Brown Recluse Spider Bite And Stun Gun Therapy Testimonial
from : http://www.sabramsmd.com/brs/brs_testimonial_finger.html

Dr. Abrams,

Thursday, 1/6/2000

My name is LeeAnn Parkes. I am writing concerning your research with brown recluse spider bites, and the necrosis associated with these bites.

About 10 years ago I was bitten on the distal end of the ring finger of my right hand by a brown recluse. I am certain that this was a brown recluse. I saw the spider and felt it when it bit me. I remember feeling mild pain and a burning sensation. I immediately sought medical treatment, but the physician was not familiar with these spiders, and sent me home with no antibiotics at all. Around 36 to 48 hours later, blistering and extreme swelling had started. I again sought medical treatment with a different physician. By this time, red streaking had started up my arm my finger was so swollen that the tissue had started to split open and necrosis had started in the area of the bite. My entire finger was involved, with blistering and pus formation extending the length of the finger. I spent several days in the hospital with IV antibiotics. The necrosis subsided, tissue was lost and I seemed to get better.

Over the next two years, this would happen again. The only warning that I have is the appearance of a dark bluish/purple node, about the size of a pin dot. This always comes up on the same side of my finger as the bite. Blistering, necrosis, tissue loss would all follow in pretty much the same pattern. I saw different physicians, each sending me to another for different tests. I have had every imaginable lab test run (all with negative results), and have been given so many different diagnosis that I can't remember them all. Fluid, tissue and blood tests failed to result in any definite diagnosis. I would tell each physician that this all started with the bite of the brown recluse, yet I was told that there was no way this necrotic state could be a result of the bite. Finally, gangrene developed in this finger, and the distal and (from the middle joint) was amputated. After the amputation, the same thing started again, on the stump Again, on the same side as the bite. About a year after the amputation, I was sent to a surgeon for a brachial sympathectomy, with the diagnosis of RSD. After this surgery, for about 6 years, I had no recurrence of the blistering on my finger. Around two years ago, it started again. Each time is now progressively worse, and it gets physically harder on me. Nausea and vomiting are common during this time. Also, I can associate what seems to be a bladder or kidney infection with these episodes, with back pain and dark urine. This lasts for one to two weeks after the finger heals. It seems to start again a few days before it flares up again. There are no words to adequately describe the pain.

About two weeks ago, this same thing started again. I am to go to a plastic surgeon on Monday, 060500 to discuss the possibility of a skin graft. The wound covers approx. ¾ of the stump. The blistering and necrosis is quite extensive. Each time this starts, it is as if the spider is continuing to bite me - over and over again. The last surgeon that I saw is considering amputation. I am honestly afraid that I will lose my right hand if this continues as is. Dr. Abrams, I am a registered nurse. This has already cost me so much - I have seen over 20 different physicians over the last 10 years, and my medical bills are in excess of a quarter of a million dollars and continue to rise. I have now suffered another loss, my bedside practice. I was an ICU nurse. Since I can't seem to get better, and have no warning of when this will happen, it was finally impossible for me to continue. I can't financially afford to take off work for three weeks to a month while my finger is necrotic. When this last happened (November of last year) the physician was convinced that I have herpetic whitlow - even though ALL lab tests were normal and the blistering looks nothing like whitlow. Over the years, there have been at least 18 to 20 tests run for herpes virus, each with negative results. I had to fight the entire ortho department of the hospital that I worked in to go back to work.

If after reading this, you feel as though I might benefit from your research - please contact me. I am willing to do anything at this point. Not only do I want this episode over with, I want to know what is wrong with me and how to stop it. Until I heard of you and your research, I had begun to believe that I had lost my mind. If I can't get the physician I am currently working with to contact you, I am willing to come to wherever you are for help.

I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you soon. I would like to take any info you can share to my appointment on Monday.

If you can, please help me.

Thank you,

LeeAnn Parkes

Paitient was seen and treated June4, 2000.

Dr. Abrams,

Monday, June 5, 2000

Just an update - I woke this morning without any pain in my arm or hand. The dressing change went well, minimal pain involved. Wound is still ugly, but noticed areas of drying around my knuckle. I will take pictures and forward them to you.

LeeAnn

Dr. Abrams,

Friday, June 9, 2000

What has happened to my finger in the past week has been described by some as a miracle. The granulation tissue has closed all but about ¼ of the necrotic area that you saw just last Sunday. What was dark around the end of the stump and next to my hand is now clean, healthy PINK tissue. My arm and hand (as well as the stump) have been completely pain free since Monday morning. In fact, I slept better the night after I saw you than I have in months.

The healing that has taken place in just 5 days, in the past would have taken at least 6 weeks. The ulcer that was on the palm side of the stump is now just about closed, with only an area about 1/3 the size left to close.

Dr. Abrams, I can't begin to thank you and your wife enough for allowing me and my family into your home, for helping me. I had become so disgusted with all the physicians that I have seen over the years, none would listen to me. I had just about given up all hope. Thank you seems so minor when compared to all you've done for me.

I've been keeping a diary and pictures. As soon as I can scan them, if you like, I'll send them on to you to show you the progression of this wound. I'm also in the process of setting up a web site to share any information that I can with others who have experienced the bite of this reclusive little monster.

I ordered the stun gun from Mr. Mackey and received it today. Could you please let me know what type wire/connections to get to make the "jumper cable" that you used - just in case!

Again, thank you.

LeeAnn

from : http://www.sabramsmd.com/brs/brs_testimonial_finger.html