CELLULITIS: how long to resolve?

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moogie
moogie Member Posts: 499
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I think this was my first round with a bona fide cellulitis. I went on Keflex on Monday, and finally dramatic decrease in redness and swelling has clearly taken place after close to 4 days. ALmost back to normal in appearance.

I am happy! 

I must take the drugs for 10 days---but how long does it usually take for the pain and redness to fully resolve .I am quite sore and tired, I think partly due to lack of compression and that it is my armpit involved. My dr. wants me to wait a bit longer before I don a sleeve....

Thanks in advance for the support.

Moogie 

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  • TifJ
    TifJ Member Posts: 1,568
    edited February 2011

    Moogie- I developed cellulitis at the top of my port catheter. I had the port removed 2 days later. Had 12 days of IV antibiotics then 11 days of Keflex and developed an allergic rash to the keflex on day 11. The dr. says the infection is gone, but the area is still mildly red and a bit purple-bruising perhaps? It was very tender and red for almost 2 weeks. I have not been on any antibiotic for 2 weeks now and the infection has not returned. Best wishes to you and I hope it clears up soon.

    Tiffany

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited February 2011

    I had cellulitis last July in my LE arm...I did two rounds of antibiotics and that cleared it up.  It takes some time.  Just take the meds the way your dr. tells you to - no mld, no compression garments...just elevate and drink lots of water.

    I 'felt' better within 2 or 3 days of starting the antibiotics, but I wasn't back to my usual perky self for a week or two, at least.  And I had a pretty mild case.

     Hope you feel better soon!

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited February 2011

    Thanks ladies. I needed a dose of realism. I was getting frustrated that I was so tired---but it probably makes sense when you are fighting an infection. I drove 4 hours to work for 2 days in a row at onset and I think it did not help the pain. Took today off- elevated- and feel much much better.

    Moogie 

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2011

    Moogie, if you're not "perfect" at the end of the 10 days, consider an extension of the course, also, do you have a new prescription to keep on hand for emergencies?

    I find if I have an infection--sinusitis, bronchitis--I get profoundly fatigued.

    It's so good you caught it early, but it's going to take a little while to recover. None of that marathon driving for a bit.

    Rest up and get better, and I hope it never, ever happens again.

    Kira

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited February 2011

    Much thanks Kira!

    It seems ridiculous that the smallest gesture can result in an arm that looks as red as a T-bone----but then that is the dang LE trademark I guess! It took 4 full days for the redness to abate, and I am thankful I had antibiotic on hand to start right away. 

     LADIES: keep your Keflex nearby! And have the scrip for refill. I keep 2 pills in my purse at all times in case this would happen at work.

    Hey, I wanted to chill and watch " PILLARS OF THE EARTH" miniseries anyway ....

    Moogie 

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