anyone have client present with possible spider bite??

[========]

Hello,

I have a quandry, hope this isn't too much detail. I have a new client scheduled for Saturday who originally complained of stiff, sore shoulders and neck. This was not due to injury and he has not seen a Chiro or MD for it. Client is self-employed and had said he believed it was just stress.

When he called last Saturday, he really wanted a same-day appt, but when I told him the soonest I had was the following weekend, he did go ahead and book with the request to call if I had a cancellation.

He hAs since emailed me to remind me to keep him in mind if I can fit him in so I replied that I would.

Here is where the issue starts: He answered that reply with a note stating his condition was a little better, but he had discovered a 'bite' on his ankle and after some research on the Net, has determined he was bitten by a black widow spider. (self-diagnosis, mind you.)

From what I can ascertain, this apparently happened sometime last week, maybe late in the week, since he seemed to be in great discomfort when he called.

OK, now my question is, do I insist he see a Dr before I treat him or has enough time passed to allow a safe massage. He just wants his shoulders and neck treated first to loosen them up.

I have researched this type of insect bite and they are not life threatening apparently. Looks like his system was able to 'cope' with the venom of the bug, as he states the symptoms are starting to subside.

Any advice??? I'd appreciate it if someone can reply soon as I do happen to have an opening this afternoon I can call him for and I hate for him to keep suffering needlessly if I am just being way to careful.

Thanks for any help y'all can give me.

 

[Joanne A. W]

Yikes! From my days in East Texas I can remember a couple of friends being rushed to the emergency room after being bit. Apparently this bite is treated similar to a snake bite. Is it contraindicated to give massage to a snake bite victim? And if so, how long after the bite can massage be administered?

I would personally tell this client to see a doctor to make sure there isn't any toxin still left in his body. Since massage would increase the circulation it might have a reverse effect than this client is looking for. He might get much sicker before feeling relief from the muscle tension.

Sorry, I'm not much help here! I hope you get more help soon.

 

[DorienG]

A single black widow spider doesn't inject enough venom with enough power to cause a serious problem in an adult, unless they have a sensitivity to them. Still, he should see a doctor.

Stiffness and soreness can all be a part of his body trying to deal with the venom proteins. Eventually, his immune system should develop anti-bodies for it.

 

[~luvs 4ever!~]

Thanks so much. Yes, from what I have read, the bite to a normal, healthy person isn't much of a threat. I was, however, concerned that he is only at the 'starting to feel better seforum.xxxe' and not completely over it as yet.

Having been told all my life that I can be too careful, I just wanted to verify my gut feeling to make him see a Dr before I treat him so soon. I was concerned that he might have a relapse from the massasge since he is still experiencing muscle aches.

I let him know I needed that Drs note before I could see him this weekend for his own benefit.

Thanks all, y'all are great!

 

[.Music.]

acupuncture did wonders for my spider bite (unknown type). it was on the inner aspect of my left wrist. (how'd ya like to massage with that! )
i did have some neurological dysfunction for a time. i was slightly off-balance, and had trouble speaking, like the words would not come out of my mouth even though i could hear them in my head. things like driving, massaging and walking were okay, but finer motor movement was not easy.

lots of acupuncture and herbs were a blessing.