mild case

mittmott
mittmott Member Posts: 409
edited January 2015 in Lymphedema

Hi, I have had a very mild case of lymphedema over the years...Out of nowhere since Sat. I developed a cough and phlegm. No prior cold or illness. Body aches... Not thinking anything was related, I was also having some sharp pain through underarm and chest area.. I was thinking, implant pain. It would come and go.. Went to dr. for cough and he said it was all in trachea area, and put me on antibiotic, called it tracheaitis. Last night, I felt like what was the beginning of a uti. It passed. Woke up this morning with a half dollar size swelling on lymphedema side on elbow, very red, can't touch it, or lean on elbow, and lots of heat coming out of it. I had a prior prescription for a gum infection that I wound up not using, so I started it.I read it's used for cellulitis, cephalexin 500 mg.4 times a day. For those who suffer with this, does this sound like the right thing to do? I'm still snowed in on long island, and can't get to dr. yet at this point... does this sound typical as far as symptoms go, of an infection from the lymphedema? thanks all.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2015

    My physician gave me an antibiotic prescription to carry with me after my first (and so far only) bout of infection, especially during vacations when getting prompt treatment might be challenging. So, you are sort of doing the same thing. Better than waiting for the blizzard to conclude!

    At least try to phone your clinic and/or pharmacist who can advise you about how old those capsules are.

    Draw a circle around the red spot with a Sharpie type marker: if it enlarges or spreads, get to an emergency room however you can.

    Also, take your temperature every couple hours - fever would be another indication to get in touch with the doctor on call.

    Certainly, log back in and let us know how things go.

    Almost forgot to say HYDRATE & ELEVATE

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    thank you, I did elevate...I never thought about the sharpie.. going to do that now. .prescription pretty new.. good through August 2015


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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2015

    OK on the Rx date, however there are some bacteria including community acquired MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) that the cephalosporins may not work well against. When cellulitis progresses, the only effective treatment would be IV antibiotics which is why you should not delay in going to a hospital if things seem to be getting worse. Hopefully you have caught it early and will recover just fine.

    Here's some "light" reading on the subject while you recuperate and watch the snow fall! I hope this link functions correctly...

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited January 2015


    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

     

    Sounds like starting the Keflex would be a good idea.  Vinrph is right,, draw a circle around it and see if it gets bigger. Call your doctor and see what he/she says.  May want to call you in a RX for something else.  Are you completely snowed in or can you get to a local pharmacy, just in case?  Keep us posted.  Hoping you will not need the ER!

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    I will be able to get out in about an hour...I'm not sure who to call. I'm thinking my onc.


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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2015

    mittmott, you're sure in our thoughts! Please do keep us posted as you're able. The antibiotic should work pretty quickly, so if it's not working and you're truly and deeply snowed in, PLEASE do not hesitate to call for emergency help getting to the ER. Cellulitis is always a bummer, but the timing on this one with the storm in town is really the pits! Still, the emergency crews are all on alert, and they're there to help in just this sort of instance.

    Be well, y'hear?!!!
    Binney

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    My doctors are not in. I called a few.. I'm on 2 pills already, and I'm going to watch. If any spread, I'll go to ER. If no spread, I'll continue Meds and call doc in morning. Thank you all. Will post an update when I have one.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2015

    Good plan, mittmott. Only, set the clock tonight and get up and check on it--it can appear stable for a while and then take off and spread really quickly.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    Will do, thank you..


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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    Thank you everyone who answered my post... My arm looked much better this morning. I went to my doctor, and showed him the meds I was taking.. He said he wasn't convinced it was cellulitus, it might have been my bursa, but which ever it was, he felt it was looking very good. He told me I did the right thing with the meds, and wants me to continue on that prescription. It's scary, because, even with mild lymphedema, one never knows when it can become serious... Thanks again all for the advise.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2015

    And thanks for letting us know! All good! Go celebrate with something chocolate!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited January 2015


    YAY for no cellulitis!!  So glad for you.

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  • mittmott
    mittmott Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2015

    Thank you again...

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