Yikes, what should I do?

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Thank goodness my tetanus shots were all up to date and Caramel had all of his shots or else I would be getting some crazy shots! When I went to outpatients, the triage nurse who I know said it was good I came in and that I would need antibiotics. Anyways she was the head of the nurses for the province and she is a nurse practitioner so I trust her but the doctor turned out to be a real dummy. He asked me if the cat had its shots and why it bit which I explained and he was satisfied, but he failed to look at my arm. The nurse had already explained to me that because the wounds were so deep I would never be able to clean it well enough and that it would become infected and already appeared to be starting. It was swollen and the red aroud the wounds was growing. Anyways the doctor said nothing, didnt look at it or flush and clean it. I asked him shouldnt I have it cleaned or have antibiotics and he said wait till it infects, and I said well is it going to and he said yes. So basically I have to wait till my arm starts oozing and turns bright red. I know they dont like handing out antibiotics all the time because they are over used, Im a science student I get it but hello I cant move my arm, the red is growing and it is swollen. Anyways I wanted a second opinion so I went to see if the after hours clinic was open but it wasnt so now I just have to wait till it is infected enough for him. Im in so much pain right now it isnt even funny and Im not impressed.

On a lighter note though, Caramel is fine, he cleaned the pee off himself pretty good and I helped clean him up too. He didnt get touched by the dog so it was just a scare. He is back to getting treats and playing as usual! I just went and bought him a little mouse that I can control with a remote He really likes it and I got him some temptations! He is a happy boy! Poor lad! It was a scary experience for sure! I hope he doesnt start hissing though cause that was the first time that he ever hissed or growled Anyways all is good for the time being and I'll be keeping an eye on my arm. Thanks everyone for your advice and concern

[Catty1]

I just can't BELIEVE you didn't get anitbiotics!

I got a nasty bite last year at the kennel where I work...and yes, if the punctures are deep enough, they won't bleed and clean themselves out.

One of the kennel owners got bitten by the same cat - and kept going into the city for IV antibiotics. Ooo!

Just keep your arm UP on a pillow or something...I hope you have some good painkillers.

The doc must have had his reasons, but I can't THINK what they are!

poor you!

Glad Caramel is better and getting treats! Now, who is giving YOU some treats?

hugs
Catty1

[Laura's Babies]

I can NOT believe that doctor! Ohhhhhhhhh!!!! I would have been raising holy heck! WAIT!! WAIT for WHAT? Darn, they gave me in antibotic shot in the hip within hours and a round of them to take for a week to be safe.. That really makes me MAD! Let it get infected and you suffer in pain makes no sense to me at all.....

[catnapper]

WOW!!!! When Pouncer bit my mom this past fall, they gave her both an antibiotic shot int he hospital plus a prescription for antibiotics, and her hand STILL got infected. Lets put it this way, a cat bite as serious as yours has a 99.9% probability of becoming infected (I of course made up that impressive number, but you get the point)

Please take care tonight and maybe ice can help soothe the pain.

[rg_girlca]

WWWWHHHHAAAATTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in total shock here. I cannot believe that doctor. WAIT UNTIL IT GETS INFECTED!!!! And yes it will become infected and them come in for antibiotics. I've never heard anything so ridiculous in my life.

Poor you. My heart goes out to you as I know the pain you are going through. Gosh I still can't believe this. I am totally at a loss for words.

If you are able to, please keep us updated on how you are doing.

Gentle ((((((HUGS))))))

[Lizzie]

The doctor you saw is a blithering idiot, no doubt about it. I hope you see a "real" doctor on Sunday as early as possible. This is not the type of infection you can fight off naturally, no matter how young and strong you are. When a vet tech I know was bitten earlier this year, she was at the hospital within the hour getting IV antibiotics, a prescription for futher antibiotics, and a booster tetanus shot. Although a tetanus booster is effective for 10 years, its effectiveness gradually diminishes - that's why they give another booster in cases of deep puncture wounds when your last tetanus shot was more than a few years ago. I'm just stunned by your doctor's ineptitude, though I've met a few like him unfortunately.

Please keep us updated since I know we are all going to worry about you.

I guess you will be making gradual introductions between Caramel and the boxer when you are well again.

[Grace]

The more I think about this, the more upset I get.

You really cannot wait on this. You need to begin antibiotics immediately. I hate to be blunt, but you could be in grave danger if treatment isn't begun soon.

[Grace]

You need to go back - NOW!!

You're going to need IV antibiotics - and might even have to be admitted to the hospital. Get yourself to a competent doctor ASAP.

I'm a retired RN and know what I'm talking about.

PLEASE - don't wait until tomorrow.