Do the jellyfish off the coast of North Carolina sting?

Answer 1

Yes. In September 2008 at Wrightsville Beach, NC I was stung by a Jellyfish. It is now March 2010 and I still have horrible scars. I'm only 20yrs old.

I was by the Coast Guard station, about 5feet off shore. While floating on a boogie board, its tentacles wrapped themselves around my legs. Thankfully my boyfriend pulled me out of the water. I stumbled and crawled out because my legs went into shock. As soon as you get out of the salt water the pain keeps getting worse.

Salt water(which I didn't know at the time) helps prevent the posion from releasing. DO NOT USE FRESH WATER. It cause the posions to burst, making the pain even more severe.

When I got out I couldn't look at my legs because it looked like somebody just cut me up with a knife. We had to leave and follow a stranger to the firehouse. They called EMS and as soon as they arrived they gave me oxygen because I couldn't breathe. I ended up getting oxygen three times that day.

When I got stung the pain was so horrible I thought that I was dying, or maybe just wishing I would. Imagine a hot iron being pressed against your legs. When I arrived at Cape Fear I tried to calm down but the pain was unbearable. Fortunetly they gave me something and it knocked me out.

When your stung it will cause itching. Mine has continued to itch since it has happened. Also I still experience a burning sensation everyday. At the time I had Insurance, but the following month I turned 19yr and lost it. I work only PT because my job won't hire Ft and I pay my taxes. I obey the law and wish to go to college one day. It upsets me that I cannot find any medical help. Though my experience may not be common, it is a real experience of what occured. Try going in the water with a wet suit on.