Slow, agonizing recovery.

Aug 21, 2004 14:56

Earlier on this trip up to washington, I got what seemed to be a fairly harmless spider bite on my leg while sleeping. Later that week, we started catching these fairly large (half dollar or larger with legs extended) spiders roaming the floor at night. I didn't think too much of it, but I've been horribly exausted the last week or so, with joint pain.

After we caught the second of the spiders last night, I did some research and came up with a match for what it is. Tegenaria agrestis, or the Hobo spider.



Common during late summer months in several northwestern states, and certain areas of Europe, this spider is also known as the "aggressive household spider", which is a misnomer, as the spider is hardly aggressive. The ones I've seen are very skittish, and try to flee if you get near them.

As a negative, it looks like their venom can rarely cause symptoms of joint pain, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. And takes up to two weeks to wear off. Also, very rarely, allergic reactions can cause bone marrow decay, and therefore death.

Now, I don't seem to be having a severe reaction, but being SO tired really sucks with school coming up, you can't take asprin for the headache or risk complications, and I feel crappy. Unfortunately I didn't catch the spider that bit me, so I can't be certain to seek treatment, but the symptoms seem to match. Plus, I have this nasty little dark scab on my leg where I got bitten.

Patiently waiting for this weariness to move on.
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