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.
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