I spent a restless night because of the burn on my arm. Finally, about 4 pm I decided it was time to go to the doctor. My greatest fear was that the doctor or NP would poo-poo my pain and burn and treat me like a complaining child and send me home to tough it out.
Nope, the doctor wanted to give a shot of antibiotics, give me a tetanus booster/shot, give me an oral antibiotic, AND a cream. The arm must stay elevated. Whew! Cream was applied and a pad and elastic bandage added.
What drove me to the doctor was a huge wide band of red going around my arm plus the excruciating pain at the burn and at the site of the red band. It was not the streak up the limb, but a band around. Plus, strangely, the band was constricting my arm. The 1.5 inch wide constriction was like where a sock that binds has been worn and the impression stays.
The doctor and nurse were almost more concerned than I was. I vehemently objected to the tetanus shot. When I was 21, I was stiff for three days following a tetanus booster. People worry about my lack of protection. However, a few years ago, a guy who was a medic in the Army said I probably had immunity and that might be why I had such a reaction. I don't know.
I have received my fair share of burns in my life, but this is the first time I have ever gone to the doctor or had such a problem.
Ooops, I had better take the oral antibiotic. And, I need to find the remote. Actually, I need a way to find the remote instead of spending hours searching. A clapper?
NO TALK of ALOE plants. I am allergic to green stuff on my skin and especially any kind of inner liquid. Maybe I will try aloe on skin not already irritated.
Additionally: Most doctors at this urgent care walk-in disappear after 3 minutes in the room. This doctor came in five times. Usually, the techs who do everything never wear gloves. The woman who applied the ointment used gloves. As time went by, the severity of the situation hit me.
Your turn
Have you ever had a "simple" burn turn on you?
Ouch. I am glad you went to the doctor. In the nick of time it seems.
ReplyDeleteEC,
DeleteIt feels better already. Yes, I was afraid what morning would bring.
As a veteran of cellulitis I can say that the red streak going up can come and go almost unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteLets hope the burn clears up nicely and the remote is not far away :)
kylie,
DeleteThanks for the well wishes. I hope it is not cellulitis! The red streak goes around my arm, not up. Still, could it be cellulitis? The remote was at the very end of my bed, about to fall off. I would have never looked there.
sounds exactly like cellulitis but it doesn't matter what it's called, so long as you are treated
DeleteMy beautician has cellulitis all the time on different parts of her body. She has said it is serious. Well, this is being treated. Thanks.
DeleteThank God you went to the doctor on time
ReplyDeleteMy elbow was burnt and it was horrible it took three month treatment of medicines and creams
Take care and stay safe dear
baili,
ReplyDeleteI was concerned but the doctor was even more concerned. That got my attention. A burned elbow? How did you manage that? At least my arm is not a bendy place. The oven is off limits for a long time. This burn is above my elbow, so it would get hot if I opened the door. I have to hold on to the counter with the right hand/arm in order to bend with something in my hand. Thank you.
goodness !
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to blog-land in a few days, I turn my back a bit and lo! this happens.
Burns can be nasty and turn infectious; your story is a common one. get well soon.
Ur-spo,
DeleteI have burned myself so many times and had no problem, so this was so surprising. This is VERY infected. Don't turn your back and maybe I will survive.
I am grateful that you were treated so well. So many times, our pain and suffering is dismissed by doctors. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteSonya,
DeleteThanks. This is the office where the nurse giving me a physical pre-cataract surgery said with disgust when I mentioned pain, "Oh, you're just constipated." No, it was a life-threatening condition!