Yikes, what should I do?

I couldn't agree with you more on that one Grace.

Don't you just want to tie up these quacks and toss them into a pit of feral tomcats, then leave them for several days?!

This was the first thread I checked this morning, hoping that Marie is getting better care. Like Grace, I hope we haven't heard because she is getting the help she needs.

this was first and last thread I checked this morning, now first one again after my all-day classes - still nothing. :(

I can't say you're all okay but I was relieved when I saw you last logged in (around 1PM today), I hope you're gone somewhere getting help and will update us soon!

(((take care))) and waiting..

Hey everyone and thanks for caring. I had to wait till 6 p.m till the clinic opened or else go back to the ER and we all know what happened there, twice. Anyways these clinics are open Monday-Friday 6-8. I just havent had the energy to move honestly. Last night I was up all night again, I was sick this morning and my arm is still the same. Ive been in and out of sleep all day and then it was finally 6 and I went to the clinic. Well, NOTHING, same thing keep taking the antibiotics and the red should go away. I give up and Im so sleepy and sick to my stomach that I have no energy to do anything right now. Like I just went through all the things I possible could do so maybe Im fine I donno but I dont feel fine.

Sorry I havent been quick to reply Ive just been so tired and not feeling well and my arm is still really sore. I'll get and respond to everyones threads when I feel better :) Thanks again everyone for caring and your prayers :)

Okay - your stomach may be upset due to the antibiotics. What are you taking for pain? ASA, Tylenol, Motrin (Ibuprofen) - any of these can help, although any of them in combination with the antibiotic could cause an upset tummy. Keep taking liquids, even if you can't eat. That will keep you hydrated. Drink whatever sounds good to you.

Try to keep that arm elevated as much as possible.

Do you have a family doctor? Someone you trust? It might be a good idea to call him/her tomorrow if the arm is the same.

And don't forget to get copies of ALL your medical records regarding this incident.

Please let us know how your arm is tomorrow.

Sending prayers that tomorrow brings a better day for you.

Coming back to say - make sure you take all the antibiotic pills in the bottle. Don't stop before they are gone because your arm is fine and your stomach is upset. If you stop, the infection could come back.

I'm certain all the other nurses here will back me up on this.

I'd suggest avoiding milk products except for yogurt which you should eat. Also, apple sauce is easy on the stomach and will help to keep you going. You are in for a rough ride, in part because of the poor treatment you have received, but keep posting here and we will help to keep you going.

Oh Marie, I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well.

But maybe this will ease your mind. Last year when my sister was bitten by her cat, she had 3 deep wounds in her wrist and she also was sick and listless the next day. It took her a good 3-4 days before she started to feel a bit better and she had much better care than what you got.

I will be praying for you that you have a full and speedy recovery.

((((((HUGS))))))

My arm looks a lot better today, it is still red but less sore. Don't worry I will take all my antibiotics even if I am feeling better. I suspect it is them though that is upsetting my stomach, but Ive been eating dry cereal, crackers, toast and drinking lots of water. Hmmm apple sauce sounds good though! I had a good sleep last night though but Im still really tired and am going back to bed again. I don't think Im well enough to go back to the gym yet Im still not feeling very well and I don't think I can use my arm.

Thanks for all of the good advice guys and for all of you who have posted and continued to post :) I'll keep you all updated for sure as much as I can, well everytime I wake up anyways, I have a feeling Im gonna be sleepy again today.

PS- I'll always remember this cat bite for how serious they are, and the care needed for one when I become a nurse (I start my Bachelor of Nursing in the Fall). Honestly this has been an eye opener for me really I never knew how serious a cat bite could be :eek:

When your feeling better,you may want to write a letter to the first Doc to tell him your story and how the antibiotics were needed right away.It may save someon's life later on.But may also make the 1st Doc mad.Just something to think about.
I had an operation on the 14th and one nurse did not care for me all day and I left that hospital that day on her shift in so much pain on my last day I was walking with my whole upper body half way down to my hips.I called the head nurse of the hospital and told her that the nurse that day did not take care of my needs at all (Even though she was a nice lady,she also did not take care of me.Weird!)The head lady in charge was very nice but I know how life is;The Doc's and Nurses stick together on complaints.But I really don't care.I just didn't want anyone dying on her watch.I'm calling again today to keep up on it.We need to express our rights as human beings to survive.

I just popped in before going to work and I was so glad to see your post Marie.
I'm happy to hear that your arm is looking much better today.
I pray that tomorrow will be an even better day for you.

((((((HUGS))))))

Yes, Grace is correct to say to take ALL the pills, and elevate your arm, and may I add warm soaks for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. Yes, if you should eat yogurt. If you do not like yogurt, take some acidiphilos(sp) caps. Keep drinking lots of fluids, water is the best!!! Did I leave anything out???
Sandra, the other RN

I'm very relieved to hear there has been some improvement. I suggested yogurt because the antibiotics will kill off the good-for-you flora in your gut and the yogurt will help to put it back. The antibiotics may also cause a certain looseness of the bowels (sorry!) and that's why it is best to avoid all dairy except yogurt, which you are doing anyway. Apparently, dairy products draw liquid to the small intestines and so make things worse (funnily enough, it was the doctor who was bitten who told me that).

It is hard to complain, but very necessary. Doctors and nurses can be incredibly good, but even the best make silly mistakes or have off days

I am checking on you again today too! Glad to hear it is better today, keep up with the meds.... Those antibotics are making you feel bad, make SURE you do not take on a empty stomach! One round of some I took wacked me out so bad that I came in from work one day at 2 pm, fell on the couch in my uniform and did not wake up until the next norning...

Thanks for checking! Yes Im taking my pills and eating the right things, staying away from dairy besides the yogourt ;) My body is still ummmmmmm doing some strange things though lol! Im feeling a lot better though and the redness in my arm is going down. I can move it a lot better now too! The antibiotics still upset my stomach even though I eat with them but I guess thats just the way it is!

Thanks for caring and checking in everyone :)

Just checking in before I'm off to bed and I must say I am very happy to hear that your arm is doing much better. :) "PHEW"

Antibiotics play havoc on my system also. Hopefully it will ease off for you in a day or so.

Take care and ((((((HUGS)))))))

Ahhhh I think Im heading to being healthy again soon :D
The redness is only a little around the punctures now!
The majority of my forearm is bruised though in all different colors!
At least I can move it though! I was able to go back to the gym today but I stayed away from working my arms.
Im still struggling with the anitbiotics though and it is weird they have never bothered me before :confused:
Maybe it is the type and strength that is doing it?
But I am for sure feeling better! Just thought I would check in and let you know!
Thanks again everyone ;)

PS-Only 6 more days of antibiotics to go :rolleyes:

I have followed this thread with interest and disbelief. I have always been told that cat bites - and even cat scratches - could be very dangerous, and that immediate medical attention should be sought. I can't believe the insouciance with which your injury was treated - or not treated, I should say. I am just adding my voice to the throng, late in the course of things, and I am glad that you seem to be doing better. Do take care, and keep alert, even though you seem to be healing. Don't take anything for granted, okay?

This is such fantastic news Marie. What a big sigh of relief to know that you are healing up well with no complications, well, except for those darn antibiotics.

Thank you for being able to keep updated on your condition.

Prayers still on the way for a full and speedy recovery.

((((((HUGS))))))