Help Please!!! LE or Cellulitis

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allisontom911
allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

This started on Friday as extreme pain in my wrist. I could not bend my writst back or wave (move hand side to side) Then mid-morning saturday I felt pretty good, I had taken some ibuprofen. I also had worm my sleeve and guantlete. So I took off he sleeve and seemed ok. Then about 5 hours later the pain was mid-arm to the top of my arm. Swelling and red blotches, hot to touch. Now I am achy all over and have a mild temp of 99.5.

Do I go to the ER now or wait until Monday to call my doctor. And what doctor do I call? Onc, GP, Breast surgeon, LE specialist???

Thanks in advance for any replys. I am very worried :(

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  • amoccia53160
    amoccia53160 Member Posts: 57
    edited July 2011

    Go to the ER.  It will put your mind at ease.  Don't want to risk a clot.

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  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited July 2011

    Hi, Allison; I'm not a medical professional, but from what I have been told, this could be serious, you need to go to the ER.  It sounds like an infection, and because your immune system is operating with fewer defenses (nodes are defensive) you are more at risk than average patient.  If the ER wants a doc,either your onc or your GP are suitable, in my mind.  

    I have not had this problem myself, but many years ago my mom did, and she needed a full course of antibiotics, pronto.  Delaying the treatment gives the bacteria too much opportunity.

    A clot is also a risk. 

    Warmly,

    Cathy 

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

    Allison, if you haven't left for the ER, GO NOW. Cellulitis (infection) spreads rapidly and can become systemic. Take your hospital kit (toothbrush, a good book, etc.) with you just in case you need to stay overnight for IV antibiotics. Please do let us know how you're doing.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    Thanks everyone...I havent left for the ER yet. I do have some antibiotics on order that I had on file at Walgreens. I am wearing my sleeve and gauntlet. My fever is only 99.5 so that is doing ok. I may call my GP or Onc and see what they say. I hate going to the ER

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  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited July 2011

    Hi, Allison, if you decide to call the doc before going to the ER, be sure to tell his or her service that this is an emergency.  It is.  

    Binney is right, these infections move extremely rapidly and head for vulnerable spots.

    I hate going to the ER too; not a pleasant prospect at all, I know.  but please don't underestimate what is happening.

    The kind of antibiotics used to fight cellulitis are not run of the mill, and it might not be a good idea to start a course of something that is not prescribed for your condition.  And again, Binney is right, a monitored IV drip might be prescribed to preserve your overall health.

    Warmly,

    Cathy 

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    Does this sound like cellulitis? I have a rash on my forearm and then a little bit of a rash on my inside of my upper arm. I guess I will just drive myself to the hospital, my hubby can stay home and watch our 21month old son. I certainly dont want him at the ER with me. Guess I will take my computer just in case too.

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

    Allison, yes it does. Here's a page about it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    NO COMPRESSION GARMENTS with a possible infection!! Do take those off, as they can spread the infection.

    Hug that little guy for us and head to the hospital. MUCH better safe than sorry.

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited July 2011

    GIRL I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I am with you this weekend recovering from a bout that started Monday.

    GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE ER ...waiting is a big gamble and the inconvenience now is a lot better than the issues that will pop up for your day to day if you have to have a hospital stay more than a day with a small child.

    We want to think a little redness is nothing. It is hard to believe something so incidental is a problem. Trust what you see and know that self care is the best answer with funky lymph systems.

    Hope you just need some antibiotics and elevation this weekend like me!

    Moogie 

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    after arguing with the doctor i have been admitted. i can not blieve how much pain i am in they gave me 4mg of morphine but it is wearin g off. I have been here almost 6 hours before I got a room.

    thanks for all of your help i apprecxiate very much

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited July 2011

    I am so glad you are being cared for! Hang in there---it will get better. I feel much more like myself several days in to meds and you will too! You did the best thing going to hospital! No question!

    Moogie 

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

    Allison, so glad you're there being cared for, but so sorry it was necessary.Frown Rest up. It gets better!
    Binney

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Allison - I hope that you feel better soon!!
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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited July 2011

    Allison, I'm sorry you had to argue with the doctor--too many women with cellulitis have to plead their case to uninformed ER doctors--but I'm glad you're getting the care you need and hope you get better quickly and get home soon.

    Kira

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited July 2011

    Allison-I am so sorry you are going through this.  Plus to have to be your own advocate!  Please get well soon.  Becky

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    fever finally broke last nigght, had been 103.5. boy and my entire body hurts so bad. my hips, back and shoulders. I guess my blood cultures are growing so it looks like staph. i have no idea how I would of gotten this. i have no cuts or anything on my arm. Any thoughts from you guys?

    Again, thank you so much for all of your kind words and guidence. Really appreciate it! 

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

    Allison, very often there is no obvious source--lymph fluid is a great place for bacteria to take up residence and grow.

    Some women get it after a cold/sinus infection, some with flying and some just wake up with it.

    Boy, you sure were sick, I hope you're feeling better today.

    Kira 

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Allison - So glad to hear that you are feeling better - wow, kind of scary!
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  • sflow
    sflow Member Posts: 297
    edited July 2011

    Wow--so glad you got it admitted and are under a doctor's care.  I had cellulitis twice but I really had no pain--just extreme, extreme redness and fever.  Staph is nothing to mess with.  Be well and keep us posted--praying for you.

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  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited July 2011

    Allison, I am so glad that you are feeling better!

    Cathy 

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

    Allison, thinking of you!Kiss

    Hugs and prayers,
    Binney

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    ok guys...more complications - The redness is leaving the arm area but his going into my expanders....WTF the infections disease doctor doenst seem to be concerned. I was getting better with the a/b i was on yesterday every 6 hours and now he changed it to something else because of what my blood cultures were growing. I am totally freaked out now. Will i have to have my expanders removed? I am just besides myself

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Hang in there Allison!  They are taking care of you.  Get some rest and try to relax and imagine that the meds are working!  Can you drink and eat?
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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

     i feel like the doctor should be giving me a different antibiotic since clearly this one isnt working. God if I have to have my tissue expanders removed I will be devestated.

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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    dianediane1968 - so did your expander side swell. My non cancer side is sooooo swollen. It is 2x bigger than the other side. I feel like it is going to explode but the doctor said wait...its been 12hours since the last antibiotic and it is just getting worse...i have been done with fills since May. Just was waiting until Sep-Oct to swap them out

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

    Allison, can you get your plastic surgeon to consult on the case? I hope it's getting better.

    I hope someone in your family can help advocate for you: really hard to do when you're feeling so lousy.

    Kira

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Allison - How are you doing today?
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  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2011

    My plastic surgeon does not have "rights" out at this hospital. My neighbor is a PA at my plastic surgeons office so maybe she can come out and visit me to take a look.

    The redness is better from my chest but the swelling is still there. They are doing 2 different antibiotics and we will see what it looks like tomorrow. The infectious disease doctor said we will see what it looks like tomorrow and they may have to take tissue samples. I was hoping to get out tomorrow but not sure that will happen. I dont feel to bad except the swelling in my expanders I am very very uncomfortable.

    Thanks for asking!!

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Allison - Can they give you something to make you feel more comfortable?  Glad the redness is getting better. 
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  • knowledgeforpower
    knowledgeforpower Member Posts: 184
    edited July 2011

    Hi Alllison,

    Hope you are feeling better.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation two years ago.  This past May I developed breast cellulitis out of the clear blue.  After I failed on a trial of oral antibiotics I was hospitalized for IV antibiotics.  The redness cleared in 2 days, but it took longer for the swelling to subside.  After 2 months I still have some swelling and truncal lympehdema.  So, hopefully your swelling will also subside with no side effects on your expanders. Take care, and I am sending lots of good thoughts your way.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited July 2011
    Allison - How are you feeling?
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