Wellness

[Lindsays Grandma]

Unfortunately, recently I was diagnosed with Cellulitis for which I have no idea how it happened.  I don't ever walk barefoot, had no scratches or open wounds and yet I am now in the throes of taking an  anti-biotic to help cure it.

I do have some questions and would be most appreciative if one of my fellow posters has knowledge of this awful impediment.  Can we talk?

[Luvsmyfam]

my bosses wife had this,and had to be hospitalized. It did eventually go away with a strong antobiotic. Best of luck lindsays grandma

[Lindsays Grandma]

@Luvsmyfam ...  So your bosses wife had to hospitalized, I was worried the doctor might suggest that and thankful he didn't.  Right now with all that is going on I don't want to be near any hospital.  So far it looks as though the new anti-biotic is working.  The first prescription did nothing, had to go back for a different one.  It appears to be a slow procedure and I can use the "Best of luck" you sent.

[cookie16]

In February 2020 I had a left swollen leg with red blotches all over which felt very warm.  I went to my Primary Dr. who sent me to a vascular dr to rule out a blood clot (my Dad had a clot years ago.). No clot but within a day or so my right leg started swelling etc.  I was put on antibiotic but the first one did nothing so it was changed.  I was also told to keep both legs very moisturized and to elevate to keep swelling down.The infection I had was probably caused by shaving my legs and making a small cut.  It took a long time to look and feel better.  I was also told to wear compression stockings but I haven't done that.  I make sure to moisturize daily to avoid the dryness and shave cautiously and thankfully I am not too hairy.  I try to elevate when I watch tv at night.  So far it is under control.  Good luck to you.  

[Goodie2shoes]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection usually affecting the lower extremities. Any cut or scrape that allows bacteria to get in can cause cellulitis, even a animal bite can also cause cellulitis. Make sure you complete your course of antibiotics and follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and treatment if indicated.

[ripkenfan]

Hi Lindsays Grandma:

I had cellulitis for the first time in 2019.  I had a horrible rash that started out on my knee and rapidly went to the front of my thigh.  I felt like I had the flu for a few days before the rash appeared.  I went to the CVS minute clinic and they told me to go straight to the ER.  I went to the ER and they admitted me and gave me Vancomycin in an IV drip for 4 days to stop the infection.  I felt better but had to continue with oral antibiotics for 4 months after to finally kick it.  The tests said the infection was from e-coli but it can come from other bacteria as well.  I had no idea how i got it either. They asked if I had any open wounds, had any recent injuries or had been scratched by a cat or dog or any open wounds or breaks in my skin that let the bacteria in that can cause cellulitis.  The bacteria can come from anywhere.  I had no idea how I got this.  After taking antibiotics for so long, I developed C-diff, which means I had to change to a different antibiotic to stop that.  The whole thing was awful from start to finish.  I read that it likely will recur and it did for me in July of this year.  The same leg started swelling, from foot to thigh (no rash this time) and it was back to the hospital for more antibiotics but it wasn't as severe this time.  Let me know if you have other questions and I'll be happy to answer them if I can.  I hope you are feeling better!

[Lindsays Grandma]

@ripkenfan ...Sounds like you had more than your share of this Cellulitis.  I was shocked to read that it will likely recur, I sure hope not.  My podiatrist told me that I can also have an IV drip and I completely forgot to  mention it to the doctor.  However, if I would have to be in a hospital it's just as well it wasn't mentioned.

The worst part, like you, I have no idea how I got this, and I sure hope that once it is cured it never happens again.  I will pray very hard it will not recur. 

The right leg is worse than the left one and now the pain in that leg starts at the top and goes all the way down.  I don't know if that is from the Cellulitis or the hip surgery I had in 2011 since it is tender to the touch and wasn't prior to this monster that has  invaded my body.

Your response has been very helpful, thank you so much and I will contact you if and when something else pops into my head that forgot to mention. 

[hckynut]

(thread title)

@Lindsays Grandma 

Unfortunately I am very familiar with it. Spent 8 days in the hospital on IV Drips of several different types of Antibiotics. Also lost the use of my left hand for about 2 months, and it took over 6 months to get back the strength Iost in my whole body.

Mine was more than an "impediment"! Had I not went to the doctor when I had? It would have been much worse. Possibly lose my hand, or the infection become Sepsis or MRSA, both of which can kill you if they get into your blood stream.

Cellulitis is the starting point of an infection that will not get better unless treated with Antibiotics. Do not consider it as an "impediment", something that is just an irritation or nuisance. Left untreated, you will greatly regret it. Want to talk? Talk away and give me "shoutout" here.

hckynut 

[Pook]

@Lindsays Grandma  My SO had it after a poison ivy exposure that he didn't take seriously.  He took strong antibiotics and was told not to move much or he could be hospitilized.  It took over 2 weeks to really show improvement.

[jlkz]

@Lindsays Grandma 

A very good friend, my maid of honor 54 years ago, had a problem with a knee replacement that acted up a while after the surgery.  She developed a severe infection and was on an antibiotic drip.....  this was before Covid-19 but they had her stay at home in a bed put on the first floor of her home.

They felt that the infection started at the gum line so she had to have gum work done also to prevent reinfection.

Most folks don't realize that gums can be an entry point for infections.  Very important for those with cardiac conditions to keep on top of dental hygiene cleanings.

Good luck with your present issue !