Spider-bite Update

Well, we’re hoping that the spider-bite drama is finally heading towards its conclusion. While I still have swelling in the foot, a really warm red patch where the infection is hanging out and am still going for daily IV treatments, it seems like we’ve turned a corner.

The swelling isn’t nearly as bad as it was–I can see some (ok, a little) definition in my foot now and in a strong light can see my toe tendons when I wiggle them. I continue to keep it elevated and iced and evenings can be rough. More importantly, the foot supports weight now and I can walk around without crutches. I still limp a bit, but that too isn’t as bad as it was. Most encouraging is the results of my blood-work. The doctor said it’s basically back to normal. I have an MRI tomorrow which should tell us if the infection is out of the bone. I’m hoping—and I think all of this indicates—that the infection is no longer in my bone and blood and is just in the soft-tissue of the foot.

If the doctor likes what he sees, this Friday should be my last daily IV session and I’ll be able to move to oral antibiotics!

I never thought this would take as long as it has. I’m thankful that I was in pretty good shape to start with health-wise or this would have taken even longer (or I just might not have made it those first hours in the hospital). As M keeps reminding me, caring for my health and my body is part of our responsibility to care for all of God’s creation. Because I tend toward the lean side I’ve never had to watch what I eat; that will be changing  and once the foot gets better I’ll be working on getting more aerobic exercise…

3 thoughts on “Spider-bite Update

  1. Annie

    This is good news! I did think it might have killed an older man (person) as close as it seems that you came. Praise God for answered prayers!

    Looking forward to further updates.

    Annie

  2. Nurse Rached

    Derek,
    I am so glad your health is improving. I offer prayers for your continuing recovery! Sincerely,
    Mildred

  3. John-Julian, OJN

    Derek:

    I have been searching the exorcism files for a liturgical rite for driving out spider venom, but I’m afraid that even with 2000 years of liturgical experimentation and development, no one has seen fit to provide such a simple and practical rite! A wretched oversight, I’d say.

    I think it should have started out something like: “In the Name of One who shared our human feet, I expel you, O, nasty diabolical arachnid pollution…” Of course, it would be more effective in Latin….

    Such good news to hear that you are on the mend!

    And I’ll bet you now have a new mental icon for Satan: no bat wings or horns — just four pairs of legs!

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