A Kansas mother’s simple outing with her family turned into a medical nightmare after what seemed like an ordinary spider bite resulted in surgery and serious infections, leaving her in the hospital for several weeks.
Britagne Miller from Goddard, a small town located about 14 miles west of Wichita, recalls spending a relaxing evening by the campfire with her husband and four children at Cheney Lake on May 28. However, the tranquility was short-lived when several spiders crept onto her, delivering bites that would soon cause significant health issues, according to reports from KAKE and FOX Kansas.
Just four days after the incident, Miller noticed frightening changes in her physical condition. A bite on her calf had become intensely painful and swollen, forcing her to seek medical assistance, as detailed by FOX Kansas.
Miller vividly recounted to KAKE, “The swelling was relentless, akin to touching a scorching fire poker. The pain shot down my leg and into my foot, as if it were being continuously stabbed.”
Spending a quiet evening by the fire with her family on May 28, Britagne Miller never anticipated that a few spider bites would lead to such a dire situation. (Photo credit: Jake Miller via GoFundMe)
Miller was admitted to Wesley Hospital in Wichita on June 4 and underwent surgery, according to KAKE and a GoFundMe created by her husband, Jake Miller.
Her treatment was complicated by existing blood-clotting disorders, liver problems and allergies to certain medications, KAKE reported.
Miller later developed infections. Doctors also determined that she was suffering from end-stage liver failure and warned her family that her condition could be fatal, 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)
She was released from the hospital on 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 that the brown recluse and black widow are two venomous spiders commonly found in Kansas.
Britagne Miller was released from the hospital on 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 Media for additional comment.