A Kansas mother of four is currently navigating a difficult recovery journey at home after what is believed to have been a spider bite resulted in significant health challenges, including surgery, severe infections, and an extended period of hospitalization.
Britagne Miller, who resides in Goddard, approximately 14 miles west of Wichita, recounted an incident on May 28 at Cheney Lake. She was seated around a campfire with her husband and children when multiple spiders reportedly crawled onto her, with at least one appearing to bite her.
Just four days later, the site of one particular bite on her calf became intensely swollen and painful. This prompted her to seek immediate medical attention.
“This one kept swelling and swelling, and it was like, you know, a fire stir that’s metal,” Miller described. “It was like shooting down my leg into my foot, and it felt like it was being stabbed.”
Sudden Illness and Hospitalization
Miller was admitted to Wesley Hospital in Wichita on June 4, where she subsequently underwent surgery. Her medical treatment proved complex due to pre-existing conditions, including blood-clotting disorders, liver issues, and allergies to certain medications.
During her hospitalization, Miller developed severe infections. Doctors also determined she was experiencing end-stage liver failure and communicated to her family that her condition was life-threatening.
Despite the dire prognosis, Miller opted to continue aggressive medical treatment rather than enter hospice care. She later stated that she has limited recollection of her time in the intensive care unit.
Ongoing Recovery and Future Hopes
After more than a month, Miller was discharged from the hospital on July 11 and has since been continuing her recovery process at home. Her path to full health is extensive, requiring home health care, physical therapy, and frequent appointments with various medical specialists.
Miller also harbors a strong hope for a liver transplant in the future. However, she is not yet eligible to be placed on the national transplant waiting list. Her husband, Jake Miller, established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the substantial medical and recovery costs.
“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,” a statement on the GoFundMe page reads.
Understanding Venomous Spiders in Kansas
Medical professionals have not yet definitively identified the specific type of spider responsible for Miller's severe reaction.
Dr. Raymond Cloyd, a horticultural entomologist at Kansas State University, commented on the common venomous spiders found in the region, noting that both the brown recluse and black widow are prevalent in Kansas.
To minimize the risk of spider bites, Dr. Cloyd offered practical advice, including sealing cracks in homes and exercising caution when handling undisturbed items such as boxes and shoes, where spiders might reside.