Gar

I’m sure your treating MD told you this but I will mention it anyway. The danger increases with repeat bites. The reaction can be more severe from a second exposure to the toxin in the spider bite. I lost one of my pharmacy patients in exactly this way. Her first recluse bite was similar to what you described. The second one had her in the hospital within hours. Sadly she did not come home.

Thank you for that info Doc, I was not aware of this. I now feel like a cat that's lived 8 of its lives

I guess I'll have to start being extra careful

I have been in the pest control business for over 40 years , have been bitten by Recluse multiple times. Depending upon bite location, some people lose extremities, fingers toes etc... There are a few deaths associated with brown recluse bites, but they happen ! Debris , material not moved over time creates an ideal habitat. Suggest looking on web .. venomous spiders of North Texas. Recluse spiders can live more than 4 years.

Wear gloves when working in cluttered areas and always always put pants inside the boots or tie pant legs , rubber bands, twine, etc ...

Oh yeah, it's there. I would rather deal with a snake then one of those things.