Ep 3. Choosing Between Life and Limb

In Monsters Inside Me season 4 episode 3, titled Choosing Between Life and Limb, viewers are introduced to a variety of people who have experienced terrifying medical emergencies caused by parasitic infections.

The episode centers around three cases, each of which presents a unique set of challenges for doctors and patients alike. In the first case, a 13-year-old girl named Emily starts to experience strange symptoms after a family trip to South Africa. Her leg becomes swollen and painful, and she develops a fever and a rash. Doctors initially suspect that she has a bacterial infection, but when her symptoms don't improve with antibiotics, they begin to investigate other possibilities.

Emily eventually undergoes a series of tests, including a biopsy, which reveal that she has a parasitic infection caused by a type of worm called schistosomiasis. This infection is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, and it's quite common in many parts of Africa. Emily's treatment involves a powerful medication that kills the worms and helps her body rid itself of the infection. Although her recovery is slow and difficult, she ultimately makes a full recovery.

The second case featured in Choosing Between Life and Limb is that of a man named Richard, who begins to experience severe pain in his foot and ankle after a trip to the beach. He initially ignores the discomfort, assuming that it's just a minor injury, but after a few days, it becomes clear that something is seriously wrong. He develops a fever and chills, his foot becomes swollen and discolored, and he finds it increasingly difficult to walk.

Richard eventually seeks medical help, but his doctors are initially stumped by his symptoms. After an MRI and a series of blood tests, they finally discover that he has a rare parasitic infection caused by a type of threadworm that lives in the sand. This infection is extremely difficult to treat, and Richard's doctors must rely on a combination of antibiotics, steroids, and other medications to help his body fight off the parasite.

The final case featured in Choosing Between Life and Limb is that of a young woman named Nicole, who contracts a deadly infection from her pet cat. Nicole's cat had been hunting snails and eating them, and the snails were carrying a dangerous parasite called rat lungworm. When Nicole accidentally ingests some of the snail slime while cleaning up after her cat, she becomes violently ill.

Nicole's symptoms include a severe headache, nausea, and coordination problems. She also experiences moments of confusion and forgetfulness. Her doctors initially suspect that she has meningitis, but further testing reveals that she has the rat lungworm parasite in her brain. This infection is very serious, and if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage or even death.

Nicole's treatment involves a powerful medication that helps to kill the parasite and reduce inflammation in her brain. Although her recovery is slow and difficult, she eventually makes a full recovery and is able to return to her normal life.

Overall, Monsters Inside Me season 4 episode 3 is a fascinating and informative look at the dangers of parasitic infections. The cases featured in this episode demonstrate just how insidious these infections can be, and how important it is to seek medical help quickly if you suspect that you may have been exposed to a parasite. Viewers who are interested in medical mysteries and real-life horror stories will find a lot to enjoy in this episode.