I have had cellulitus for about 5 weeks,l I do have lymphodema. I have been on oral antibiotics for this time, 3 different lots. Both my legs are now very dry. I cannot dress myself properly, underwear as can't move my legs very easily, very frustrating. I also have oxygen for respiratory failure.
I went to the Drs again yesterday as my right leg had a blister on it, the nurse put a dressing on the blister and a bandage, she said its the lymph fluid trying to get through. My Dr said the fluid is oedema, that i haven't been taking my water tablets which I have, both legs are bloated.
My oxygen level was 78 yesterday even with oxygen, my Dr said its nothing to worry about, probably stress.
This is all really getting me down now, I haven't got much appetitite either.
What do you suggest?
Hi lizhow66,
So sorry to hear about all that. On the bright side i believe with the right meds and care I think you can be sorted fine within 1 to 2 months.
Keep a close eye on whether your legs inflate more. If they do, and if it's definitely cellulitis, you need to get on a strong antibiotic asap. Intrevenal ones work much faster (stay in hospital for a week or so).
Perhaps keep feet elevated above heart level (in bed) by using 1 or 2 cushions under your ankles.
Check youtube for any excercises you can do for lymphodema.
Take good care and be safe.
Cheers
An oxygen saturation of 78% on oxygen is not really very good. In the hospital setting on a med surf floor I would be calling the doctor about you. He would probably put in for a consult with Pulmonology. Oxygen levels that low that continue for long periods of time are not safe. Do you have COPD, CHF, or asthma? I'm you smoke, quit. I can't tell you what to do...as a friend here, I would suggest you find a doctor that will follow up on your lung issues. Pulse oximeters are fairly cheap online. You can get one and check your oxygen levels regularly, just in case what happened at the doctor's office was just due to "stress".
Hi lizhow66,
I have the same things in my left leg..lymphoedema and cellulitis but my cellulitis is a full blown wound and I have to get wound care every week ! So...watch that blister...it can quickly take over your leg. I'm blown away that your Dr has not admitted you with a pulse ox of 78 WITH oxygen! You need good oxygen to your skin for that cellulitis to heal and a strong antibiotic...in your case via IV. A pulse ox of 78 is serious and affects your organs, your thinking, basically everything. It must be hell to have it both legs and that is my fear every day...that I don't get it in my right one. You need to go to the emergency room at your local hospital if your blood ox is still in the 70's now with oxygen. I'm just gonna say it....you need to go. Please let me know. I'm praying for you!!