Arm Swollen with Intermittent Red Patches

crabbiepattie

My arm is suddenly swollen with red patches above and below the elbow that come and go.  Started after I tried an exercise DVD yesterday - I feel pretty stupid.

I haven't been diagnosed with lymphedema. I had physical therapy for tightness and cording in 2010 that was pretty successful. After I had cellulitis last year, my lumpectomy seroma was drained. Anyway, the red patches last year were more irregular and didn't fade. Could this be lymphedema itself and not cellulitis?  I have a doctor's appt with a gp late today. Thanks much!

Binney4

Pattie, I don't know where you live or how much later today your appointment is, but maybe you could move the appointment up? Best to get that seen right away, as cellulitis is (as you no doubt already know!) a serious threat. Do get help as soon as you can, and please keep us posted!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

crabbiepattie

Thanks, Binney!  Odd - my arm was a little better when I got to the doc's office. The doc agreed something is going on in my arm and ordered a shot and some oral antibiotics. My arm hasn't gotten really red again all evening, a good sign. If it gets bad again this weekend, I'll go to Urgent Care or the ER.

By the way, doc thinks it might have started with a bug bite and maybe not the exercise.

Binney4

Pattie, I'm glad he was able to jump right on this. You sure are on top of it--brava!

Cellulitis, especially repeat cellulitis, is a pretty good indication that there might be some pre-clinical lymphedema going on. There can be a whole lot of stagnant lymph fluid hanging out in your tissues before any swelling is visible or measurable. That's called Stage 0 Lymphedema, and without treatment it'll progress through the stages. With early treatment you have a great chance of keeping it in good control. And of cutting your risk of another round of cellulitis.

Any doctor on your team can give you a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist for evaluation. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Keep us posted! Gentle hugs,
Binney

crabbiepattie

I had a crazy dream of not meeting my big health insurance deductible this year.  Hah!

I'm going to call my BS to keep her up to date and to see what she thinks.  I'll get a pt referral at the same time - thanks for the reminder.

Next exercise DVD to try:  The Lebed Method:  Focus of Healing.

crabbiepattie

And thanks for everything, Binney.