never been biten then u worry but if u have you know it wont kill u. anaphalactic shook occurs within minutes if your alergic/ ur body doesnt respond well to it. this means you cant breath. most people experience a painful sting and thats it. i was in the er for 3 hours waiting for a toxin specialist to call. he was very familiar with ploto toxin and instructed them to take an xray to be sure the stinger barb wasnt in my skin. this prevents infection. as stated by amy hot temp prevents the toxin from spreading and almost nutralizes it. like cold with normal stuff ...hot temp is imp with ploto toxin sting. fun stuff.....and yes the small coral catfish that hit me hurt! a lion fish would be very painful. happy to know your ok amy!LOL

[reefD]

ploto toxin......not sure about the spelling but its a simple toxin that mammals can assimulate. research it.