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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to go back to doctor? Infected bite.

68 replies

PinchOfVom · 10/01/2022 16:42

I was bitten over the weekend - Kept it cleaned out but had a phone appointment this morning at 9. Started antibiotics straight away.

I keep getting muscle cramps on my calf (where the bite was) and the red area has increased significantly since my phone call. I’m really worried, can’t straighten my leg, can barely walk and can’t get it comfortable. Part of me think I’m being a drama queen, part of me thinks I am wise to be concerned. It seems to be worsening quite rapidly. Am I expecting too much if the antibiotics?

YABU - You’re a drama queen
YANBU - yeah call doc back before they close. It shouldn’t be this bad

OP posts:
Takeoutyourhen · 10/01/2022 18:12

Are you on doxycycline? I had exactly this last year. Keep your leg elevated and take piriton tablets. It’s not fun. The antibiotics will combat the infection and the piriton will help with the swelling. Ring 111 as well.

Greydove28 · 10/01/2022 18:26

I had a bite in uk which turned out to be lyme disease. Had to go on iv antibiotics in hospital immediately. Im so glad i sought medical attention as I didn't think it was a big deal. My husband made me call 111 and it went from there.

custardbear · 10/01/2022 18:32

I take it you've got help by now, I hope it's ok

justasking111 · 10/01/2022 18:37

Programme on cruise last night one lady had this it became very serious. My superfit running friend was bitten by something she ended up in hospital.

Don't ignore please

Original poster
PinchOfVom · 10/01/2022 18:47

Thanks everybody, I’m in a&e now and to be honest the voting results have me the final push.

OP posts:
Hm2020 · 10/01/2022 18:49

Hope you’re ok op I have a nasty scar from an infected bite and got quite the telling off for not getting it seen quicker your in the right place.

Bakewelltart987 · 10/01/2022 19:04

When I was bitten I was told red is fine if you start getting lines coming of it tho then need seeing ASAP and if it's hot to touch that is signs of infection. Mine took about 5 days before the itch went and longer before the red and swelling reduced. Altho i never had muscle cramps.

Valeriekat · 10/01/2022 19:17

As I have got older my response to bites has really worsened and day 2 is much worse than day 1.
It probably isn't infected and is your bodies response to the venom.

Original poster
PinchOfVom · 10/01/2022 19:26

They’re deciding whether to admit me or not

I’m hoping i can just go home obviously

OP posts:
MayThePawsBeWithYou · 10/01/2022 19:31

stay if they admit you, you may need intravenous antibiotics, hope you are ok.

HeyUpits2022 · 10/01/2022 19:32

They might be going to give you some IV antibiotics if they're thinking of admission.

JanuaryBluehoo · 10/01/2022 19:34

Op are you ok?
You didn't say what bit you?

Was it cellulitis?

cansu · 10/01/2022 19:35

I had similar. After about 24 to 48 hours it started to improve.

alwayswrighty · 10/01/2022 19:42

Hope you're OK OP. I had an awful bite on my calf when in Rome once. Treated it with the wrong stuff and by the time I flew home my Dad had to pick me up from the airport and drive me straight to a&e because from my ankle to my knee was red, inflamed and felt like it was on fire.

Original poster
PinchOfVom · 10/01/2022 20:26

They’ve sent me home but told me to go back if no improvement in 24 hours

I had no idea bites could be this painful

Apparently it’s a deep one, wtf was it, a shark? I have like several inches of fat wobbling around on my calves at the moment so fuck knows how I sustained a deep bite 😂

OP posts:
alwayswrighty · 10/01/2022 20:29

🤞 it reduces by tomorrow.

Dancingonmoonlight · 10/01/2022 20:33

If it gets worse, go back to the hospital. DO NOT let them send you home. Sadly I know of somebody who died from an untreated dog bite last year. She would probably still be alive if she had gone to the hospital. Make sure your tetanus is up to date too.

Sidge · 10/01/2022 20:39

@Dancingonmoonlight

If it gets worse, go back to the hospital. DO NOT let them send you home. Sadly I know of somebody who died from an untreated dog bite last year. She would probably still be alive if she had gone to the hospital. Make sure your tetanus is up to date too.
Insect bites are not a tetanus risk…

Usually 24-48 hours for oral antibiotics to take effect so hopefully you’ll be improving by tomorrow. Try an antihistamine too.

Original poster
PinchOfVom · 10/01/2022 20:39

Sorry to hear about your friend

How do I find out about the tetanus?

OP posts:
Sidge · 10/01/2022 20:42

@PinchOfVom insect bites aren’t a tetanus risk. Don’t worry about that.

Dancingonmoonlight · 10/01/2022 20:50

I missed the part about the insect bite. Sorry didn't mean to frighten you. I was hasty trying to warn you of potential consequences. I'm still in disbelief that somebody died in this day and age and it could have been prevented.

justasking111 · 11/01/2022 12:40

@PinchOfVom hopefully the swelling is reducing

Thirtytimesround · 11/01/2022 12:45

If you’re in the UK call 111 asap and they will tell you what to do. You need antibiotics (if you’re already taking them you may need a different antibiotic as they target different things).

If left untreated this could get very serious.

Original poster
PinchOfVom · 12/01/2022 23:49

It’s just not getting better

I keep getting calf cramps when I walk, it’s like being on labour

Have spoken to doctor and she says wait til Friday

IS IT SUPPOSED To Be This Fucking painful? Can anybody reassure me ?

OP posts:
Original poster
PinchOfVom · 12/01/2022 23:50

Sorry if I sound aggressive but I’m going mad

OP posts:
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