bee sting

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clariceak
clariceak Member Posts: 752
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I have mild lymphedema.  Today I was in the yard and some yellow jackets were building a nest, which I didn't notice until too late.  One of them stung me in my lymphedema arm.  I'm scheduled to fly 800 miles on Thursday to see my onc and I'm really hoping I don't get cellulitis.

Are there any suggestions on preventing it at this point, or will it all be luck?

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited June 2011

    Clarice. I would suggest washing it (if you have an antiseptic soap that would be good) and using an antibiotic ointment on it. Keep your eyes open.

    Do you have a sleeve and glove/gauntlet for the flight?

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2011

    Oh, Clarice, bummer!Frown

    And stay really well hydrated, elevate you arm as much as possible. Take a few deep abdominal breaths whenever you think of it (helps stimulate the lymph system.)

    Watch for any signs of cellulitis and act immediately if you suspect it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    Keep us posted!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2011

    Thank you!

     I do have a sleeve and I'll take all your advice.  Binney - the flight is from the little town with the scary runway (where your grandkids live) to Seattle so I'm really hoping there won't be any complications.

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2011

    just circled the area that is red around the bee sting and it is almost 2 inches by 1.5 inches.  Its grown quite a bit since I last looked at it.  Do you think I should head to er?  I know you are not medical doctors, blah, blah, just looking for some guidance.

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  • unlimited
    unlimited Member Posts: 327
    edited June 2011

    Clarice --

    Do you have a fever.... or chills?  Celluiltis can come on very fast esp for us gals with LE.  Prior to me heading to ER - I had the fever and the chills but no real redness ( just warmth in the arm area). However my short trip there - about 15 mins I was surprised when I removed my arm from shirt and how the redness abruptly appeared.  Might be a good idea to head in esp since you have an upcoming flying trip.

    One other time - I noticed redness on my arm and got myself to the ER - and was able to prevent cellulitis occuring and just had oral prescription given to me.  The other two times put me in the hsp for 3 days receiving IV antibiotics.

    Hugs to you.....  

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2011

    The redness seems to be subsiding.  I circled the area and it may have been a reaction to my ice pack.  I'll keep on eye it for a while, (while my arm is elevated).

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2011

    Clarice, keep it cool but not cold (cold draws lymph fluid and will eventually cause more swelling). If the reddened area is shrinking, that's a good sign, but don't hesitate to head out to the ER if it doesn't get better, or if you start to feel flu-ish. MUCH better safe than sorry.

    If you have to go, be sure to say LYMPHEDEMA and CELLULITIS to them, because they can be slow on the uptake (ER people are not always real familiar with LE).

    Set your alarm for the middle of tonight and check on it, yes?

    Hey! For Mother's Day the kids gave me a subscription to the newspaper from that little town with the scary airport -- love it! It's my escapist reading.Cool Some people read romances or mysteries, I read the police blotter from the Sentinel. (Hey, it's not every newspaper where you can read that at 11:30 PM the police helped a couple figure out how to turn on the lights of their new vehicle.) I'm so jealous!

    Really hoping you have an uneventful night and a refreshing trip. Well, as refreshing as a trip to the onc can be.Tongue out

    Keep us posted,
    Binney

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited June 2011

    Binney - too funny about the police blotter.  You know you're in a small town when a guy reported urinating on a snowman makes the news.

    The redness is almost all gone and no other symptoms.  It looks like I'm ready for the big city!  I know my latest bloodwork was fine so it should be a good visit with my onc.  I just need to remember to suck in my tummy when I see her.  Ooph related weight gain is a bummer.

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