An internal medicine doctor is also referred to as an internist. Internists are sometimes confused with interns but this is an incorrect assumption. An intern is a doctor-in-training who is learning under a mentor but an internal medicine doc is one who is considered an expert in his or her field. They are superbly trained in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases in adults. They combine treatment of patients with research. They are in fact so knowledgeable that many other health care practitioners come to them for advice.
Many physicians are internists and their patients may not even be aware of this. Some examples are MD specialists who focus on cardiology, gerontology, Nephrology, oncology, pulmonology, rheumatology, sports injuries, and infectious diseases. In order to become a specialist in one of these fields, a doctor must take another series of training and education courses that may add years to his or her schooling.
Those who focus on cardiac issues are practitioners of the heart and all items connected. Blood pressure problems, vein or arterial maladies such as those that are clogged from high fat diets or stressful lifestyles, heart attack victims and stroke sufferers may all be seen by cardiologists.
The population is aging to a greater degree. Increased longevity is due to lifestyle, advances in modern medicine and more baby boomers coming up into their golden years. With the increase in elderly patients, internists who focus on geriatrics are in high demand. With proper medical care, these elders can enjoy life far into their golden years.
Oncology is the study of cancer. Any body part can become afflicted with cancerous tumors and growths. These practitioners are skilled at developing proper treatment plans. These plans can consist of chemotherapy, radiation or surgical intervention. More patients are becoming survivors with new healthcare expertise.
Pulmonologists take care of lungs and breathing systems. Chronic asthma, bronchitis and more can be tended to by these docs. Nephrologists address the human kidneys which is an important component of health, indeed. Without proper kidney function, toxins can invade the body and shut it down in toxicity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is on the rise and can affect many individuals in the form of painful, swollen joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have a lot of sufferers who seek help. Medication, physical therapy and surgery can alleviate some discomfort and return mobility.
When athletes become injured, it often takes a sports medicine specialist to heal them. It also takes an expert in this arena to point out how to avoid another similar injury in the future. Sports can be advantageous to health but accidents and injuries happen.
With the widespread development of new germs, many infectious diseases can get out of hand without an arsenal of medication to knock them out. It may take an internist who concentrates on super-germs to combat them effectively.
If a patient has a problem with their heart, lungs, kidneys, arthritis, infectious disease, athletic injury or is getting advanced in age, he or she may want to make an appointment with an internal medicine doctor. These specialists can help in a multitude of ways.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sudden Teen Death
Every year, tragedy strikes young athletes on the playing field or indoor court: A 20-year-old star basketball or football player collapses during a game and dies. Or a high school track runner dies after finishing second in a race. Sadly, 1 out of 50,000 young adults falls victim to sudden death. Although these deaths seem to come out of nowhere, such deaths are actually preventable by monitoring teen athletes' levels of magnesium.
The Culprit in Sudden Teen Deaths
Most of these cases have been linked to a thickened, enlarged heart called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia, a disturbed heart rhythm. In turn, these conditions are often caused by a deficiency in magnesium. In the research of cardiologist Carla Sueta at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, magnesium given to patients reduced the incidence of several types of ventricular arrhythmia by 53 to 76 percent.
Doctors and coaches understand that potassium is vital for a normal heartbeat, but equally important, a good deal of magnesium is lost when someone sweats.
Even apart from exercise, magnesium deficiencies are rampant. Dr. Mildred Seelig, a leading authority on the topic, suggests that 80-90 percent of the population has a deficiency in this essential nutrient. Most doctors never even check patients' magnesium levels, she says.
Common Symptoms of Deficiency
The most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include back and neck pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, panic disorders, Raynaud's disease (a condition characterized by chronically cold hands), heart arrhythmia, fatigue, eye twitches, vertigo and migraines.
Testing for Deficiency
The two most accurate tests for determining someone's level of magnesium are the RBC Minerals test, also known as Elemental Analysis in Packed Erythrocytes, and the Urine Magnesium Loading Test.
Best Nutritional Sources of Magnesium
The best way of insuring enough magnesium is to eat a variety of whole foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables, preferably food grown on naturally composted soil. The green color of green vegetables is due to chlorophyll, which is a molecule that contains magnesium. Avoid refined processed foods, especially white sugar and white flour products, as most magnesium is removed from them. It's also possible to increase your level of magnesium by taking it in supplement form.
Coaches and Parents, Please Help
It's high time to spread the word about the importance of magnesium. Begin by telling other parents and coaches about the dangers of its depletion. Health information and monitoring can save lives.
The Culprit in Sudden Teen Deaths
Most of these cases have been linked to a thickened, enlarged heart called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia, a disturbed heart rhythm. In turn, these conditions are often caused by a deficiency in magnesium. In the research of cardiologist Carla Sueta at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, magnesium given to patients reduced the incidence of several types of ventricular arrhythmia by 53 to 76 percent.
Doctors and coaches understand that potassium is vital for a normal heartbeat, but equally important, a good deal of magnesium is lost when someone sweats.
Even apart from exercise, magnesium deficiencies are rampant. Dr. Mildred Seelig, a leading authority on the topic, suggests that 80-90 percent of the population has a deficiency in this essential nutrient. Most doctors never even check patients' magnesium levels, she says.
Common Symptoms of Deficiency
The most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include back and neck pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, panic disorders, Raynaud's disease (a condition characterized by chronically cold hands), heart arrhythmia, fatigue, eye twitches, vertigo and migraines.
Testing for Deficiency
The two most accurate tests for determining someone's level of magnesium are the RBC Minerals test, also known as Elemental Analysis in Packed Erythrocytes, and the Urine Magnesium Loading Test.
Best Nutritional Sources of Magnesium
The best way of insuring enough magnesium is to eat a variety of whole foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables, preferably food grown on naturally composted soil. The green color of green vegetables is due to chlorophyll, which is a molecule that contains magnesium. Avoid refined processed foods, especially white sugar and white flour products, as most magnesium is removed from them. It's also possible to increase your level of magnesium by taking it in supplement form.
Coaches and Parents, Please Help
It's high time to spread the word about the importance of magnesium. Begin by telling other parents and coaches about the dangers of its depletion. Health information and monitoring can save lives.
Top 3 Beneficial Spa Treatments
The average woman spends time at the spa only for special occasions--weddings, birthdays, as a gift, and so on. But have you ever considered the benefits of making a visit to a Massachusetts spa more regularly as part of staying healthy? Maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, and body may seem like a luxury, but it should be a way of life. Here are the top three most beneficial spa treatments. You will thank yourself when you're older!
1. HydraFacial. A new generation of microdermabrasion, hydrafacials literally "powerwash" dead skin cells from the surface, leaving behind brightened, more youthful-looking skin. Other benefits include decreased pore size and fine lines, decreased hyper pigmentation, and improved texture and skin tone.
2. Massage therapy. For those who hunch over a computer all day or are on their feet chasing kids and running errands, a massage can seem like a gift from heaven. Whether you choose a light touch or opt for a more deep tissue massage, this is one spa treatment that is unparalleled for reducing stress, eliminating tensions, and improving your overall outlook.
3. Hair salon services. Healthy looking hair is attractive and generates compliments wherever you go. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your hair from getting dry and suffering from split ends. Go to your spa's salon at least once a month for a protein treatment, and be sure to get trims at least every six to eight weeks--more if you have long hair. A healthy head of hair is one key element to a completely healthful look and lifestyle.
1. HydraFacial. A new generation of microdermabrasion, hydrafacials literally "powerwash" dead skin cells from the surface, leaving behind brightened, more youthful-looking skin. Other benefits include decreased pore size and fine lines, decreased hyper pigmentation, and improved texture and skin tone.
2. Massage therapy. For those who hunch over a computer all day or are on their feet chasing kids and running errands, a massage can seem like a gift from heaven. Whether you choose a light touch or opt for a more deep tissue massage, this is one spa treatment that is unparalleled for reducing stress, eliminating tensions, and improving your overall outlook.
3. Hair salon services. Healthy looking hair is attractive and generates compliments wherever you go. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your hair from getting dry and suffering from split ends. Go to your spa's salon at least once a month for a protein treatment, and be sure to get trims at least every six to eight weeks--more if you have long hair. A healthy head of hair is one key element to a completely healthful look and lifestyle.
Compression Socks Bring Welcome Relief
There are two primary types of compression socks available in the pharmacy; gradient, which are designed to relieve impairments in the incompetent leg vein valves, and anti-embolism compression socks designed to prevent blood clot formation in people with mobility issues.
Gradient socks are stockings which are woven in a fashion that allows for compression levels to lessen as they ascend toward the upper portion of the thigh. This type of hose is often recommended for those persons prone to edema, or swelling, and blood pooling in the legs, ankles and feet due to prolonged periods in a seated position or those in a sustained laying position. These work well for those frequently taking international flights, for instance, or workers who sit at a desk all day unable to elevate their feet or move about. These stockings are also most often recommended to those without difficulty in getting up and moving around freely.
Anti-embolism compression socks are referred to as TED hose within the medical community and are often prescribed following a surgical procedure to provide support to the venous and lymphatic systems found within the leg. Many persons may remain laying down for extended periods during recovery from major or invasive surgery. This type of anti-embolism hose delivers an even amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg. Generally, this type of hose is used in conjunction with a specialized anti-embolism pump which comes with exterior compression sleeves that wrap around the calf muscles, this aids in circulating blood and lymphatic fluids throughout the legs while non-ambulatory.
Compression socks are devices often recommended by a qualified medical professional. Some conditions which physicians suggest the use of this type of sock are:
1. Lipodermatosclerosis - A form of lower extremity inflammation under the epidermis layer of the skin.
2. Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency - The veins cannot pump enough oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
3. Varicose veins - Veins that have become enlarged, allowing blood to flow backwards.
4. Edema - Swelling of the legs, this condition is often found in diabetic persons.
5. Lymphedema - Fluid retention and swelling caused by lymphatic system compromise.
6. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Blood clotting, this type of hose may also be prescribed in persons prone to blood clots as a preventative.
Compression socks are available in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes. They blend with ease into the surface of the skin, making them indistinguishable from typical hosiery or pant socks. The benefit to your blood circulation, however, is the paramount and welcomed difference.
Gradient socks are stockings which are woven in a fashion that allows for compression levels to lessen as they ascend toward the upper portion of the thigh. This type of hose is often recommended for those persons prone to edema, or swelling, and blood pooling in the legs, ankles and feet due to prolonged periods in a seated position or those in a sustained laying position. These work well for those frequently taking international flights, for instance, or workers who sit at a desk all day unable to elevate their feet or move about. These stockings are also most often recommended to those without difficulty in getting up and moving around freely.
Anti-embolism compression socks are referred to as TED hose within the medical community and are often prescribed following a surgical procedure to provide support to the venous and lymphatic systems found within the leg. Many persons may remain laying down for extended periods during recovery from major or invasive surgery. This type of anti-embolism hose delivers an even amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg. Generally, this type of hose is used in conjunction with a specialized anti-embolism pump which comes with exterior compression sleeves that wrap around the calf muscles, this aids in circulating blood and lymphatic fluids throughout the legs while non-ambulatory.
Compression socks are devices often recommended by a qualified medical professional. Some conditions which physicians suggest the use of this type of sock are:
1. Lipodermatosclerosis - A form of lower extremity inflammation under the epidermis layer of the skin.
2. Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency - The veins cannot pump enough oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
3. Varicose veins - Veins that have become enlarged, allowing blood to flow backwards.
4. Edema - Swelling of the legs, this condition is often found in diabetic persons.
5. Lymphedema - Fluid retention and swelling caused by lymphatic system compromise.
6. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Blood clotting, this type of hose may also be prescribed in persons prone to blood clots as a preventative.
Compression socks are available in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes. They blend with ease into the surface of the skin, making them indistinguishable from typical hosiery or pant socks. The benefit to your blood circulation, however, is the paramount and welcomed difference.
Cod and Cod Liver Oil
Cod is scientifically known as Gadus belongs to the family Gadidae. Cod is a common name used for all the members of this family. Cod is a much admired food fish characterized by dense, blistering white meat, stumpy fat content and easygoing savor. Cod livers are used for manufacturing cod liver oil which is an imperative source of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. The larger cod caught at the time of spawning are known as skrei. The young Atlantic cod or haddock prepared in stripes for cooking is known as scrod. The Atlantic cod has the property of changing colour at different depths of water. It has two colour phases, the grey-green and reddish-brown. It weighs about 5-12 kg but specimens weighing about 100 kg have been recorded. Cod feeds on molluscs, worms, squid, crabs and starfish. Some fishes migrate to warm waters in winter in order to spawn. A large female is known to lay up to 5 million eggs in the mid-ocean out of which only few are known to survive. The saltwater cod are also famous along the British Columbia, Canada and Northwestern US coastal areas. These fishes are darker in colour and are about three times larger than their fellows of the eastern coasts.
Pollock and coalfish are also found on the identical grounds where cods dwell. Pollock have shovel-like tails with pale lateral lines and measure about 1m in length with 15 kg body weight. Some grows to about 2m. The meat of cod is clammy, flaky and becomes white when cooked. Cod are popular ingredients of fish and chips in United States and Atlantic along with haddock. They are also very popular in Spain and Portugal. At present cod are at risk in the United States and Atlantic due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Cods enclose three rounded dorsal and two anal fins. The pelvic fins are somewhat small and set in front of the pectoral fins. The first ray of the pelvic fin is extended and is set just behind the gill cover. The upper jaw extends over the lower jaw and is demarcated by the presence of a chin barbel. They have a distinct white coloured lateral line running from the gill slit just above the pectoral fins. The eyes are medium-sized and are of the same length as that of the chin barbel. The back tends to be greenish or sandy brown while the belly is white in colour. The individuals inhabiting the deeper areas like the rocks are fairly dark in colour so darker shades are not uncommon.
Spawning occurs in the months of January- April at the depth of 200 meters and at the temperature range of 4-6°C in specific spawning grounds. Pre-spawning courtship involves display of fins and grunting by male which results in pair formation. While spawning, the pair swims in circle. Eggs are planktonic and hatch between 8-23 days. The hatched larvae are 4 mm in length. The planktonic phase lasts for about 10 weeks and the larvae amplify in size about 40 times supplementary and become 2 cm. The young ones now revolutionize their feeding habitat from planktons to small crustaceans like the diminutive isopods and minute crabs. They accomplish to a length of about 8 cm in the first six months and 18 cm by the end of first year. By the end of second year they become 25-35 cm. at higher altitudes the growth rate is less. They arrive at maturity when they are 3-4 years old and are 50 cm in length.
They prefer varied habitats like the grounds especially the inshore. They are gregarious fishes and live in schools. The shoals are frequently observed at the time of spawning. They are active hunters feeding on small crabs, haddock, whiting, sand eels, lobsters, squid, mussels, worms, mackerel, and molluscs. The younger fishes avoid larger prey. They are attacked by a number of parasites. The infestation of cod by the cod worm is very common. This worm is a crustacean which starts its life as a free swimming larva. The first host is the lumpsucker. The larva attaches to the lumpsucker with the hooks and sucks blood. They mature and the fertilized female carries her eggs to the cod. The life cycle is repeated. Cod dwell from warm sea waters to the deeper region of Northern Atlantic. Cod liver is tinned and eaten.
Pollock and coalfish are also found on the identical grounds where cods dwell. Pollock have shovel-like tails with pale lateral lines and measure about 1m in length with 15 kg body weight. Some grows to about 2m. The meat of cod is clammy, flaky and becomes white when cooked. Cod are popular ingredients of fish and chips in United States and Atlantic along with haddock. They are also very popular in Spain and Portugal. At present cod are at risk in the United States and Atlantic due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Cods enclose three rounded dorsal and two anal fins. The pelvic fins are somewhat small and set in front of the pectoral fins. The first ray of the pelvic fin is extended and is set just behind the gill cover. The upper jaw extends over the lower jaw and is demarcated by the presence of a chin barbel. They have a distinct white coloured lateral line running from the gill slit just above the pectoral fins. The eyes are medium-sized and are of the same length as that of the chin barbel. The back tends to be greenish or sandy brown while the belly is white in colour. The individuals inhabiting the deeper areas like the rocks are fairly dark in colour so darker shades are not uncommon.
Spawning occurs in the months of January- April at the depth of 200 meters and at the temperature range of 4-6°C in specific spawning grounds. Pre-spawning courtship involves display of fins and grunting by male which results in pair formation. While spawning, the pair swims in circle. Eggs are planktonic and hatch between 8-23 days. The hatched larvae are 4 mm in length. The planktonic phase lasts for about 10 weeks and the larvae amplify in size about 40 times supplementary and become 2 cm. The young ones now revolutionize their feeding habitat from planktons to small crustaceans like the diminutive isopods and minute crabs. They accomplish to a length of about 8 cm in the first six months and 18 cm by the end of first year. By the end of second year they become 25-35 cm. at higher altitudes the growth rate is less. They arrive at maturity when they are 3-4 years old and are 50 cm in length.
They prefer varied habitats like the grounds especially the inshore. They are gregarious fishes and live in schools. The shoals are frequently observed at the time of spawning. They are active hunters feeding on small crabs, haddock, whiting, sand eels, lobsters, squid, mussels, worms, mackerel, and molluscs. The younger fishes avoid larger prey. They are attacked by a number of parasites. The infestation of cod by the cod worm is very common. This worm is a crustacean which starts its life as a free swimming larva. The first host is the lumpsucker. The larva attaches to the lumpsucker with the hooks and sucks blood. They mature and the fertilized female carries her eggs to the cod. The life cycle is repeated. Cod dwell from warm sea waters to the deeper region of Northern Atlantic. Cod liver is tinned and eaten.
Urology - 3 Reasons to See a Specialist in This Field
Whether you're having issues with your urinary tract or problems with the prostate, a specialist in urology can help assist you with your issues. Sadly, because of the nature of the problem, many people hesitate or fail to act at all when it comes to the urogenital area. As a result, they go through unnecessary pain, when all they need to do is talk with a professional. Explore a few of the common reasons why people should see an expert in this particular field.
Repeat Bladder Infections
For some people the thought of having a bladder infection is unimaginable. Yet, if you've had one, you know of the pain and frustration associated with such an issue. The worst part is feeling like you have to empty your bladder in the worst way, then when you do, it's only a drop or two. Oftentimes, doctors can prescribe medicine to help ease your issues. Yet, if you continue to get such infections more and more, it may be good to see an expert in urology, just to be on the safe side. That's because this type of doctor has studied particularly in this field and can help you figure out the cause of your bladder infections as well as how to prevent them.
Kidney Stones
The simple thought of a kidney stone can make the bravest person cringe. That's because if you've never had one, you probably know someone that has and the idea of it is unbearable. Kidney stones are created when your body produces minerals and they are combined with salt. They come together in your urine and then the body tries to pass them. The pain comes because these stones can be as tiny as a pebble or almost the size of half an egg or a golf ball. So, to think of something that size passing through your urinary tract is unthinkable, yet it happens to some people and can result in them getting a trip to the emergency room because the pain is so bad. A doctor that works in urology can help diagnose and treat such issues and help the patient feel better. This specialist can do everything from x-rays to ultrasounds and more. This will help figure out where exactly the stone is and what method of treatment is needed.
Incontinence
Whether you laugh too much or get excited and realize you've messed up your clothing, incontinence is no joke. Many people suffer with this issue due to various reasons such as weak muscles, vaginal infections or other disorders. A person in the urology field can help diagnose the problem and then figure how to best treat it. The doctor could provide an assortment of tests such as blood work, a physical, as well as tests on the urinary tract. In addition, your urology specialist may have you keep a diary of the different episodes you're having. As a result, some doctors will advise the patient to change their diet, exercise and take certain medication to help with incontinence.
Repeat Bladder Infections
For some people the thought of having a bladder infection is unimaginable. Yet, if you've had one, you know of the pain and frustration associated with such an issue. The worst part is feeling like you have to empty your bladder in the worst way, then when you do, it's only a drop or two. Oftentimes, doctors can prescribe medicine to help ease your issues. Yet, if you continue to get such infections more and more, it may be good to see an expert in urology, just to be on the safe side. That's because this type of doctor has studied particularly in this field and can help you figure out the cause of your bladder infections as well as how to prevent them.
Kidney Stones
The simple thought of a kidney stone can make the bravest person cringe. That's because if you've never had one, you probably know someone that has and the idea of it is unbearable. Kidney stones are created when your body produces minerals and they are combined with salt. They come together in your urine and then the body tries to pass them. The pain comes because these stones can be as tiny as a pebble or almost the size of half an egg or a golf ball. So, to think of something that size passing through your urinary tract is unthinkable, yet it happens to some people and can result in them getting a trip to the emergency room because the pain is so bad. A doctor that works in urology can help diagnose and treat such issues and help the patient feel better. This specialist can do everything from x-rays to ultrasounds and more. This will help figure out where exactly the stone is and what method of treatment is needed.
Incontinence
Whether you laugh too much or get excited and realize you've messed up your clothing, incontinence is no joke. Many people suffer with this issue due to various reasons such as weak muscles, vaginal infections or other disorders. A person in the urology field can help diagnose the problem and then figure how to best treat it. The doctor could provide an assortment of tests such as blood work, a physical, as well as tests on the urinary tract. In addition, your urology specialist may have you keep a diary of the different episodes you're having. As a result, some doctors will advise the patient to change their diet, exercise and take certain medication to help with incontinence.
How I Got a 50% Full Thickness Burn
The Ford V8 Sedan was standing on steeply sloping ground, and the fuel outlet pipe to the Carby was high and dry. The owner had nearly flattened the battery trying to start it. So he called on me to help.
Guessing what the trouble was, I filled a 20 litre drum with petrol and poured most of it into the tank, but the state of the battery was too low to pump the fuel up, so I did what I, and many other people had done in the past, put a bit of petrol in a plastic ice-cream bucket, took the big air-cleaner off the top of the carby, tipped a bit of fuel in, stood back and gave the signal to start.
The big motor lurched over and started, but only ran for a few seconds. So we did it again with the same result, the motor wasn't running long enough to get the fuel up to the carby.
While I was tipping the fuel in for another try, the owner hit the starter button again, the motor lurched over, then backfired, and I was right over the top of the carburetor with a container of fuel in my hand.
I saw the bright orange glow deep in the throat of the carby, and I knew what was coming. I tried to throw the container of petrol away, but checked my throw in case there was someone standing there. This caused the fuel to slosh over my arm, hand and body just as the orange glow became a flaming orange torch, setting me ablaze from the waist up.
Panicking, I started to blindly run, but this made the flames roar so I stopped, and began to roll in the long grass. In doing so, I rolled under the low-set timber house with the flames licking at the floor-boards.
Dammit! I didn't want to burn the house down as well, so I crawled back up the hill still burning, to where someone had got the garden hose, turned it on, put the flames out, and then continued to run the cool water over me.
Bloody Hell!...It felt good!
By this time a crowd of onlookers had gathered, but I wasn't really aware of anything excepting the long treacly skeins of melted skin sliding off my hand and arm.
Then it dawned on me! There was absolutely NO PAIN! But only momentarily, then the pain became horrendous. Our family doctor arrived and gave me a very welcome pain-killer shot.
There was an ambulance trip to the local hospital where they estimated my burns at 60% of total body surface area, with a high percentage of full thickness burns.
Guessing what the trouble was, I filled a 20 litre drum with petrol and poured most of it into the tank, but the state of the battery was too low to pump the fuel up, so I did what I, and many other people had done in the past, put a bit of petrol in a plastic ice-cream bucket, took the big air-cleaner off the top of the carby, tipped a bit of fuel in, stood back and gave the signal to start.
The big motor lurched over and started, but only ran for a few seconds. So we did it again with the same result, the motor wasn't running long enough to get the fuel up to the carby.
While I was tipping the fuel in for another try, the owner hit the starter button again, the motor lurched over, then backfired, and I was right over the top of the carburetor with a container of fuel in my hand.
I saw the bright orange glow deep in the throat of the carby, and I knew what was coming. I tried to throw the container of petrol away, but checked my throw in case there was someone standing there. This caused the fuel to slosh over my arm, hand and body just as the orange glow became a flaming orange torch, setting me ablaze from the waist up.
Panicking, I started to blindly run, but this made the flames roar so I stopped, and began to roll in the long grass. In doing so, I rolled under the low-set timber house with the flames licking at the floor-boards.
Dammit! I didn't want to burn the house down as well, so I crawled back up the hill still burning, to where someone had got the garden hose, turned it on, put the flames out, and then continued to run the cool water over me.
Bloody Hell!...It felt good!
By this time a crowd of onlookers had gathered, but I wasn't really aware of anything excepting the long treacly skeins of melted skin sliding off my hand and arm.
Then it dawned on me! There was absolutely NO PAIN! But only momentarily, then the pain became horrendous. Our family doctor arrived and gave me a very welcome pain-killer shot.
There was an ambulance trip to the local hospital where they estimated my burns at 60% of total body surface area, with a high percentage of full thickness burns.
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