A Kansas mother of four is on the mend after what was believed to be a spider bite spiraled into surgery, severe infections and a hospital stay that stretched for weeks.
Britagne Miller, who lives in Goddard, roughly 14 miles west of Wichita, told local stations KAKE and FOX Kansas that she was gathered around a campfire with her husband and children at Cheney Lake on May 28 when several spiders crawled on her and appeared to bite her.
Within four days, one bite on her calf had become increasingly swollen and painful, leading Miller to seek medical treatment, FOX Kansas reported.
“This one kept swelling and swelling, and it was like, you know, a fire stir that’s metal,” Miller told KAKE. “It was like shooting down my leg into my foot, and it felt like it was being stabbed.”
Britagne Miller said she was sitting around a campfire with her husband and children on May 28 when several spiders crawled on her and apparently bit her. (Jake Miller via GoFundMe)
Miller was admitted to Wesley Hospital in Wichita on June 4 and later underwent surgery, according to KAKE and a GoFundMe page set up by her husband, Jake Miller.
Her care became more complex because of preexisting blood-clotting disorders, liver issues and allergies to some medications, KAKE reported.
As her condition worsened, Miller developed infections. Doctors also found she was in end-stage liver failure and cautioned her family that the situation could turn deadly, according to KAKE.
Miller, who chose to continue treatment rather than enter hospice care, said she remembers little from her time in intensive care, according to the outlet.
Britagne Miller said she remembers little from her time in intensive care. (Jake Miller via GoFundMe)
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She was released from the hospital July 11 and is continuing her recovery at home.
Miller now requires home health care, physical therapy and regular visits with specialists. She also hopes to receive a liver transplant but is not yet eligible to be placed on the transplant list, according to KAKE and the GoFundMe.
Doctors have not confirmed what kind of spider bit her, KAKE reported.
Dr. Raymond Cloyd, a horticultural entomologist at Kansas State University, told KAKE the brown recluse and black widow are two venomous spiders commonly found in Kansas.
Britagne Miller was released from a hospital July 11 and is continuing her recovery at home. (Jake Miller via GoFundMe)
Cloyd advised sealing cracks and using caution with boxes, shoes and other undisturbed items, KAKE reported.
“We know there is still a long road ahead, but we are holding on to hope that one day this season will be behind us, and she will be able to continue doing what she loves most — being a mom, and someday a grandmother,” the GoFundMe states.
The Miller family could not immediately be reached by News Outlet for additional comment.
