Recluse Spider Bite or Lyme Disease?

[KSdan]

So why does one need a Lymes Disease test after a tick bite?  If the bite is in question, can't you just go on antibiotics to cover your bases?

[heydeerman]

I got on Hard Heads link and ordered me a kit and some traps. this he-man is deathly ascared of spyders. Just bought me a Black Widow recurve so you can say i have been it by a widder.

[Zbone]

Thanx for the info and help folks.

We used to pick ticks off us all the time as kids and never had an irritation or left marks as these. Ticks don’t have teeth; I have four fang holes, (2 pair). Also, there is no rash, only swelling and redness.

After receiving great info from threads, hopefully I’m safe from Lyme disease, at least for now, although to be on the safe side as some suggested I did contact a Infectious Disease Center today but can’t get in until July, although this amount of time should detect Lyme disease if positive and if the test for it. Hopefully they’ll test for MRSA and shingles too. Also, I see a Doc on Tuesday.


Today is the first day I’ve felt decent in two weeks. The antibiotics must be kicking in. The continuous nulling pain, both back and abdomen aren’t near as intense today although they are still noticeable.


I think some of you folks and the ER Dr. are right with his first assessment of being a widow. From what I gather their bite is usually less sever than a recluse with most people, although different people react differently, like with bee stings.


I had/have the exact same symptoms as another guy on another thread who was bitten positively by a widow. Flu like symptoms at first followed by constant nulling pain with occasional spasms and pain in the abdomen. Also the fang marks are raised at the highest part of the swelling.

I imagine while hunting that day around the woodpiles, one crawled up my shirt and while sitting rubbed it against the tree and it bit in defense. The bite is right about where the edge of the tree would have been.


Thanx for the concern and all the help friends.

[HATCHCHASER]

"I would go as far to say that Recluses are very common nowadays much more than a Widow."


You must not fequent the state of GA brother.  I work in the utilities business and if there has been a ped in the ground for more than 2 weeks, odds are there is a Black Widow spider in it.  I have seen as many as 15 in one day.  Considering I have only seen 2 brown recluses' in my life, I would say it has to be geographical.  And I am in an area where they live.