The amazing thing to me is 1) the absolute power and evestation that one little bite did. Keep in mind there was only one tooth contact with very little venom introduced into his body. 2) how absolutely amazing the body is at treating stuff like that.

When wounds of that magnitude enter the body, there are certain things it does to combat them. For instance, the histamine and other natural "bad guy fighters" that the body would normally send for an allergic reaction like this (because that's what it really is), would actually do more to amplify the venom potency. The venom is a poison, sure, but it also is a collection of enzymes that aim to paralyze and break down tissue. Not as much for a hunting reason, but one heck of an awesome defense.

When he was first bitten, the hand reacted in the swelling, actually, swelling and redness are signs the body is fighting off the invasion. But the natural defenses actually aide in spreading the harmful toxins which cause more damage. I didn't see him mention the meds they had him on, I'm sure some pretty heavy steroids were used along with some outrageous anti-histamines and other blockers.

That is so clever the way they cause damage to reduce damage (the opening of the hand and arm). By opening both up, as someone stated earlier, they can at least control the degree of tissue damage. Clearly, they didn't even open him up wide enough as there was still tearing. The hard part will be trying to regain that movement in both his arm and thumb. That rehab must be done quickly and efficiently, as the body will only allow the "re-breakdown" of that tissue so many times.

Both his parts will never be the same, he says his elbow has regained a decent anoubt of movement, but that's because hardly any tendons in his elbow were even touched. The scarring is the only thing to overcome, and the skin is very stretchable. The thumb on the other hand, will never ragain most of its mobility. Those tendons are all very specific and are required for fine motor movement.

Oh well, I guess one thumb is a small price to pay for your life. You live and learn, huh?