02-03-2007, 05:59 PM
Can't say I anticipated responding to this thread, but here I am poking this out with a few fingers.
My too long, perhaps boring, but hopefully helpful story follows:
Last Sat I believe I was bit by a spider. I think spider only because I think I would have witnessed had it been a centipede or something. I did realize a burning/stinging sensation on my hand Sat evening and a smallish "pimple with hole". It was an itchy/burning feeling. Sunday was much the same, just more intense, possibly a bit of immediate swelling. Basically, it reminded me of a similar bite/sting last year that was a discomfort for about a week and did clear up just fine. First part of the week, I just worked through the pain even though the swelling increased and the immediate area reddened slighly. A nurse friend suggested I be watchful. By Thurs AM, the pain was pretty intense and the redness so off to the Hamakua clinic where I was promptly seen and prescribed an antibiotic (Augmentin) for the infection which I had filled immediated and started taking. When I got up Friday AM (notice I didn't say wokeup as I'm not sure I really slept), my swelling had increased dramatically and the redness had turned to deep purple. I was glad I was on the antibiotic but not convinced it was very effective yet. My hand was actually too painful and swollen to do any work. We normally only work half day Fri anyway and this week we had scheduled our initial dental exams. I think exam of my hand may have trumped exam of my teeth. The urgent advice of both dentists in the office was to go to Hilo ER immediately. A phone call back to Hamakua clinic cleared that (gotta keep the insurance people happy right?)
So off to Hilo ER. I'm processed and ready to go to a treatment room by the time Sophie parks the car - not bad considering I'm left handed and this is my left hand, seems you can do the form verbally. Of course every person along the way makes an observation as to how bad/serious this looks. In fact, I don't think I heard what might be called a positive comment until the orthopaedic surgeon remarked - "We can fix this". Why an ortho surgeon? The attending Dr was concerned the infection might had spread deep enough to affect my inner hand, sorry I don't recall the jargon, but plenty serious stuff. The surgeon drained my hand. My only comment as to that painful experience is I'm very thankful I was wearing slippahs to allow my toes to curl so much.
I was given an IV antibiotic, pain med (thank you, thank you, thank you), then the wound cleaned and bandaged. I received 2 prescriptions, instructions to return to the ER Sat and Sun for dressing changes and see the surgeon on Mon for further evaluation. In and out or Hilo ER in 3 hours. I was treated professionally and personally in a manner I can't compliment enough. OK, could do without the construction jackhammer noise. This AM, Sat, I received wonderful treatment again.
At this point, I have high hopes my antibiotics are working and treatment is effective, then again, I am taking my pain meds(percocet) on schedule and feeling pretty good LOL
So, I guess my point is if anyone experiences such a bite/sting get some medical attention sooner than later - it can get very serious very fast.
02/06 - UPDATE:
My Sunday ER appnt was also quite good. I must have had one of the "usual" admitting nurses as she insisted I fill out the form LOL. Fortunately, my nurse from the previous day snagged me from the waiting area and did the dressing change without first waiting for the paperwork. Sunday's Dr insisted on getting the lab report, which showed no culture growth in 2 days. All agreed the wound was looking better.
Unable to get insurance referral in a timely manner, I was not able to see Dr Matsuura for followup until today. He too was pleased with the progress. Amazing how the swelling has regressed, but how stiff my fingers got being inop for almost a week. Good thing we can't do pics here, this is one ugly wound. Anyway, will continue Augmentin and percocet, returning to Dr next Monday.
No confirmation as to what or how, but I'm convinced it was most likely a spider bite that somehow got infected.
Be careful out there!!!!!!
David
Ninole Resident
Edited by - david m on 02/06/2007 17:39:58
My too long, perhaps boring, but hopefully helpful story follows:
Last Sat I believe I was bit by a spider. I think spider only because I think I would have witnessed had it been a centipede or something. I did realize a burning/stinging sensation on my hand Sat evening and a smallish "pimple with hole". It was an itchy/burning feeling. Sunday was much the same, just more intense, possibly a bit of immediate swelling. Basically, it reminded me of a similar bite/sting last year that was a discomfort for about a week and did clear up just fine. First part of the week, I just worked through the pain even though the swelling increased and the immediate area reddened slighly. A nurse friend suggested I be watchful. By Thurs AM, the pain was pretty intense and the redness so off to the Hamakua clinic where I was promptly seen and prescribed an antibiotic (Augmentin) for the infection which I had filled immediated and started taking. When I got up Friday AM (notice I didn't say wokeup as I'm not sure I really slept), my swelling had increased dramatically and the redness had turned to deep purple. I was glad I was on the antibiotic but not convinced it was very effective yet. My hand was actually too painful and swollen to do any work. We normally only work half day Fri anyway and this week we had scheduled our initial dental exams. I think exam of my hand may have trumped exam of my teeth. The urgent advice of both dentists in the office was to go to Hilo ER immediately. A phone call back to Hamakua clinic cleared that (gotta keep the insurance people happy right?)
So off to Hilo ER. I'm processed and ready to go to a treatment room by the time Sophie parks the car - not bad considering I'm left handed and this is my left hand, seems you can do the form verbally. Of course every person along the way makes an observation as to how bad/serious this looks. In fact, I don't think I heard what might be called a positive comment until the orthopaedic surgeon remarked - "We can fix this". Why an ortho surgeon? The attending Dr was concerned the infection might had spread deep enough to affect my inner hand, sorry I don't recall the jargon, but plenty serious stuff. The surgeon drained my hand. My only comment as to that painful experience is I'm very thankful I was wearing slippahs to allow my toes to curl so much.
I was given an IV antibiotic, pain med (thank you, thank you, thank you), then the wound cleaned and bandaged. I received 2 prescriptions, instructions to return to the ER Sat and Sun for dressing changes and see the surgeon on Mon for further evaluation. In and out or Hilo ER in 3 hours. I was treated professionally and personally in a manner I can't compliment enough. OK, could do without the construction jackhammer noise. This AM, Sat, I received wonderful treatment again.At this point, I have high hopes my antibiotics are working and treatment is effective, then again, I am taking my pain meds(percocet) on schedule and feeling pretty good LOL
So, I guess my point is if anyone experiences such a bite/sting get some medical attention sooner than later - it can get very serious very fast.
02/06 - UPDATE:
My Sunday ER appnt was also quite good. I must have had one of the "usual" admitting nurses as she insisted I fill out the form LOL. Fortunately, my nurse from the previous day snagged me from the waiting area and did the dressing change without first waiting for the paperwork. Sunday's Dr insisted on getting the lab report, which showed no culture growth in 2 days. All agreed the wound was looking better.
Unable to get insurance referral in a timely manner, I was not able to see Dr Matsuura for followup until today. He too was pleased with the progress. Amazing how the swelling has regressed, but how stiff my fingers got being inop for almost a week. Good thing we can't do pics here, this is one ugly wound. Anyway, will continue Augmentin and percocet, returning to Dr next Monday.
No confirmation as to what or how, but I'm convinced it was most likely a spider bite that somehow got infected.
Be careful out there!!!!!!
David
Ninole Resident
Edited by - david m on 02/06/2007 17:39:58
Ninole Resident