Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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hurleymn 07/01/2011

We had a kitten come out of the bean field behind our house Sunday evening while we were having a party on the patio. He/she was so hungry that we rescued it - seems to be only about 5 weeks old. Monday morning I was sitting and holding the kitten while it slept, and my sister turned on the kitchen faucet - well, the little thing FREAKED and bit down on my left index finger and when I tried to get it off, it bit down on my right index finger. I finally got the bites to quit bleeding and put on band-aids. As the day went on, my two fingers started to swell so I went to a walk-in clinic but they said they didn't treat such things. I called my PCP and the nurse said just to watch it and put ice on it. Tuesday it looked infected and red, so I went to the Urgent Care at the hospital and they took a culture, gave me a shot of penicillin and also a prescription for a different antibiotic for 10 days.

Today, I am so sore and stiff. I just want to stay in bed, but can't miss work. My immune system must really be in overdrive since the bites are right on knuckles. This is my first experience with a cut or anything like that since being DXd in Oct 2010, so it's been a learning experience of how the body works when it is fighting an infection and how the joints get worse during that time. Guess I'll have to be more careful in the future about rescuing kitties and injuring myself.

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Jane

deleted_user 07/01/2011

Jane - I am soooo sorry!! Who knew a soft little kitten could cause all this :( I hope your flare doesn't last so you can enjoy the weekend :) hugs to you :)

ThisToo 07/01/2011

I can say , cat bites can really HURT. The last time it happened I got a tetanus shot not that I wanted it. (I was pre dx then) but it was only last year and it did cause me issues if I recall.(the bite)

sandi7213 07/01/2011

See, you try a be nice and you get bit. This is so true with people to lol

Have a wonderful 4th, and hope your fingers feel better soon

deleted_user 07/01/2011

I had a cat bite once on my foot. I opened the sliding glass door to the patio and there was a stray cat on the other side of the screen. My cat went nuts, and must have thought my foot was the other cat....??? Well, my foot swelled up and became red and ugly looking. I finally called the hospital and tt a nurse. She told me I needed to come in. I told her I might, but asked what could I do? She said to soak my foot in water w/dishwashing liquid in it. I did, and it worked! Every couple of hours it would swell again, and I would soak it again, and the swelling and redness diminished. It was an ugly looking thing, but water and liquid dish soap did the trick!

AdrianaIna 07/02/2011

My regular doc told me, and I think it is true, that sometimes antibiotics can affect muscles and tendons. After a bout of ear infections this past winter I had tremendous soft tissue pain with the antibiotics. Something to consider, but yes, those kitty bites can be bad!
Take extra good care of yourself.

Stwin 07/02/2011

I use to be a pet groomer and every time I was
bitten by a cat I headed straight to the doctor! Cat bites can be so serious Jane, if
you see any changes be sure to call or go back
to your doctor. Have you ever heard of Cat Bite Fever? I always kept up on my tetnus shots. I think they are good for ten years and
any one that is around machinery or out door
pets should probably get one. Ask your doctor.
I hope you feel better soon I know how much
a cat bite can hurt.

hurleymn 07/02/2011

Hi everyone - Thanks for your concern. The antibiotics are doing their job - not healed yet but so much better. We took the kitty to the vet yesterday and everything seems just fine with him. Started him on his vaccinations but he is too young for the rabies vaccine right now.

we had a wild storm go thru Minnesota last night complete with 70 mph winds - woke up to lots of trash in the yard and my hibiscus trees blown over. My son makes fun of me and always asks if my joints are aching so he will know if a storm is coming - He's funny, but it's true. Maybe that should be my new career?

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

deleted_user 07/02/2011

Jane,
So glad to hear your feeling better.
The only cat I have ever had was a rescue and he was the most wonderful critter. I'd keep this little one at a distance when the faucet turns on though! LOL Maybe some one tried to drown it. They carry the scars of cruelty with them for a while. My dog was freaked by feet for the first year we had him. Pretty sure he was kicked in his former home. Enjoy your new kitty and have a wonderful holiday weekend! Here's hoping there is no wild weather across the country this weekend, and the RA barometers take a holiday as well!
Peace, Love and Hugs,
Jan

camba 07/02/2011

You are a kind person to take in a kitten. It could well have been dumped if it came to you at all as wild ones run and cower from humans - if you see them at all. Even kinder to continue after it "bit the hand that feeds it"...

Cat bites are nasty and your reaction not necessarily related to RA and its drugs. An acquaintance of mine ended up in hospital after a cat bite! Even my own pet kitty currently on long course of antibiotics. Thought she had a splinter but vet shaved hair and showed me the fang marks!!

Maybe if you persevere with this kitty he will be there for you on bad RA days as he grows up. Have found with mine when you get a kitten young they bond better but guess like people animals have their personalities.

I guess with RA we feel the symptoms of nasties of any description that come our way in areas that wouldnt bother a non RA person.

deleted_user 07/02/2011

Be careful! Kittens carry Bartonella. I have that before from a cat scratch and it's really awful. You may want to get checked for that.

basslure 07/02/2011

Cat Bite Fever, Cat Scratch Fever, do not mess with this see a doctor. The bacteria in any animals mouth (including human) can be dangerous, especially if you are on biologics. Any type of infection must be reported to your doctor.

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