BRS Bite Testimonials

LeeAnn Parkes, Finger Testimonial
10 year struggle

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. (see photo)

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. (see photo)

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

Patient was seen and treated June 4, 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. (see photo) 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. (see photo) 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. (see photo)

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

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Phyllis J. Bryant, Medina, OH
Ankle Testimonial

On Saturday, July 14, 2001 was in Omaha, NE. On Sunday, July 15, I drove all day from Omaha to Medina, OH where I live. On Monday, July 16, I rested. On Tuesday, July 17, I drove my old Ford '78 F150 truck and worked all day at school. One cannot feel the necrotic bite until later. I don't know the type of necrotic arachnid that bit me. I know that I always kick my left foot back to rest against something. Not any more!!!!

Day 1 and next 30 days, Tuesday, July 17, 2001

I noticed an itchy red bump with 1mm diameter soft black center-three inches above my left ankle. I don't remember being stung. Sterilized the area and tried to remove the stinger. Wasn't a stinger, but soft center with 1 mm in diameter and 1 cm deep. Used an egg n salt poultice overnight. Left a clean white fleshy hole. For next 30 days used aloe, French green clay, sterile soaks; nothing helped!! More & more necrosis. Also researched about 100 hours on the Internet. I did not want surgery because it was directly over my Achilles tendon.

Day 14, Monday, July 30, 2001

Ulceration 1 cm diameter-Went to local doctor-said it was clean and ulcerated, but not a spider bite. He did nothing.

Day 28, Monday, August 13, 2001

Started taking daily photos of the bite.

Day 29, Tuesday, August 14, 2001

Second visit to local doctor-I had necrosis, 15 mm ulceration, pustules, purpura, and a bright red area about three inches in diameter. First doctor in room wanted surgery, but had never seen or treated any bites! This doctor prescribed debridement with saline solution. Second doctor in room put me on 50 mg Dapsone once daily [also used for malaria and leprosy]. According to Dr. Abrams, I should have been on 50mg of Dapsone 4x daily for 10 days when I first noticed the bite. Also ordered a 25KV Electronic Device and 25 spider traps!

(Day 31 photo)

Day 34, Sunday, August 19, 2001

I started the Hulda Clark "zapper box"-low voltage (4.2kv) [My friends let me borrow it until the 25KV Electronic Device arrived]: 7 min on, wait 20 min, 7 min on, wait 20 min, 7 min on Repeat every 24 hrs.

Day 35, Monday, August 20, 2001

Day 2 using Hulda Clark "zapper box"-4.27kv

Day 36, Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Day 3 using Hulda Clark "zapper box"-4.27kv. I returned to doctor; said he could see granular tissue-good sign of healing. All I saw was the volcanic ridge around the crater. I really don't believe that this ridge was granular tissue!

Day 37, Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Day 4 using Hulda Clark "zapper box"-4.27kv

Day 38, Thursday, August 23, 2001

Session 1: 25KV Electronic Device arrived (25kv; 0.5amps). Stopped the zapper box. Started using the 25KV Electronic Device: hit it 9 times; (In retrospect was not enough!)

(Day 38 photo)

Day 39, Friday, August 24, 2001

On our church's prayer chain was a request for a 20 yr old man from Brunswick, OH, [5 miles from Medina] for a brown recluse bite on the facial cheek-was bitten just this past Saturday. Seven days later already has a hole in his cheek. I also talked with another man from our church who battled the bite for 8 years and has a huge brown scar-like area on his leg. My cousin Erik from Michigan works with a man who was bitten on the facial cheek and had molars replaced.

Day 40, Saturday, August 25, 2001

Dermatitis of eyelids; severe swelling and itching of eyelids

Day 41, Sunday, August 26, 2001

Last day of dapsone (side effect of Dapsone is dermatitis.) Bite site is healing nicely. Most poisonous enzymes are neutralized and my body defenses can now invade the area and carry away this nasty necrosis.

Day 43, Tuesday, August 28, 2001

Session 2: 25KV Electronic Device: Seems to be a few spots that are not neutralized. Used the 25KV Electronic Device -hit it 12 times; (In retrospect was not enough!)

(Day 43 photo)

Day 44, Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Severe itching in bite area; used ice for the next 8 days. Severe swelling in the ankle area; by morning was normal only to become very swollen by evening. Anyhow, my leg is healing nicely-red area is only about 1 1/2 inches in diameter now and ulceration is about 2 mm deep with granular healing.

Day 49, Monday September 3, 2001

Yes!! Ankle swelling has disappeared.

Day 52, Thursday, September 6, 2001

I finally removed the protective bandage. Yes!!

Day 53, Friday, September 7, 2001

Took film of first 24 photos to Wal-Mart.

Day 54, Saturday, September 8, 2001

Scabs from pustules falling off; dry skin!

Day 56, Monday, September 10, 2001

Session 3: 25KV Electronic Device: hit it 25 times; Ankle is only slightly swollen this eve. Only mild itching

Day 57, Tuesday, September 11, 2001

One remaining scab of original bite now 1cm in diameter remains.

Day 59, Thursday, September 13, 2001

Photos will be ready for pickup.

Day 79, Wednesday, October 3, 2001

Session 4: 25KV Electronic Device: Used 25KV Electronic Device -hit it 10 times (zaps); this was the final time!!

(Day 79 photo)

Day 86, October 10, 2001

The final scab fell off; there is there is still a slight reddish area about 1 in. diameter, but I believe it's healed!

(Day 90 photo)

(Day 168 photo)

Day 391, Sunday, August 12, 2002

Took photo one year later; Area is still a brownish, red color about 1 ½ in. in diameter. Scar in center is about 1cm diameter.

(Day 391 photo)

Current Allergies: Now get tiny red spots (called petechiae) on my inside arms, hands, abdomen, thigh, and feet if I use any of the products below:
Balsam of Peru or Peruvian Balsam (in many lotions & cosmetics), neomycin (Triple antibiotic & Neosporin), Cinnabar (in many fragrances), two antibiotics: Tequin (gatafloxicin) and cephalexin, red wine, shellfish, and Medina, OH water (now comes from Lake Erie, Cleveland, OH.

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Ankle Testimonial
9 year struggle

Friday, October 13, 2000

My husband was bitten by a brown recluse 9 years ago and still has an open wound. He was bitten on the inside of his right leg about 4" above the ankle. He has been through the antibiotics, the hyperbaric chamber, the surgery to remove the necrotic tissue, the tens unit and several natural healing procedures nothing worked. After years of trying all of this he gave up and has just been living with it for all these years.

It is a large hole in his leg that drains, he puts antibiotic ointment on it and keeps it covered with a telfa pad under his support socks he wears to help stop the swelling. He had this going on when I met him in January this year, we married in June this year. With a little coaxing I have got him started seeing doctors at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas where I have my insurance plan. After vascular testing that rendered normal results he has been sent to see a plastic surgeon. Yesterday they did a biopsy to rule out all cancer possibilities, there was no cancer found. Dr Weber, at Scott & White, then recommended a nuna boot the has to be changed by them twice a week and is to be worn for about 8 weeks. He says he has seen great improvement in other patients with similar bites. Larry is so disgusted and non trusting of Doctors with all he has been through. Do you think this nuna boot will help? Will this bit heal completely with this treatment? Is there anything more we should be doing? Is there something better we can be doing? Does he need to come and be seen by you? I am desperate to help him get completely healed. No one should have to live in pain like he does.

Penny Moore

Tuesday, October 17, 2000

Larry is in Conroe this week and says I will not believe his leg when he comes home on Wednesday. He says it is all healing, new skin is forming, except where Scott & White had done the punch biopsy, The open area itself is closed and all of the little sores around it and down his lower ankle all have new skin. He has had no pain at all and no swelling even after standing/walking on it all day at work. He is amazed and is sure that it is on its way to healing up completely. Thank you for helping him.

We will be in for the follow up in a few weeks.

Penny Moore

(Photos not available)

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Lower Leg Testimonial
14 year struggle

December 2005

In July of 1991 I was bitten on my left calf just above my boot. I didn't pay much attention to the bite at first. I eventually went to the doctor. After looking at the bite, they said it was ulcerated and recommended I go to the Wound Center in Conroe, Texas.

In December 1991 they decided the best treatment was to cut out the infection. Before the surgery I had to go through tests...EKG, blood test, and chest x-rays. On Wednesday I went to have it cut out. The Chief Anesthesiologist questioned me about my heart. An accelerated heartbeat was just one of the many side effects of the spider bite. They had it back down to 100 beats per minute by Friday morning and were ready to go ahead with the surgery. Due to some issues I had with the doctor, "I told him I wouldn't let him operate on my dog"!

During the first 6 months I went to approximately seven different doctors. None believed me. I finally went to Dr. Smith in Houston, TX. He is the expert of spider bites in Harris County. He was the only one who gave me antibiotics along with medicine for circulation. It took the sore about 18 months to heal. But after a period of time it broke out again. This happened repeatedly working its way downward with each new eruption. At times I actually cut out the affected area myself. The second time it broke out I thought I had been bitten again. But soon realized it was the same bite that had irrupted again in a new location.

In a period of 14 years it has broke out 4 different times. The third time I went to a Cherokee medicine man, Billy Silver Hawk, who did more for me than anyone. He used a poultice to pull out the poison. I think he could have healed me up if I had not had to go to the VA Hospital during that same period of time. The VA only caused more problems. At that time either using a poultice or cutting it out were the only 2 options to get out the poison.

Due to the location of the bite it was inconvenient to work on by myself. I had to get others to clean and dress it for me. Since it drug on so long I had to do it myself. It was hard to tend the wound yourself correctly due to the fact it was so hard to reach and see what you were doing. The healing process took 1-2 years to heal. Then it would break out again.

Even when the wound was healed, the leg ached twenty four hours every day. And I had to deal with side effects of swelling and difficulty sleeping. But the worst thing was no body would believe me. Even my family just couldn't imagine this could go on year after year.

The forth time began June 9, 2005. I had stopped in an herb shop in Cold Springs, Texas. There I met a woman, Judy Lucas, that meeting changed my life. Judy loaned me a video tape of Dr. Abrams as a guest on Cal Baugh's program. He was talking about using the shock treatment on venomous bites. I went to New Waverly to her home to use her husband's mini stun gun on the bite. At the time the bite measured 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" long. So I purchased my own mini stun gun. Not long after this I looked at the Spider Bite Treatment website. I found we were not using the stun gun correctly for an old bite. We needed to cover a larger area using an extension wire.

On July 18, 2005 at 2pm one afternoon we used this treatment. Then later that same day my brother used the same treatment on my leg. After that treatment I realized that for the first time in 14 years my leg didn't hurt! After the treatment a hole developed about the size of your little finger inside the open wound. All manner of stuff started draining out. The fluid that drained was injurious to the skin and I had to continually keep it wiped off. I had it shocked on numerous occasions until it began healing from the inside out. When I got rid of the poison it quit draining and healed up.

I am so thankful for your website and for a doctor that believes in the out of the ordinary treatments and is willing to share that information.

E. Sloan
Texas

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Family Bite Testimonial

June 2006

I was so happy to find your site, and see confirmation that electric shock in small doses is being examined for these brown recluse bites. Years ago my father attended a safety meeting for the City of Baytown, and they gave the employees some literature concerning the use of stun guns on snake bite, as well as other venemous stings. Our family has been using this method to tread out brown recluse bites ever since. We live in Texas and these spiders are very common here. My sister was told by doctors that they would have to amputate her finger, and my dad used the sparkplug of the truck to shock her all around the bite just as you describe here, and within a week it was healing very well.

I also had a bite to my index finger, and my dad did the same thing and all of my symptoms soon subsided and the bite began to heal. We have since rigged up wires to use on a lawn mower or a four wheeler to be able to administer this kind of shock treatment in the event that there is no stun gun available. Just today I had to shock my daughter, I will get a picture this evening just for reference. I am totally amazed at how doctors let people suffer when there is a simple way to heal these kinds of bites. Thanks for your research and your website.

Zena - Texas

Note: Many technological advances have been made and now a mini-stun gun has been developed that can avoid the complexity of using a lawn mower to administer the shock.

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