"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Thursday 22 May 2014

49 Days And A Button Spider

My running streak came to an abrupt end on Tuesday morning when I woke up to the most intense pain in my head and neck. It was terrifying!

Rushed to ER and was treated and tested for a few things but everything just got worse. All my muscles cramped, blood pressure went up and heart rate soared.

In the end it was determined that I was bitten in the back of my head / top of my neck by a black button spider / black widow.


It was one of the most painful and horrifying experiences I've ever had. Some drips and medication with the anti-venom for the little buggers sorted me out and I am now recovering at home. Every muscle in my body is stiff and my joints feel swollen and stiff as well.

Obviously no running and I've been told to take things easy until at least Saturday. 49 days into my running streak...:(

That's my news today. I hope you all have something more delightful to share.

Have a super day! 

17 comments:

Karien P. said...

Good grief, that's terrible! Glad you're okay.

They're quite common here in Bloem too - yikes!

Giorgio said...

Sorry to hear about your painful experience, Johann. I hope your muscles will recovery soon.
Take care!

Kate Geisen said...

Oh my gosh, how terrible! And scary. I'm glad they were able to figure out what happened and treat you. Bummer that your streak was interrupted, but I don't think that should count as an end. You didn't skip a day, you had a medical emergency. Hope you have a super fast recovery!

Jill said...

UGH!!! Are those spiders common in your area? When I briefly lived in Alabama, they were common there and having a horrific fear of spiders, thrown in one that can cause such serious side effects, I was terrified of them. Our neighbor had a little family of them living in her air conditioner unit and I was just terrified of them.

I hope you heal quickly, Johann. It's just a small set-back...use the break as time for the body to get stronger so you can have an even bigger streak next time. Will be thinking of you!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Oh man, that's horrible - but I'm glad you're recovering! It's amazing what those little things can do to the human body. Guess we found the ONE thing that can break you ... heaven knows nothing else can slow you down! Feel better friend!

One Crazy Penguin said...

Oh no! I hate spiders and this is why! I am happy to hear that you are recovering though. A running streak is definitely secondary to your health. Hopefully you're 100% soon!

Char said...

That's just awful! I hope you're feeling a lot better soon.

Lauren said...

Oh my gosh! What a frightening experience!! I am so glad that you got to the ER. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for that terrifying experience, Johann! Thankfully, you went to the ER and on the mend now!

Amy said...

OMG - that is really frightening news. I hope you're feeling okay now and will fully recover. I always thought black widow spider's bites were fatal - thank goodness they aren't.

ajh said...

I am so sorry to hear about your pain and scary experience. Sorry you had to end your streak you were enjoying so. You'll probably start one again at some point. I hope you're back to running soon.

Paul said...

Whoa! That must have hurt. Glad they figured it out!
I have never been bitten but I have seem them in our backyard.

Hope you are back to running soon but don't rush it.

Christina said...

We have a ton of those in the garage and I leave them be but maybe I shouldn't. That's amazing they figured that's what bit you. I wonder if you rolled over on the spider and it bit you to get you to move? Hope you feel better soon.

coach dion said...

That is scary stuff... a coupel of years ago I was bitten by a spider on my leg, and while it was sore for a couple of days I kept running till the morning I woke up and couldn't put my leg on the ground!!!

My steak is at 898, but since I'm injured the last week has been 5 runs of 3km and 2 of 4km!!!

Robin said...

Holy crap I missed this post!! So sorry to hear. That's like everyone's nightmare come true. I'm glad you went and got care immediately and that you are ok. It sounds horrible...

Anne said...

OMG! That is absolutely terrifying! I am so glad they quickly figured out what it was and were able to treat you appropriately. Do take care and take it easy for a short while...big hug (((())))

Staci said...

Sorry to hear this Johann. Glad you are back on the mend now.