Psycho-Babble Social Thread 733399

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Re: I got bit!

Posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:14:37

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:01:10

Do I need a tetanus shot? I don't remember the last time I got one. In fact I don't remember if I've ever gotten one.

The wound is really minor. It's less than 1 cm and is my on finger. Some skin was scraped off. The wound isn't deep or anything, it's just on the surface.

Maybe I should get a tetanus shot anyways since it's been forever since I've had one?

I don't know if the dog had rabies and I know I won't be able to find the dog again. What should I do? Do I need rabies shots?

Deneb*

 

Re: I got bit! » Phillipa

Posted by Quintal on February 16, 2007, at 23:17:37

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Quintal, posted by Phillipa on February 16, 2007, at 22:57:55

Rabies was eradicated a long time ago and with Britain being an island it stays that way with the help of strict quarantine laws (which have now been relaxed).

__________________________________________________

The English Channel, dog licensing, killing of stray dogs, muzzling and other measures contributed to the eradication of rabies from the United Kingdom in the early 20th century.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies
__________________________________________________

Q

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by Quintal on February 16, 2007, at 23:22:13

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:14:37

It's very unlikely the dog had rabies Deneb it's mistresses would have noticed and would not have been walking around with it. You might want to get some shots for peace of mind though. I think I read they're effective in preventing death and and the worst of the damage if you get vaccinated within the first 24 hours.

Q

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by Phillipa on February 16, 2007, at 23:22:42

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:01:10

Deneb I'm sure it's fine and yes dogs get rabies shots at six months in the US. Love Jan please don't worry.

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:27:09

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Phillipa, posted by Quintal on February 16, 2007, at 23:17:37

OK, I'm kind of freaking out a bit now.

Should I see a doctor tomorrow for a tetanus and rabies shot? It seems really silly to go to the doctor because it's a superficial wound, but the attack was unprovoked. Now I'm worried the dog might have rabies.

What should I do? If the dog had rabies I need the shot right away.

What should I do?

Deneb*

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by Phillipa on February 16, 2007, at 23:29:53

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:27:09

Deneb calm down. The dog was on a leash right? Had owner? So I'm sure you will be fine. Love Phillipa

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by Quintal on February 16, 2007, at 23:31:34

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 23:27:09

It seems very unlikely that people would walk around with a rabid dog close to their person, no matter how great their affection for it. Try not to worry Deneb, the tetanus might be a good idea just in case and he might recommend a rabies shot to be on the safe side.

Q

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 0:23:02

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Deneb, posted by Quintal on February 16, 2007, at 23:31:34

My Mom really doesn't want me to go to get a tetanus shot tomorrow. She says it's silly to go to the doctor for such a superficial wound. I told her I should get a tetanus shot every 10 years anyways and I'm due, but then she told me people go decades without a tetanus shot and are OK.

It's about *prevention*!!!! Why can't my Mom be understanding about this? She seriously has problems with going to the doctor. My Mom doesn't like to go to the doctor unless she's really sick. She didn't even want me to go to the ER when I took too much aspirin and the nurse I called told me to go to the ER.

My Mom cares too much about what others think. She thinks the doctor will think it's silly and wrong of me to want to get a tetanus shot after a superficial dog bite.

What will getting the shot hurt? There are practically zero downsides to getting a shot vs possible death in the rare but deadly disease. The shot doesn't even cost anything! It's free.

My Dad supports me. He told me it's a good idea to get a tetanus shot. My Mom doesn't want me to get one.

I'm getting a tetanus shot for peace of mind. I'm due for one anyways, I may as well go tomorrow. To heck with what my Mom thinks!

Deneb*

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 0:35:06

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 0:23:02

I'm kind of pissed off at my Mom right now. It seems like she cares more about what others think than she does about me.

If my Mom thinks playing the lottery is a good idea, why doesn't she think getting a vaccine is a good idea? If she thinks there is a chance of winning the money, why doesn't she think there is a chance of getting a rare but deadly disease?

I'm angry at my Mom. Why doesn't she want me to prevent getting a deadly disease? Would she have had me vaccinated as a child if it were not required for school?

Doesn't she care about me? How come she cares more about what others think? I swear, if I were seriously suicidal my Mom would rather I be unsafe and at home and check up on me by phone rather than in a hospital. She would rather risk me dying than go through the "humiliation" and "shame" of hospitalization.

Deneb*

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 1:01:31

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 0:35:06

I remember once when my little sister was very ill. She couldn't keep anything down. My Mom took her to the doctor and the doctor said my sister was very dehydrated and said she should go to the hospital if she stayed the same.

My Mom didn't take my sister to the ER. She's never taken us to the ER. Was she worried about money? We didn't have insurance back then in California. She was willing to risk my sister's life for money?

If I had been the mother I wouldn't have hesitated to take my sister to the ER for some fluids. Dehydration can be deadly in a small child.

I remember once I was very sick. I was so sick I thought I was dying. Maybe I was dying, I don't know. I was having trouble breathing. Did my Mom take me to the hospital? No. I seriously thought I was dying and my Mom didn't even take me to the doctor.

Pissed off! What's wrong with my Mom? She's willing to risk our lives?

Pissed off! So angry right now.

Deneb*

 

tetanus

Posted by NikkiT2 on February 17, 2007, at 5:16:30

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 0:23:02

Actually, in the UK they have stopped giving regular tetanus shots, or giving it for minor wounds as over use of the shot has caused the usual problems with resistance to the shot..

You will be fine Deneb.. Keep the little cut clean and allow it to heal.
You will only become frightened of dogs if you cause yourself to.. I've had ~so~ many dog bites over the years and they're still my favorite animal, and I've never had any problems.

Nikki

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by NikkiT2 on February 17, 2007, at 5:23:27

In reply to Re: I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 1:01:31

and calm down about your mother..

I have ~never~ been an ER in my life.. childhood illnesses can feel terrible, but they pass and very rarely need an ER visit. The fact that when ill you weren't taken there doesn't mke your mother an evil person or a bad mother.

As I said above, tetanus jabs have been seriously over used, and as such, tetanus has started building resistance to it, so its used pretty infrequently in the UK now. Maybe your mum has read about that?

And, as for rabies jabs.. Its not a simple case of one injection. Its a long, very painful series of injections that are given in your stomach. Its not a simple thing, pretty major and makes you pretty ill. (A friend had to got hrough these in Vietnam after being bitten by a dog that it was suspected had rabies.. this was in Vietnam though remember, and it was a wild dog not a pet on a lead).

Now would be a really good time to start practicing mindfulness..

And try to remember, no one tells parents the way to be perfect, and I dont think I know ~anyone~ who thinks their parents are perfect.. Most think their parents did the best they could, earning as they went, and I think this is pretty true of your Mum too..

You'll be fne.. I promise

 

Re: I got bit! » NikkiT2

Posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 13:59:26

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Deneb, posted by NikkiT2 on February 17, 2007, at 5:23:27

Thanks Nikki

((((Nikki))))

You made me feel a lot better. You're right, my Mom does care about me. I was sick and wasn't comforted enough, but I made it out OK.

I've decided I don't need a tetanus shot right away.

Deneb*

 

Re: I got bit! » NikkiT2

Posted by madeline on February 17, 2007, at 14:46:52

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Deneb, posted by NikkiT2 on February 17, 2007, at 5:23:27

Boy if I had a dollar everytime someone told me that my parents did the best they could, I would be a rich rich woman.

Sometimes what parents do isn't their best at all.

Sometimes it is downright awful.

 

Re: tetanus » NikkiT2

Posted by Quintal on February 17, 2007, at 15:52:11

In reply to tetanus, posted by NikkiT2 on February 17, 2007, at 5:16:30

>Actually, in the UK they have stopped giving regular tetanus shots, or giving it for minor wounds as over use of the shot has caused the usual problems with resistance to the shot..

They do still give tetanus for minor injuries - I had one last year when I dislodged my thumbnail with a hammer at work. The district nurse at my GP's surgery asked me if I wanted one since it had been more than 10 years since my last. I think they would give you a tetanus for an animal bite, but they do seem to have stopped calling otherwise healthy people to the surgery every ten years for a booster.

Q

 

Re: I got bit! » madeline

Posted by Kath on February 18, 2007, at 11:37:24

In reply to Re: I got bit! » NikkiT2, posted by madeline on February 17, 2007, at 14:46:52

> Boy if I had a dollar everytime someone told me that my parents did the best they could, I would be a rich rich woman.
>
> Sometimes what parents do isn't their best at all.
>
> Sometimes it is downright awful.

(((((((((((((((((Madeline)))))))))))))))))
So sorry you suffered as a kid. No child deserves that. I'm sorry for the pain you obviously endured.

A lot of parents do the best they can. But you're right. There ARE some cases where the person should not have been allowed to have anything to do with raising a child. It sounds you deserve to have had WAYYY better people looking after you.

I send you my love, Kath

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by Dinah on February 18, 2007, at 11:54:11

In reply to I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 20:26:32

Most likely the dog was perfectly healthy, since it being walked. My son got bit by a family friend's dog when he was quite young. It just raced at him and bit him on the tummy as he walked in the door. He hadn't so much as noticed the dog yet so the attack from nowhere scared him senseless. The doctor wasn't particularly concerned, even though it broke the skin (through his shirt) and caused a nasty bruise. We made sure it didn't get infected.

Such behavior is not at all usual from dogs. My son had had lots of contact with dogs and this encounter didn't cause him to be afraid of them, although it probably reinforced our cautions about approaching strange dogs carefully. I don't think there's any reason to fear dogs in general, but it might be a good idea to visit some friendly dogs if you know anyone who owns them. At our house you'd come to no more harm than being licked to death, even if you were an armed intruder. And at my parent's home, the burglars not only weren't stopped by my collies, but one of them stole one.

Dogs are just as different as people.

 

Re: I got bit! » Deneb

Posted by fayeroe on February 18, 2007, at 13:05:30

In reply to I got bit!, posted by Deneb on February 16, 2007, at 20:26:32

> A little dog bit me today!
>
> I was walking to the bus stop and there were two teen girls walking their little white dog. (I don't know what breed it is). As I walked past the dog, the dog came at me and bit my hand. It didn't hurt much, but the bite drew blood.
>
> I hope I won't be afraid of dogs now.
>
> I didn't do anything to provoke the dog. I was just walking past it on the sidewalk. Is there anything I could have done to prevent this? Do lots of dogs bite? Should I be weary of dogs from now on?
>
> I was lucky to have a miniature first aid kit with me in my backpack. I didn't have alcohol swabs, but I had iodine.
>
> Deneb*

if it was a little dog, were you bending over it to pet it when it bet your hand or did it jump at you? if you were trying to pet it, it could have been scared.......

 

Re: I got bit! » Dinah

Posted by Quintal on February 18, 2007, at 14:15:08

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Deneb, posted by Dinah on February 18, 2007, at 11:54:11

Yes, Dinah I didn't mean to imply collies were particularly notorious for being malicious biters (that honour goes to Jack Russell Terriers). It was just co-incidence that my Smudge is a collie and the dog that bit me was also a collie. My Staffie X Doberman cross is an affectionate, gentle soul despite her formidable parentage.

Q

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by fayeroe on February 18, 2007, at 14:26:24

In reply to Re: I got bit! » NikkiT2, posted by Deneb on February 17, 2007, at 13:59:26

> Thanks Nikki
>
> ((((Nikki))))
>
> You made me feel a lot better. You're right, my Mom does care about me. I was sick and wasn't comforted enough, but I made it out OK.
>
> I've decided I don't need a tetanus shot right away.
>
> Deneb* maybe this will help. when i worked in ER, i really don't remember giving any tetanus shots for dog bites.......


Where is the tetanus germ found?
The tetanus germ is present throughout the environment and is commonly found in soil contaminated with manure.

.....i googled it......

 

Re: I got bit! » Quintal

Posted by Dinah on February 18, 2007, at 15:14:14

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Dinah, posted by Quintal on February 18, 2007, at 14:15:08

Oh no, I didn't think you were. I wasn't consciously thinking of your post.

I've just been lucky to never have had a biting dog, although I did have an attack cat. (I suppose lucky. We were burgled four times while we had collies, and as I said, one time the burglar stole the collie. Perhaps a bit of guard dog spirit would have helped. On the other hand, the cat bit the petsitter and I'm still scared of cats.)

 

Re: I got bit! » Dinah

Posted by fayeroe on February 18, 2007, at 15:20:54

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Quintal, posted by Dinah on February 18, 2007, at 15:14:14

i was attacked by two pitbulls in 2002 and while preparing my report for the city where i lived, i did a lot of research about "biting dogs"....

i was so shocked to learn that golden retrievers are among the worst to bite. i picture them, sitting by the fireplace, smiling, while the owners play a quiet game of scrabble.......:-)

beagles were on the list and i remember one of my veterinarians telling me that he was bitten more by beagles than any other breed that he treated.

i have pitbulls next door to me and one of them i "take care of"......as his owners don't feed him. he is the sweetest baby but i watch him watch my cats and i always keep in mind his origins. (the reason he was bred,in the first place) but you couldn't ask for a sweeter and more loving dog....pat

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by saturn on February 18, 2007, at 23:58:28

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Quintal, posted by Dinah on February 18, 2007, at 15:14:14

Dinah a friend of mine's mom was bitten by a dog recently and the doc prescribed her augmentin (penicillin and clavulinate) for about a week or 10 days.

 

Re: I got bit! » Kath

Posted by madeline on February 19, 2007, at 6:14:18

In reply to Re: I got bit! » madeline, posted by Kath on February 18, 2007, at 11:37:24

thank you Kath.

It's been a lot to recover from. But things can be good.

Maddie

 

Re: I got bit!

Posted by Dinah on February 19, 2007, at 11:33:16

In reply to Re: I got bit! » Dinah, posted by fayeroe on February 18, 2007, at 15:20:54

Doesn't surprise me at all. Unfortunately any breed that is popular and widely bred won't always be bred by those who carefully screen for temperament.


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