May 18: Brief because it hurts to type

Saturday, May 15, Oreo the foster cat bit & scratched me on both hands. Story later. Let everything bleed until it stopped (to flush out bacteria), used strong antibiotic cream. Left Oreo at vet's, started antibiotics within 3 hours. Swelling, both hands left worse than right. Thought it was blood collecting under skin. Sunday am clearly cellulitis despite pills and cream. To Paoli Hospital. Really started spreading rapidly: 1.5 inches up wrist in 2 hours. After nurse in triage got history and saw my hands things moved rapidly: 90 second evaluation from ER doc (who looked about 15 yo). She came in almost immediately, just after I'd changed into the wonderful hospital gown and before nursing staff had gotten into the room.

ER Doc: "You have a St. Judes's valve in?"

LB: "Yup, 2007. After 2 failed mitral valve repairs."

ER Doc: "And you got bit by a cat? Did it have immunizations?"

LB: "Yup, I took her for them less than a year ago."

ER Doc: "OK, let's see them."

LB holds up hands. One second later:

ER Doc: "OK, you're admitted."

IV antibiotics incredible. Hospital room the nicest I've stayed in. Food really good. Nursing staff great. Out after about 24 hrs.

Hands dramatically better but still some swelling. Left hand a little tight, right thumb & middle finger still painful. Very tired. Two different antibiotics for a total of five times a day. One giving me reflux, but oh, well.

More later when typing a little easier. Laurie