Cat Attack Leads to Urgent Concerns
Hello everyone, I'm an 18-year-old female dealing with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome along with various other chronic health challenges. Just two days ago (Monday), my cat unexpectedly reacted during a moment of crisis and attacked me. I sustained multiple bites and scratches on my hand, causing significant bleeding and considerable pain. Afterward, I visited urgent care, where I was prescribed amoxicillin-clavulanate. However, I've since transitioned to regular amoxicillin due to gastrointestinal discomfort, even though I'm uncertain if the medication truly upset my stomach. Currently, my hand is extremely inflamed and red, and the pain is quite severe. This morning, I woke up after a sleepless night and discovered that I haven't been able to urinate since 7 a.m., which is now a full seven hours. I experienced a similar situation in the past, which was attributed to severe constipation and impaction, requiring an enema and an overnight stay in the ER while sedated. Although I do deal with chronic constipation, I've managed to go a fair amount over the last couple of days, so I doubt that’s the culprit this time. I've attempted various positions to relieve the issue, but nothing has worked so far. I’m starting to believe that my inability to urinate and the redness in my hand are unrelated. The discoloration on my hand hasn't worsened since yesterday, yet I've been feeling generally flushed and somewhat overheated. Unfortunately, my thermometer is malfunctioning, so I can't check for a fever. Regardless, I think my hand’s condition is stable and may not be connected to the urinary issue, but I'm curious if anyone has insights on whether they could be linked. Should I seek medical advice? I would like to avoid a repeat of my previous experience if possible.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 7:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with several complex issues right now, and I understand how concerning this must be for you. Based on your description, you have two main concerns: the inflammation and pain in your hand from the cat bites, and your inability to urinate. I’ll address each issue and provide prioritized actions to help you manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Hand Condition: The inflammation and pain from your cat bites may still warrant attention due to the potential risk of infection.
- Urinary Retention: Difficulty urinating could be related to a few factors, especially considering your history with constipation, but it needs to be addressed promptly.
Explanation:
- Hand Condition: The redness and inflammation in your hand could indicate an infection, especially since you were recently bitten. While the discoloration hasn't worsened, it's important to monitor for signs of infection, like increasing pain, warmth, or pus.
- Urinary Retention: Inability to urinate can have various causes including nerve issues, muscle problems related to your chronic conditions, or even mental stress. It’s particularly concerning given your past experience with constipation and impaction.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Hand Symptoms:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Apply a cool, damp cloth to reduce inflammation.
- If you notice worsening redness, increased swelling, spreading pain, or pus, seek medical assistance promptly.
- Continue taking your medication as prescribed unless gastrointestinal symptoms worsen significantly.
-
Address Urinary Issues:
- Stay hydrated; drink water if you can, but avoid excessive fluid intake since you are having trouble.
- Try relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or gentle movements) to ease any anxiety or stress that might be affecting your bladder function.
- Position yourself comfortably (sitting in a relaxed position may help) to encourage urination.
- If you cannot urinate within the next couple of hours or the situation worsens, it would be wise to seek medical attention immediately to evaluate for potential urinary retention or other issues.
Closing Thoughts:
You’re facing a lot right now, and your concerns are entirely valid. Keep an eye on both symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek help if things feel unmanageable or if you experience any new symptoms. Take care of yourself, and let me know if you have further questions or concerns.
Related Questions
Struggles with Upper Back and Neck Pain: A Call for Advice
Over the past twelve months, I've been struggling with significant discomfort in the region between my shoulder blades and spine. Most of the time, the pain originates on my left side, although it can occasionally start on the right. The discomfort typically radiates from the upper back and shoulder blade, ascending the left side of my neck, and making its way to my head. It feels as if a line of pain extends precisely along this path, encircling my left ear and extending into the area around my left eye and temple. Occasionally, this pain escalates into a full-blown migraine, rendering me reliant on ice packs and the quiet of a dark room until the episode subsides; though, it doesn't always progress this far. I often notice the pain intensifying post-weightlifting, peaking just before I go to sleep. Ibuprofen and an ice pack on my head become my nightly companions, yet come the next morning, I usually find myself incapacitated, suffering through a day where the pain lingers for a full twenty-four hours. While applying heat or ice may provide fleeting relief, it typically only dulls the symptoms momentarily. It feels akin to a mild migraine coupled with neck and back discomfort. Through experimentation, I’ve identified certain exercises I believe contribute to my issues, and I've modified my workouts accordingly. As an experienced lifter, I'm meticulous about technique and ensure I don’t exceed my physical capabilities. Some specific exercises I've pinpointed as potential triggers include: - Cable tricep pushdowns - Cable overhead tricep extensions - Front squats - Overhead shoulder press However, even on days when I avoid those movements entirely, like yesterday, I still find myself grappling with a mini migraine along with discomfort in my shoulder and neck today. In an attempt to alleviate my condition, I visited a chiropractor, despite my general skepticism towards such practitioners. He performed adjustments on my neck and back, administered several rounds of Electrical Stimulation, and suggested I book a deep tissue massage with their in-house therapist. We also conducted x-rays, which he opted not to share until my subsequent appointment. How considerate! It appears that discomfort between the spine and shoulder blades is a prevalent issue, and several stretches and exercises have been touted online as remedies. Nonetheless, I notice scant conversation about pain that extends to the head, temple, and eye region. As I plan to transition careers and attend the fire academy next year, I worry that this persistent discomfort may impede my ability to perform effectively. I welcome any advice or strategies that could assist me in managing this situation better.
Persistent Stye Issues
My four-year-old has been dealing with a stye since October 27. We initially tried warm compresses, which helped release some pus on its own. Unfortunately, the stye reappeared. I've been administering eye drops for the past four days, and while there has been some improvement, the swelling remains.
Understanding Generalized Ligament Laxity
For quite some time, I've been contemplating whether I might be dealing with generalized ligament laxity. I have an upcoming appointment with my primary care physician and I'm hopeful they can assist me in deciding if this is a relevant issue to discuss. My priority is to prevent any future complications rather than to treat present discomforts, as my symptoms are relatively mild at this point. The most notable issue is a diagnosis of hypermobile joint syndrome in both feet, which a podiatrist attributed to my early onset of bunions. Additionally, I've experienced locking of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in my fingers, which has hindered my ability to play musical instruments since my junior high years. I estimate that I can hyperextend my PIP joints by about 25 degrees or more in each finger. When I extend these joints fully and they lock, I can still bend them, but this action causes an uncomfortable snapping sound. The tendons over my knuckles tend to slide off during fist clenching, and the same is true for the toe joints in my feet, which also emit a loud snap as I move my toes. When I rotate my wrists, they produce numerous popping and cracking noises. My jaw also exhibits similar sounds, suggesting possible temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. I've observed what I believe to be subluxations in various parts of my body. For instance, my shoulder feels like it might dislocate under certain pressures, such as when I'm turning the steering wheel of a car. My knees pop out of alignment with a shift in weight, giving a slightly bow-legged appearance. Additionally, my hand can shift abnormally at the wrist joint, and my thumb's carpometacarpal (CMC) joint can pop inwards towards my palm repeatedly. Regarding conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and Marfan syndrome, I can easily demonstrate the thumb sign and wrist sign associated with Marfan syndrome, even though I don't possess a tall or elongated physique. While my PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints have notable hyperextension, the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints exhibit hyperextension just below 90 degrees—approximately around 80—but I could potentially push them to 90 degrees with extra effort. The same applies to the thumb test, which I can pass under pressure, but I can't do so comfortably. I can reach the floor with my palms while standing upright, and both my knees and elbows may hyperextend, though I'm uncertain if they exceed 10 degrees. If I had to estimate, my left elbow probably does exceed that mark, but I’m less certain about my other joints. If there are any specific tests or assessments you think I should undergo, please advise me. I am eager to thoroughly investigate this matter! Thank you for your assistance.
Persistent Right Abdominal Discomfort for a Week
Age: 31, Female, Height: 5’4”, Weight: 120 lbs. Medical Background: I have a history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia, psoriasis, asthma, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I am currently taking spironolactone daily at a dosage of 50mg to manage acne. I have no previous abdominal surgeries. For the past week, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my right abdomen, rating it between 4 to 6 on a pain scale, which occasionally radiates to my right side of the back as well. This discomfort tends to intensify, especially when I am lying down. Additionally, I've been running a mild fever, around 100 degrees, and I've noticed a decreased appetite. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or discomfort during urination. I initially contacted my primary care physician, but they advised me to go to urgent care instead, where I was again told to visit the emergency room. Reluctantly, I complied. In the ER, my blood pressure was noted to be higher than usual, anywhere from the 140s over 90s; typically, I have lower blood pressure readings. An analysis of my urine showed a slight presence of blood, and my urinary pH was on the lower side, at 5. I am approximately two weeks away from my next menstrual period. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, showing no significant anomalies. Following that, the physician recommended a pelvic ultrasound to exclude the possibility of appendicitis, which returned normal results except for a small cyst on my right ovary, deemed incidental by the doctor. As no additional tests were conducted, I was discharged with the pain still ongoing. What steps should I take moving forward?
Experiencing Sudden Elbow Pain During Push Exercises
Good afternoon, I have recently noticed a sudden, intense pain in my left elbow while performing push exercises. This discomfort began just two days ago, and I’ve had to halt my push routines entirely because of it. Engaging primarily in calisthenics, I often incorporate push-ups, dips, and archer push-ups into my workouts. It is specifically at the lowest point of these movements that I feel a sharp pain. I suspect it may be related to a tendon injury, though I’m not entirely certain of the cause. Interestingly, I don’t experience any discomfort when I’m resting or inactive. Additionally, pulling exercises such as pull-ups or inverted rows do not seem to provoke any pain. For context, I've recently begun performing unassisted archer push-ups and dips. I’m trying to figure out the best approach to manage this situation and would appreciate any advice.