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Lymphedema and cellulitis?
I have primary lymphedema in both legs (knees down) and have been fighting recurrent cellulitis infections in my left leg since December 2024. Hospitalized 6 times since December for IV antibiotics, with one stay ending with a PICC line for antibiotics at home for another 10 days after being discharged. I am currently fighting another infection (antibiotic shots and oral antibiotics). I wear compression garments each day, keep my leg elevated as much as possible through the day while at work, and use a compression pump each night from waist down. All I’ve been told is that I need to lose weight, use compression, elevate, exercise, and the infections wouldn’t be as frequent. I am overweight and through changing my diet and walking more, I have lost 20 lbs since February but that can’t be the only reason this keep coming back. Anyone else been through anything similar?
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I have met several people with primary lymphedema through a zoom group sponsored by Cancer Lifeline. I do not know if Mayo has a similar support group. You may learn how others deal with their cellulitis episodes
This is exactly what I'm going through. I'm too far gone for lymphedema treatment. I need surgery. Cellulitis keeps coming back, antibiotics do not work even with mild case. I'm currently in Urgent care & told there is nothing they can do for me. I'm on several prescription medications . I'm seeing a vascular surgeon. I refuse to just go home and live with the pain because there's nothing can be done for me.