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Dukip
Dukip Member Posts: 40
edited November 2017 in Lymphedema

Hi all, I am hoping that some of you would share your wisdon with me, as I am severely lacking.

I finished all my treatments in July 2015, I underwent a lumpectomy, axillary node clearence, chemo, radio and tam. Then unepectedly toward the end of last week I started feeling really ill, I mean really ill. I could hardly stay awake, chills, fever etc etc. Then yesterday I discovered a hugh red patch of raised skin above my elbow. Turns out I have cellulitis, I have started the antibiotics now, should start feeling better soon,

Question is, am I naive? As far as I know, I don't have lymphoedema, but if I don't have lympoedema, then would i have got cellulitis? Do I have lymphoedema, but just don't know it yet?

Any help, advice, wisdon most welcome and appreciated.

XX

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  • Shellsatthebeach
    Shellsatthebeach Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2017

    Lymphedema is not the only cause of cellulitis. Things like bug bites or anything that caused the skin to open (cuts etc...) makes it easy for bacteria to get into the bloodstream.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited November 2017

    Welcome.How is cellulitis beast treating you today?

    Even if you have a microscopic opening in your skin on the side your nodes were taken out you have a better chance getting cellulitis because your lymph system is impaired.

    Starting at midline, This would include breast ,trunk and limb down to about hip bone. Good thing you caught it. Some say once your have it you can be prone to it.

    You know what it's all about to watch for next time. I religiously wear gloves when I cut meat and feel this has been helpful.Less messy to!

    Early signs of le are, tired arm after activities. Tingly, heavy feeling. Achy, stingy or anything that feels unusual compared to your other side.

    If you catch it at early stage it's REVERSIBLE! And it's much easier to be proactive than looking after full blown le

    Educate yourself here to learn more.

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  • Dukip
    Dukip Member Posts: 40
    edited November 2017

    Hi Shell and Hugz, thank you both for replying.

    Cellulitis is calming down, thankfully. I have SOOOO much to learn, but am going to get to that right away. Thank you Hugz for your tips and things to look out for. It is scary that I have no idea what I did for this infection to kick in.

    I am going to get very familiar with this section of the community and educate myself as you suggest Hugz.

    Dukip XX

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2017

    dukip, hello!

    While it's true that lymphedema is not the only cause of cellulitis, when it occurs for no obvious reason in an area at risk for lymphedema, it may well indicate that some build up of lymph fluid is taking place there, providing a warm, protein-rich environment for cellulitis to thrive. Before any swelling is visible or measurable, there can be substantial lymph fluid buildup in the tissues. This is called subclinical or Stage 0 lymphedema, and treating it now means it probably will not progress (and besides, it's MUCH easier to manage going forward if you get a handle on it now!)

    So, best next step is to get anyone on your medical team to write you a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist for evaluation, treatment if necessary, and personalized risk-reduction tips. Here's how to find one near you:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

    Please do keep us posted and let us know what you discover!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Dukip
    Dukip Member Posts: 40
    edited November 2017

    Hi Binney, that is exactly where my thought process is too.

    I am going to wait for the dreaded cellulitis to settle and see a lymphoedema nurse, I am in the uk, and i don't think the link you kindly posted covers us over here. I did use a really good nurse for lingering breast oedema so I might contact her.

    Thank you so much for replying to this thread, and I will definately keep you all posted.

    Dukip xx

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited November 2017

    Hi everyone...I do not have lymphedema but I get skin infections really easy on any cuts on my hands since my surgery. I have to use prescription antibiotic cream on any cuts. So what I'm saying is just because you get infections does not mean you have lymphedema but I do agree that its because our lymph system was compromised. Good luck to all.

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