Kansas Mother Faces Health Struggles After Spider Bite

A Kansas mother, Britagne Miller from Goddard, is recovering after a suspected spider bite on May 28 led to surgery and serious health complications. The incident occurred while she was camping with her family at Cheney Lake.

Four days after the bite, Miller’s calf became swollen and painful, motivating her to seek medical help. “This one kept swelling and swelling, and it was like, you know, a fire stir that’s metal,” Miller shared with KAKE, describing the sharp pain she experienced.

Miller was hospitalized at Wesley Hospital in Wichita on June 4. Her treatment was complicated due to existing health issues like blood-clotting disorders and liver problems. She also developed infections and was diagnosed with end-stage liver failure, a condition that put her life at risk.

Electing to continue treatment over hospice care, Miller spent time in intensive care before her release on July 11. Now at home, she receives home health care and physical therapy. Her recovery plan includes regular specialist visits, but she remains ineligible for the liver transplant list for now.

The type of spider that bit Miller remains unidentified. Dr. Raymond Cloyd from Kansas State University explained that brown recluse and black widow spiders, both venomous, are common in Kansas. He recommended sealing cracks and exercising caution with undisturbed items.

The Miller family remains hopeful. They expressed, “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,” through a GoFundMe platform.