O
ur day started off pretty typical yesterday; morning coffee, check the internet and a Faire special for breakfast (poached eggs over hashbrowns with bacon or sausage). I had thought about going to Smallwood Farms and check out the plums, but Strat reminded me that it was Stampede Weekend and would probably be crazy to be out and about.
While getting ready for the day, we think Strat got bit by a spider. Crazy as we just did laundry the day before and he took some Levi’s off the line (we dry clothes indoors). I took a look at it and sure enough, it was a bite. It resembled a mosquito bite of sorts. We blew it off and carried on with our day.
Later that night, he mentioned that he was sore. Again, another warning sign, but I interpreted the soreness as working too hard. There are always things to do here, it is a never ending black hole of manual labor. With the tractor down, the work is harder yet. We had dinner and called it a night, maybe around 11 PM or so.
Around 2 AM we wake up for our “middle of the night” drink of lemonade. I don’t know what it is about needing fluids in the middle of the night, but it is a common thing for us. Strat has the lights on and he asks me to check the bite. Well, it is swollen a little and a little hard. Still, we did not heed the warnings and we were exhausted. We enjoyed the lemonade and crawled back in bed.
Sunday morning, 7:45 AM: We understand now that this bite is something that needs our attention. It’s big, maybe 5″ in diameter. It’s red, hot, hard and swollen. It’s also itchy. I know to relieve the itchiness, Lavender or Peppermint essential oil will help; we happen to have both on hand. Based on the symptons, we believe the culprit is a Brown Recluse Spider.
I research a few sites on this bite as I am not sure if we need to seek medical help. The sites indicate most likely a tetanus shot would be administered as well as Tylenol, an antihistamine and possibly something for pain. Research goes on to say don’t apply heat, which will only spread the venom. We decide to self medicate and apply ice. A Facebook post is shared on what is going on with the bite and we get a lot of advice.
style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />One recommendation was to make up an activated charcoal poultice. I have never heard of this and will be researching more. Come to find out, activated charcoal has many medicinal uses. You can find out more in the book: The Complete Handbook of Medicinal Charcoal & Its Applications. If I understand correctly, this method is the preferred method of treatment for a spider bite if it is done within hours of the bite.
Bentonite Clay Poultice
Another recommendation was to make up a poultice of bentonite clay. Again, this is something I will have to research more. Mixing some of this clay with water creates a gel-like consistency. As I applied it, Strat commented ho
w cool it was. Keep in mind, the affected skin around the bite is very hot. After applying generously, I placed a paper towel over the poultice and then wrapped the leg with Saran wrap. The Saran wrap made it where the hair will not pull, as it does with tape. After the first application of the clay poultice, the swelling is down somewhat. We will apply another poultice and leave it on overnight.
We are forever grateful for our friends, the Redmans and the Martins, for their support, concern and having the charcoal and clay to get us through this day. We are also grateful for everyone’s concern and prayers.
Until tomorrow,
Angel & Strat
