Jane

I was bitten by what might have been a brown recluse spider at work last week. It got me in the left calf. I didn't feel the bite but felt something tickeling my leg and then about 15 minutes later my calf cramped up and I had a fucia swelling the size of a tennis ball. I started shaking and went to the emergency room. Dr. said it could have been a brown recluse, black widow or a hobo spider, but it's impossible to say without having seen the spider. They put me on benedryl and antibiotics. My leg looks like someone hit me with a bat. It was really swelled and painful for a while but now it's numb and I'm waiting to see if any blistering or necrosis sets in. I'm terrified that if it does I may never dance again. Does anyone have any advice for me? Dr. has a wait and see approach that's not very helpful...

yasmilah

Sorry that happened!

I don't know if you are interested in herbal treatments, but here is a website:

Brown Recluse First Aid Kit

Or you could go to a health food store and buy some of the active ingredients. Personally, I have always had better luck with herbal treatments than modern medicine. Hope this helps!

nightdancer

You will dance again. For now, use the internet and read read read. There is a wealth of information on recluse bites, treatment, etc. You'll be just fine, and I'm sorry that happend.

jen28

I used to work with a guy who was a spider expert. From what I remember from him, a black widow bite will turn all of your pain receptors in your body on. Brown recluse bites are really, really rare- in fact, many diagnosed recluse bites may actually be MRSA (a staph infection). But they can be really nasty and cause necrosis.
Just a thought- are there any spider experts you can contact in your area? Like at a zoo or museum? They might be able to give you more info.

Jane

Okay, I went to the health food store and loaded up! They also suggested bentonite clay made into a paste and a poultice of African red tea. Thanks for the tip! We'll see if anything happens. Jane

Jane

Thanks for the encouragement! I think I was/am having a panic moment I've been looking on the net and some of those bite photos are really scary. I think I should stick to the text for awhile.

Jane

The first thing the Dr. checked for was MRSA, but said it was definitely a spider bite of some sort because of the two fang marks in the center and the crawling I felt about 15 min. before the reaction. Must not be a black widow because it itched and hurt a bit at first then went numb. I'll have to look into the spider experts, we don't have any zoos or biology museums around here.

I'm still waiting for my spider super powers to develop...

jen28

You could also check the biology department of any local universities.

KuteNurse

Awww....I am so sorry! I have heard spider bites can be very painful. I think you will be dancing in no time again. You may develop some necrotic tissue, but it will heal. You doc is treating you right with antibiotics. Just rest your leg and eat lots of protein. Maybe take a multi-vitamin such as centrum for faster healing. Good luck to you.

Fire Lily

Kay. Gotta say 'Ouch!'
First of all. Don't stress okay?
In my earlly BD years. I had a ice skating accident and litrally chipped my hip bone. And THAT hurt.
BUT. I persisted with continuing going to class, and now it's VERY rare for my hip to hurt.

Plus a few weeks ago? I was stung by a bee on my toe.
And yeah it hurt, but again i persisted. and i'm back to my shimming self again.

-The will of a dancer or athlete (also an Aries...) if she's passionate about her art. Is so strong. that she will dance through pain until they perrish.-

PS. Sorry for bad spelling...