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Cellulitis and Sepsis just released from the hospital
Skin Health | Last Active: Sep 20, 2021 | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
@cindylb, this must have been (and still is) a scary and harrowing experience. I'd like to bring @mamacita @karen00 @cootiesgirl1 and @annapocono into this discussion as they too have had experience with cellulitis, as well as @psd0972 and @charlena who are sepsis survivors.
Here is a couple of discussion about sepsis that you may wish to read too:
- Sepsis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sepsis/
Cindy, As you well know, cellulitis can be life-threatening if left untreated. Which just seems crazy since it usually starts from a simple cut, scratch, insect bite or other break in the skin. What were the signs for you that the cut on your finger turned seriously bad and you knew you had to get to the hospital? Have you also seen a lymphedema specialist? What are you doing to treat the infection if you can't take antibiotics?
Replies to "@cindylb, this must have been (and still is) a scary and harrowing experience. I'd like to..."
Colleen, thank you for connecting me with these members who have experience with cellulitis and sepsis. As always, you are very helpful!
I had no warning, just a small cut and it evolved very quickly into sepsis. I only remember feeling a tiny sting of pain on my hand before bed and by 3am I was in big trouble. The lymphedema is resulting in a slower recovery and a more dramatic problem than it might if I didn't have the lymphedema. When I had my bi lateral mastectomies I was early stage and only lymph node was removed from my left armpit. However, there was surgical damage done and the lymphedema was the result. It was mild and I got both physical therapy and massage therapy and a sleeve for it. One year post mastectomy the doctors finally acknowledged the lymphedema (they said it was impossible and acted as if I was imagining the swelling...not helpful) and I had scar revision surgery to remove a large amount of tissue under my arm that was collecting fluid. Once that was resolved I had no more lymphedema symptoms until this cellulitis and sepsis. I have never worn my sleeve (not needed) but I will be doing that in the next couple of days on a regular basis to help resolve my hand swelling. Its important for all breast cancer patients to advocate strongly for information and treatment for lymphedema......I'm glad I did even though I really wasn't supported by my doctors initially.
I am using antibiotics but it's been very difficult for the doctors because the first line antibiotics for this are not available to me. Unfortunately, the antibiotics I have been and am using all carry "Black Box Warnings" for serious side effects and it meant a much longer stay in the hospital because it was hard for the doctors to get the right targets to kill the infection. I am going back to allergy for a consultation on what I can use in the future.
Thank you once again for all your support.
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@cindylb, how are you doing now?