A Kansas mother of four is recovering after a suspected spider bite led to a long and complicated hospital stay. Britagne Miller, from Goddard, was sitting around a campfire with her family at Cheney Lake when several spiders crawled on her and apparently bit her.
Four days later, the area around one bite on her calf became swollen and painful, prompting her to seek medical care. Miller underwent surgery and was admitted to Wesley Hospital in Wichita, where her treatment was complicated by existing blood-clotting disorders and liver problems.
Miller later developed infections, and doctors determined she was suffering from end-stage liver failure. Her family was warned that her condition could be fatal, but Miller chose to continue treatment, and she was released from the hospital on July 11.
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.
Doctors have identified the spider as a venomous species commonly found in Kansas. A local expert advised sealing cracks and using caution with items that may attract spiders.
The Miller family is facing a long and challenging road to recovery, but they are holding on to hope that Britagne will be able to continue doing what she loves most – being a mom and someday a grandmother.
