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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

Walked into a spider web yesterday. The spider expressed itself by  
biting me on the top of the head where, alas, there is now little  
protective covering. Discomfort in that area was followed pretty fast  
with itching in the crook of the ams, then bumps there. First thought  
was a hornet had been caught in the web and had stung me, later  
decided it was the spider. When the hives started I at first wondered  
if I had gotten bit in several places. Threw clothes into washer, took  
a cold shower, still the itching increased, now widespread. Called The  
Lady Who Removed The Tick From Gene's Navel, and she said get up here  
immediately--can you drive. Yes.

She gave me Benedryl, mixed up some magic potion, applied it to the  
top of my head and monitored me. Hives all over by then. She said  
veins in my temples were inflamed and the spot on the top of the head  
was large and red. Tightness in chest didn't much restrict breathing,  
most likely just a stress symptom. This was a new condition for me.  
Later took the time to research anaphylaxis. Sounds like future same  
toxin might cause increased reaction.

Went to the scene of the crime. Found a small spider up in the remains  
of the web. Collected same. Researched Missouri spiders but unable to  
identify. Learned that many spiders classified as non-poisonous do  
have venom.

I take the time to report this to say: 1) if you have never had an  
allergic reaction doesn't mean you are immune, so be prepared; 2) such  
reactions may increase in intensity with recurrent stings and bites;  
3) pay attention to where you are putting your body. I had just walked  
out that doorway a few moments before and had not noticed a web. When  
I came back in I walked into it and she zapped me.

Yes, I will be buying some Benedryl.
> From timopp AT gmail.com  Wed Jun 18 08:11:14 2008
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Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:10:16 -0500
From: "Tim Oppenheim" <timopp AT gmail.com>
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Subject: Re: [Homestead] Spider bite
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Gene,

Scary story. I spent a week in the hospital with a tick bite.
Sometimes the little buggers fight back.
Watch out and be careful. Make sure you tell us of the happy ending.

Tim

On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 4:16 AM, Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com> wrote:
> Walked into a spider web yesterday. The spider expressed itself by
> biting me on the top of the head where, alas, there is now little
> protective covering. Discomfort in that area was followed pretty fast
> with itching in the crook of the ams, then bumps there. First thought
> was a hornet had been caught in the web and had stung me, later
> decided it was the spider. When the hives started I at first wondered
> if I had gotten bit in several places. Threw clothes into washer, took
> a cold shower, still the itching increased, now widespread. Called The
> Lady Who Removed The Tick From Gene's Navel, and she said get up here
> immediately--can you drive. Yes.
>
> She gave me Benedryl, mixed up some magic potion, applied it to the
> top of my head and monitored me. Hives all over by then. She said
> veins in my temples were inflamed and the spot on the top of the head
> was large and red. Tightness in chest didn't much restrict breathing,
> most likely just a stress symptom. This was a new condition for me.
> Later took the time to research anaphylaxis. Sounds like future same
> toxin might cause increased reaction.
>
> Went to the scene of the crime. Found a small spider up in the remains
> of the web. Collected same. Researched Missouri spiders but unable to
> identify. Learned that many spiders classified as non-poisonous do
> have venom.
>
> I take the time to report this to say: 1) if you have never had an
> allergic reaction doesn't mean you are immune, so be prepared; 2) such
> reactions may increase in intensity with recurrent stings and bites;
> 3) pay attention to where you are putting your body. I had just walked
> out that doorway a few moments before and had not noticed a web. When
> I came back in I walked into it and she zapped me.
>
> Yes, I will be buying some Benedryl.
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