Not sure to trust doc's knowledge of LE after bee sting

SG, prednisone is an immunosuppresant as well as an anti-inflammatory, so I can see your dilemma. Drawing the line around the reddened area to help you judge spread was a really good plan, and I don't think you need to call for an antibiotic unless you actually note spreading of the redness. But you might want to talk to your doctor and ask if there's any sort of anti-inflammatory you can use that won't expose you to further infection risk, because inflammation is also a LE risk.

Bottom line, you're certainly wise to be keeping a close eye on this and getting help early. If the pain worsens, the redness spreads, or you develop flu-like symptoms, hop on over to the ER. <sigh!>

Hoping you'll be all better soon!
Binney

A few months before my DX I was stung by a bee.  I had the same response and was given steroids.  It helped keep things at bay but when I went off them it came raging back. It affected the whole back of my thigh from knee to butt.  It was a hard, red, raised area and it itched.  I ended up being put on oral antibiotics.  After almost a week, it was not gone.  I had to go to the hospital and get IV antibiotics because it was cellulitis.  After that it went away in a few days.  

Thank you Jelson for that very helpful info!! 

I just wanted to add that I had allergy testing at the allergist - I didn't start the immunotherapy based on one systemic reaction 8 years ago, but on a panel of allergy tests AND the history of a systemic reaction. My reaction to yesterday's latest round of 9 venom shots has moved from my upper arm to below my elbow. I am popping claritan and benedryl (to hell with the tamoxifen - what is a few days when I will be on it for 5 years?). I have at least 4 more rounds of shots at more concentrated doses of venom to look forward to. I do not currently have lymphedema and am at minimal risk, having had a lumpectomy and no lymph nodes removed - however even I was advised not to have bp/shots in the arm on the lumpectomy side. In retrospect, I think I should have thought twice about seeking out this immunotherapy which purposefully causes inflammation in my body. I guess I am wondering, shouldn't we, and esp those of us at risk for lymphedema or with lymphedma all have a game plan worked out with our doctor that we are comfortable with in the event of a local swelling reaction to something like a bee sting? what to self medicate with, when to make appt with doctor, when to go to ER?

maynot be making any sense, too much benedryl?

Julie E

Jelson, this has nothing to do with a bee sting but remember when you posted about waking up with your red breast? How long did it take to go away? It happened to me 4 days ago and keeps spreading. Looks pretty ugly. Can you PM me with more details?

Where does that come from? I don't recall doing anything to cause this.

Artsee, I'm worried 'bout ya'!

Hoping you've gotten to the ER and have things all checked out and back under control.

Cellulitis can come from any skin break, even micro-cracks from dry skin. Or it can just appear with no ready explanation, as it has for too many here. It may be an indication of underlying lymphedema in the breast, as excess lymph fluid can be present even before you notice any swelling. Lymph fluid is warm and protein-rich so it acts as a bacteria "nursery" and can trigger infection way too easily.

If it turns out that you have cellulitis you might want to check in with a well-trained lymphedema therapist for evaluation as soon as it's resolved. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Hoping you're doing well!
Binney

Hmmm...that sounds like a reasonable plan. But the one thing that comes clear on this board, unfortunately, is that there's no predicting the countless ways we can all find to get ourselves in trouble! Being prepared for all of them would be virtually impossible. So no kicking of yourself allowed!

It does pay for anyone with lymphedema to have an appropriate antibiotic on hand, and careful instructions about when to make prompt use of them and who to notify if you start them. Also pays to carry some clean-up cloths, topical antibiotic and a few bandages around with you for scrapes and paper cuts (and bug bites!) And elevation, staying well hydrated, and some calm deep breathing is always an appropriate response to anything potentially involving lymphedema.

Just stay well, everybody!
Binney