Updated
Updated · The Independent · Aug 5
Kansas Mother Survives 300 Milliliters of Clots After Suspected Spider Bite, Seeks Liver Transplant
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Aug 5

Kansas Mother Survives 300 Milliliters of Clots After Suspected Spider Bite, Seeks Liver Transplant

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 5

Summary

  • Britagne Miller said a suspected spider bite from a May 28 campfire outing spiraled into emergency surgery, ICU care and a prognosis of as little as three days to live before she was discharged July 11.
  • Doctors removed nearly 300 milliliters of blood clots from her leg, then treated staph and another bacterial infection as they determined she had end-stage liver failure on top of pre-existing clotting disorders and liver problems.
  • Miller said she refused hospice and is now trying to raise her hemoglobin enough to qualify for a liver transplant, with home health care continuing after multiple surgeries.
  • Her family has also been hit financially: her husband lost his job while caring for her and their children, and a $45,000 GoFundMe was still about $10,000 short at publication.

Insights

Can a common Midwest spider bite really push a camper with preexisting health conditions into end-stage organ failure within days?
How did a simple campfire outing trigger a catastrophic chain reaction leading to end-stage liver failure and financial ruin?