Brown Recluse Spider Bite & Tetanus: A Personal Experience

Question
I was bitten by a brown recluse spider sometime around May 29 2006. I sought treatment on May 29, augmentin and steroid packet, plus shots. I went back to (urgent care Dr, not primary) on June 2cd and the bite had to be lanced. I was put on bactrim and clindamycin.I am going to wound care every other day as the hole is about a centimeter deep and wide. There was necrotic tissue to be removed I am now experiencing mild lockjaw, tightness under my chin, and neck/shoulder stiffness, plus have been having headaches.

What are the chances I have tetanus? I think my last shot was in 1998, less than 10 years ago. Am I safe? What else could cause mild lockjaw and stiffnees?

Thank you,
Shelley

Answer
tetanus is very very very rare in this country because you had at least 5 immunizations as a child and some as an adult.... this won't be lockjaw..... it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a booster, but I suspect your symptoms are more simply from the infection and bad tissue damage and possibly from the medications.    Brown recluse spider bites can be nasty with all the tissue damage.