From Cruising World, July 1997
Silk's Medical Log
Emergencies/ Traumas
7/92 - On passage to Azores: During dinner, the boat rolls through 30 degrees. Beth, in the galley, is thrown across the boat and cracks a rib on the nav table. For the next week at sea, pain is controlled with Tylenol with Codeine. Once in port, injury requires two weeks’ total rest, six weeks to heal completely.
3/93 - On passage to Galápagos: While taking a pill in a rolling sea, Beth starts to choke when boat rolls and pill lodges in her windpipe. Unable to speak or cough, she signals Evans, who administers Heimlich maneuver, dislodges pill.
2/94 - On passage in South Atlantic: Beth drops a slice of pizza on her leg. The hot cheese causes a deep second-degree burn. Treated with Silvadene cream and sterile bandage for several weeks, then left uncovered for short periods to dry.
Allergic Reactions
3/93 - Panama: Beth wakes covered with hives and experiencing shortness of breath - possible reaction to medication. Self-treated with two 10-mg. tablets of Hismanal (antihistamine) to start and one every four hours for a day after.
5/93 - Marquesas, French Polynesia: Evans attacked by biting insects as he refills water tanks. His entire back is red, swollen, itchy. Self-treated with 10-mg tablets of Hismanal every four hours for several days until symptoms disappear.
7/94 - Mauritius, Indian Ocean: Evans develops itchy rash and hives while preparing to leave on passage for Reunion Island. Cause unknown. Self-treated with 25-mg tablets of Benadryl every four hours for 12 hours. Delayed passage until symptoms disappeared.
9/94 - On passage to Durban, S.A.: Beth develops painful, red, hot, swollen area on right hip. Red “fingers” radiate outward, spread across back. Durban doctor diagnoses allergic reaction to spider bite or jellyfish sting; prescribes 25 mg. Benadryl every four hours for two weeks, application of cortisone cream four times daily until symptoms vanish.
Infections
5/93 to 7/93 - French Polynesia: Beth suffers series of ear infections after snorkeling near coral. Symptoms begin between Galápagos and Marquesas on 29-day passage, recur three times over next two months. 1) Self-treated with 250 mg. of Amoxycillin three times per day for 10 days en route to Tahiti (June). 2) In Tahiti (June), infection results in 104-degree fever. Doctor administers injectable antibiotic and prescribes 500 mg. Augmentin twice a day for six days. 3) In Raiatea (July) symptoms recur. Doctor prescribes 900 mg. Bactrim Fort twice a day for 10 days.
5/93 - Marquesas, French Polynesia: Evans develops staph infection after swimming in Taiohae Baie. Self-treated with 250 mg. of Augmentin three times per day for 10 days.
11/94 - Durban, S.A.: During haul-out in polluted harbor, Evans dives to check keel’s position on cradle. One day later he develops severe fever and diarrhea that lasts for two days.Treated with bed rest, aspirin, water to prevent dehydration, bland foods as he recovers.