Please - Your Info Needed

Happy2Be

Hello 

It has been just about 2 years since I had surgery.  So far no LE. I had only 9 nodes removed as I was reluctant to have more. I have heard some say that one or 100 it doesn't matter, you are compromised once a node is removed. I don't know.

Here's my question. Yesterday, I injured a knuckle on the hand of the operated side. I was cooking and the knife slipped and cut a small gash.  I immediately began treatment with alcohol other anticeptics and began taking Cipro (I had some left over from another time). I had no way of getting to a doctor. Does anyone have any further information, advice or maybe words of encouragement for me?  I have been so careful but, in life, accidents DO happen! grrr

Help?

Sandra

LindaLou53

Hi Sandra. 

Sorry you cut your hand but you are taking good preventive steps.   Unfortunately, you are at lifetime risk for both LE and cellulitis.  You do need to carefully watch for signs that an infection may be brewing.  Frequently check the area surrounding your cut for signs of increased redness, heat, pain or advancement of the reddened area.  Pay attention to any chills, fever, headaches or just "feeling ill"  type symptoms.  It is good you immediately cleansed the cut and applied antiseptics.  Keep the area clean and bandaged if needed.

You mentioned you started taking leftover Cipro.  My concern there is that once starting a course of antibiotics you really need to take the full number of days recommended and not just a few days even if you believe there is no infection.  I would recommend that you notify your physician of the injury and the steps you have taken so far.  Advise him of your antibiotic use and see if he wants to either renew your prescription so you are able to take the full required course or possibly he might want to switch you to a different antibiotic.

The problem with taking only a partial course of antibiotics is two-fold.  Even if you don't have an active infection, our bodies are full of natural bacteria and taking less than the required amount can result in "super bugs".   These are bacteria that  become resistant to antibiotics when they are not completely killed off with a full course of treatment.  The other issue is that if you DO have a subclinical infection brewing and you stop taking antibiotics too soon, the bacteria can come back with a vengeance and be more difficult to get under control.

I suspect that since you addressed the cut immediately with appropriate steps the chances are you will have no problems, but we can sometimes be surprised, so vigilance is the key.  Verify your antibiotic use with your physician and keep track of any worrisome changes in the injured area.  Other signs of a low grade infection could also be days of feeling achy, tired, chills, fever or headaches.  Anything that seems out of the norm for you should be paid attention to.  Just stay tuned into your body and don't delay in getting medical help at the first sign that things are "not right".  

Be sure to read the page on Emergencies and Medical Care at the Step Up / Speak Out website at this link:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

Let us know how it goes for you.  Hopefully, the cut will heal and things will be just fine...but your wanting to be informed and prepared is the wise way to go!