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Lymphedema and now Cellulitis

Posted by rosy33 @rosy33, Jan 29, 2020

I'm new to this disease, the calf on my right leg has been swollen for about 3 months but my doctor wasn't concerned until I broke out with cellulitis on my ankle which she then treated with an antibiotic. I also have Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy for the past 20 years in my feet and legs. She said the swelling was probably due to the neuropathy but it wasn't. I'm trying to find out any information on it through support from others. I belong to a support group on neuropathy where I have been helped by others with neuropathy, so much more than any doctor. I am grateful for the computer because without it I would probably be on all kinds of prescriptions which the doctors hand out so freely or maybe dead by now. I'm seeing a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) within the next couple of weeks, and hope it will help me to take care of this issue. I know we're supposed to keep the skin moisturized and wonder if anyone knows of lotion that will help. Thanks

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ellemc2252 | @ellemc2252 | May 17 10:00am
In reply to @ellemc2252 "I have primary lymphedema in both legs (knees down) and have been fighting recurrent cellulitis infections..." + (show)
@ellemc2252

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’m so sorry you’re going through this as well. I pray you find relief from the pain and infections.

REPLY
nana1972 | @nana1972 | May 19 8:25pm
In reply to @ellemc2252 "I have primary lymphedema in both legs (knees down) and have been fighting recurrent cellulitis infections..." + (show)
@ellemc2252

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 been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency by a vascular surgeon in 2018 after two horrendous bouts of cellulitis and huge venous ulcers that took over 8 weeks to heal. I had five separate procedures on both legs to seal damaged and collapsed veins and I wear medical grade compression stockings every day. Thankfully I have not had a recurrence but I have stepped up my walking routine and that has helped also. Exercise is really critical to keep good circulation in your lower extremities. Physical therapy can also help you develop a good exercise plan that fits your current abilities. Good luck and best wishes for healing. I know how miserable it can be.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 5 days ago
In reply to @ellemc2252 "I have primary lymphedema in both legs (knees down) and have been fighting recurrent cellulitis infections..." + (show)
@ellemc2252

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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Welcome, @ellemc2252. I moved your post to this existing discussion:

- Lymphedema and now Cellulitis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedemacellulitis/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect with members like @rosy33 @cindylb @johnbishop and others.

You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Lymphedema in legs https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedema-in-legs/

Have they managed to get the infection under control? Sepsis is tough.

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