Cat bite

Sophie, actually, with infection, you don't use compression--but what you're doing is trying to avoid infection--the best thing to do is to wash it well, apply antibacterial ointment and watch it closely--any redness, pain, swelling, fever, fluish feeling--and you call immediately for a doctor's evaluation and antibiotics.

Unfortunately, cat bites can get infected with "pasturella" bacteria--responds really well to augmentin.

The sleeve won't "protect" you from infection, but you do want to try and prevent it, and seek immediate attention if there's any question.

Here's a link to cellulitis information:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm#CELLULITIS_%28INFECTION%29

Kira

Oops! Kira and I were posting at the same time!

Goodness, no, if it's infected no compression. But it's not infected yet, right? If you think it's infected it's an emergency and calls for a quick visit to your doc or the ER. No, "watch and wait"!

Hugs,
Binney

Be on the watchout for fever and node swelling. 'Cat Scratch Fever/Disease (Bartnelli h. - think that's the name) is a possibility from any cat scratch/bite or their saliva. Many years ago my Brother got it and was out of work for about 6 weeks - fever and node involvement.

Bartonella henselae

Oh my goodness, I have really messed up!

I have had lymphedema since 2007, being very careful to avoid anything (scratches, pokes, etc) and being very successful. So while I do suffer from constant swelling and symptoms, it has never cause me much actual pain.

Fast forward to 11/19- my extremely gentle 6 1/2 year old cat decided he was going to bite the crap out of me (in fact he chomped down twice to make sure he hurt me). It swelled, but I kept antibiotic ointment on it and I had a doc appointment on 11/23. By this time, the swelling and redness was gone and bite was healing nicely. My doc was very concerned and gave me augmentin and a tetanus shot. At this point, everything seemed fine. By 11/26 my arm started to hurt. Each day it hurt more and more even though I was taking the antibiotics. Finally the pain became unbearable and the swelling (my lymphedema) had moved up to my shoulder and partly in the breast (chest) area.

Under my doc's advice, I went to the ER. I should say the cat bite is healed and looks fine and my arm is not really showing redness or signs of infection. But did I mention I am in horrible pain? It ebbs and flows... between a 4 to a 9. After sitting there 5 1/2 hours I was finally given a 5mg loratab. They gave me a script for a stronger dosage of augmentin and 12 - low dose lortabs. The doc also told me to put on compression, which I see is a bad idea. I was told if I don't get better I will need IV antibiotics. I feel like an idiot that I didn't go immediately to the doc, but I am so confused how the pain didn't start til everything seemed so fine. I look like a stroke victim as I can barely lift my arm and have to move it with my other hand. I won't go into all the horrors at the ER but I seriously don't want to go back. Any advice from you pros?

Top pic immediately after bite- second pic the next night. Now it looks normal- no swelling or redness.

Thanks for your reply, Susan. I did see a lymphedema therapist. However, mine left the practice and I noticed this gal is an OT. I am getting the feeling she does not know what she's doing as she told me to wrap my arm, knowing it was infected. The er doc also told me to use compression. I even told her I had used it and it was making my arm much worse and she said that was just a coincidence. From reading here, I understand NOT to do this. I just wonder how much worse I have made things now. Still can barely use my arm at all, but taking the augmentin and praying.