truncal lymphadema infection

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tomatojuice
tomatojuice Member Posts: 382
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

have splotch of red on my stomach. This is the second time. Had it last year also. Started lymph massage with therapist in the truncal area, and it reappeared. Been on keflex 10 days and its still there . Very worried. It doesn.t seem to be going away. Have five more days of keflex. Also have doctors appt on the 19th. This is freaking me out. Anyone with similar problems. I know that the doctors will not know what to do, because they didn't the last time. They said they didn't know what it was, and sent me to dermatology. The derms biopsied it. They also didn't know. I know its an infection. The first day I took the keflex, the antibiotic cused it to go through some color changes, but themn it went right back to the way it was the next day. Help!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2012

    Tomatojuice, do you feel ill? Flu-like?

    Lymphedema is an inflammatory condition, and sometimes (especially with truncal LE, frequently on breasts) it can cause redness that looks like infection. Since it can be hard to differentiate it from an infection, it's best to treat first with antibiotics. But if that doesn't clear it up it might be time to consider it as in inflammatory reaction and treat it as such (antiinflammatories, MLD to reduce the stagnant fluid that is aggravating the area and causing the inflammation). 

    This is tricky because with an infection you wouldn't want to do MLD, but it's actually the most effective treatment for inflammation.

    Something to ask your therapist about, at least. Keep us posted, and get well quick!
    Binney

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  • tomatojuice
    tomatojuice Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2012

    Thank you Binney for always being there when needed. I will consult with my therapist tomorrow. I already feel more relaxed. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  • tomatojuice
    tomatojuice Member Posts: 382
    edited August 2012

    Hi Binney and everyone....Turns out that the red looking rash on my stomach, isn't lymphadema after all. I have had it for over a year, and numerous doctors have looked at it(saying they know not what it is). But I have been persistent. It has been treated with Keflex twice in the past year and 1/2. Still there. So I decided to go back to my dermatologist. I go to a clioinic, so the initial Dr. that checked it out, gave the same diagnosis. But he then brought in his superior to have a look. A very old Asian Dr. (dermatologist- oncologist). He examined me and had no trouble finding what it was. He said I have a Lipoma(a fatty tissur tumor, thats usually benign). He felt it, and had the other doctor feel it. I am a little more freaked out. Usually doesn't mean never. I have been watching the rt. side of my stomach grow bigger than the left for a year now. The last thing the doctor told me is it is going to get bigger. Somehow I keep thinking it has something to do with my surgery, because it sits right below where my breat was removed. I am seeing my oncologist this friday. I want to have an MRI. To find out its size, how big it will get, can I have it removed, and is there any possibility of it being cancer. I have read online where swollen lymph nodes were mistaken for Lipomas and where other types of tumors were also mistaken by just touch. Well thanks everyone for your feedback, on everything.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Tomatojuice, I'm thankful for your persistence, and for the older doctor too. Stick to your guns on this, and let us know the MRI results. Hoping for clear answers soon!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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