First illness with LE and it's a whopper!

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kimber_1616
kimber_1616 Member Posts: 99
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I have had a 103 temp since Thursday. Weak, dizzy, a cough that is mostly unproductive but has an occasional colorful substance. Headache, aches chills etc etc I am in a location where a Type of swine flu has been appearing recently. So with that, my dr prescribed a z pack Friday. This is either viral or the antibiotics aren't strong enough. If it's swine it's viral. I have had a flair over the last few weeks with my le and maybe it was from this coming on but my nodes in groin and under le arm are clogged. The groin hurts and is actually causing some tingling/numbness down my leg and into my vaginal area. I have attempted emptying but it's not working. I feel sicker today then last week. I live in a rural area and very few are familiar to le. Should I go to the ER or is it a waste if time. I'm afraid my immune is taxed as it is because I have had 20 surgeries in the last 2 and a half years. The last was November 27th. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

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  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 3,353
    edited December 2013

    kimber_1616 - I am not a medical professional so I don't know what you should do.  I'm just so sorry.  What came to mind immediately when I read your post was DRINK LOTS OF WATER!  I would definitely call your doctor and tell him that antibiotics aren't working.  It does take, though, about 48 hrs for them to kick in.  Please keep us posted on your status and what you're doing.  We're worried.

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2013

    I don't have great advice, but I did ask my PT about exercise when you are sick.  She said to stop massage when you are sick.....she said it is just too much for your lymphatic system to make you well and get moved all over your body with massage.  Curious to know if others have heard this?

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited December 2013

    kimber, I hope you've improved, and that you're getting the care you need.  Also hope that when you're feeling up to it, that you'll let us know how you're faring.  What a horrid way to end a year and start another one!

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited January 2014

    Kimberly how are you doing?

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  • kimber_1616
    kimber_1616 Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2014

    I am doing better thank you for your concern. My entire family ended up with the nasty bug. We were not tested, but they believe it was the swine flu. I had a 103 temp for 8 days! It is my second day back to work after being ill, and I am ready for a nap! I am still coughing and can't taste/smell. I came down with this on December 26, and can honestly say I do not feel 100% yet.

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited January 2014

    Wow, Kimber, that's horrible, for all concerned. What a nightmare, and I'm glad to hear you're well enough for work, but it sounds like lots more rest and TLC are in order.  Best wishes for getting some of both!

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited January 2014

    so sorry.  Hope you get better soon

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited January 2014

    so sorry.  Hope you get better soon

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited January 2014

    So glad you are feeling a little better.  There are so many terrible flus going around!   I had a really bad flu over Thanksgiving.  I was sick for 5 weeks coughing and carrying on.   When I first got sick, my LE was really acting up - arm, trunk, and groin.  I had a Z-Pac too.  Anyway, just because I felt so bad I took off my sleeve, never massaged or did anything.  I went to bed for 4 days.  At the end of 4 days, my LE arm was back to normal size like my other arm - first time that happened in 2 years!

    My LE therapist said it is because I did no physical activity so my body caught up with processing the lymph fluid - she said I did the right thing for me when I was sick.

    Don't know if this helps anyone because we are all different, but it made me feel better!!

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    I have a fever....currently 102.  Wondering if it is the flu.  Frustrated since it felt like I was finally making progress on my LE.  I dont know if my arm is worse, but I feel like my right breast is swollen (TE).  I dont see it really but I sure feel it.    Everyone is asking if I have called my doctor and I honestly dont know who to call.  PS is the only doc I see anymore.  I dont know if I trust a GP to handle this LE and I wonder how many sick people my PS really sees!  Suggestions?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2014

    mnm, is there any redness on your breast? Check in the mirror. If you wake in the night, check it again. The problem with LE is that even with slight swelling (and in fact before any swelling is visible) we're at a higher risk for cellulitis (infection). It's an emergency because cellulitis can spread fast and become systemic. Please check out the cellulitis information here:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med…

    If you have any suspicion that it might be cellulitis, do get help immediately. Keep us posted!
    Binney

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    i should have been more clear.  I really do think it is the flu...typical symptoms. I was just wondering how it woild affect my LE.  I was making progress and now that I had to stop doing massage, I am just worried it will get worse again. No redness in breast or arm, just checked.  Praying it stays that way.  Thank you so much for your wisdom here! I dont have sny compression garments for my chest but I am wondering if I should put on a snug sports bra?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2014

    mnm, it would probably be more comfortable to have some support, but maybe a not-so-snug sports bra--you don't want to over-compress or to cause any pain that could draw lymph fluid to the area. One thing that will help for sure is to stay really well hydrated, which can be hard to do when you're sick. If you're comfortable sleeping at a bit of a slant on extra pillows, you can raise your head and shoulders some to allow gravity to help move the fluid. Hope you have a comfortable night and get better quick!

    Saw your mayor was on PBS news tonight talking about how "brisk" your temperatures are in MN--stay warm!
    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    yes...it is wicked cold here!  Everything is cancelled...very rare here!  At least I dont have to be anywhere anymore!!

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  • kimber_1616
    kimber_1616 Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2014

    How are you feeling now mnm? I hope you are over your bug. I know that fullness in the breast feel. I have had it and it is hard to see, but you can definitely feel it. My nodes in the groin are still sore and swollen from my illness. I just spoke to a new PT and I may have a bit of an infection. I see him on Monday and may just be clogged...

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    Feeling MUCH better!  No fever, cough is pretty much gone.  Not sure about the swelling.  Sometimes I think it is quite a bit better, then I look again and it's about the same.  The 'breast' pain/swelling is still there, although I think it comes and goes a bit today, too.  My CLT/PT is trying some new stuff since we cannot seem to make this fluid budge no matter what we do.  I am doing MLD, started Lebed, and she does manual stuff at my appts, too.  I get a skin reaction to the compression garments, so those are taken away for now...I am planning to try them again.  I also react to tape, so she can't tape me or even wrap.  So, we are doing what we can.  Reeeeaaalllly hoping that the exchange surgery provides some relief.  I know it's a longshot, but it works for some, right?  I got a fill today, which, because of the fullness and pain I was already having on one side,  I was terrified about (I'm always terrified....they have been horrible in the past).  It was probably the easiest fill I've had so far.  I'll take that victory!!! 

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  • kimber_1616
    kimber_1616 Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2014

    Glad you are feeling better and your fill was easy. I was lucky enough not to have tissue expanders, however I wonder if it would have eliminated some of my issues. Hope your therapy gets your swelling under control. I start a new place Monday and am hopeful... hope I am not let down!

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    Kimber, how do you think TE's would have eliminated some of your issues?  Good luck with your new therapist....let us know how it goes!

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