Man who survived shark attack now has flesh-eating bacteria devouring his leg
Blain Shelton had never imagined that he would end up being the victim of a shark attack but what fate had in store for him was far worse.
The 42-year-old Texas man found himself on the wrong end of a shark while swimming off the shore of Boliver Island near Galveston. Blain was attacked by a shark and was badly hurt as his leg was torn up after the shark bit him. However, Blain managed to get away from the shark and survied the attack.
While surviving a shark attack calls for a big celebration, for Blain, things were different. He realized that he had a severe skin infection that took root when his wounded leg was exposed to the water which contained flesh-eating bacteria.
“I’d heard there were bacteria in the water, I just never treated it seriously," he said in an interview with KHOU11. “But to tell you the truth, if you’ve got a scratch on your arm or your leg, I wouldn’t get in that water. And if you do, bring some alcohol with you to clean it the second you get out. It’s nothing to play with.”
While many might think that his warning is a bit too serious, one is pushed towards taking such measures after what has happened to Blain. The shark’s bite, which was located in his lower thigh just above his knee, was mended easily enough, he soon started experiencing severe pain near the wound.
Blain then returned to the hospital and, upon examination, doctors found that his skin was beginning to rot away due to a flesh-eating bacterial infection. Blain recalled that the pain was horrible and it reached a point where he thought he won't be able to walk. Ever since, Blain has been on pain medication while the doctors are trying to treat his infection.
The treatment for such infections can be long and it started affecting Blain's finances as his bills have tallied over $100,000. In the hopes of generating some money, Blain has started a GoFundMe page to help pay out his medical bills. The page is titled 'Help with shark attack' and Blain wrote, "I've got a $30,000 hospital bill and trying to take care of my elderly parents. I'm not able to work because of my injuries. It will take months of healing. Thank you."
The page has a goal of $30,000 and, at the time of writing, $2,884 has already been raised. People were also quick to pour in messages of support for Blain. "I hope you make a full recovery soon and get enough money to cover your medical bills. Hang in there!" wrote one. Another added, "Our Lord was with you on your journey yesterday and today, my prayers are with you Sir and do not worry God WILL provide for you “trust” in him. Blessings from Massachusetts brother."