Cellulitis

Reported

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Thanks Gmamilly DH had it in his wrist just under a year ago and it was extremely painful especially as he walks with 2 sticks and could not support himself on the affected wrist. I was pretty certain what it was this time, but as he is on immunosuppressants there was the risk of it spreading and developing sepsis. When he starts rigors and temperature spikes I know it is time to call the ambulance!

Glad to hear you got a home visit and receiving treatment. Please bear in mind for future reference that this type of infection does not necessarily have a temperature as a defining feature but if you have had this before and you have a red, painful, swollen limb then you should seek medical help, sooner rather than later.

A home visit! - great service! And just what was needed. Poor chap - he must be fed up.

That's good Maw

Phew mawbroon, you must have been so relieved and a home visit too, they're a rare breed! Here's hoping for a speedy recovery and no more unexpected events.

Glad to hear that your GP took this so seriously, MawBroon.
I haven't replied before, because others were on the ball.
But my friend's husband had the same thing during the summer, and it was treated as a serious emergency. Immediate doses of antibiotics.
Hoping your DH is over it soon.

Thank goodness and I hope the antibiotics kick in quickly. I think I mentioned that my locum GP recommended a two-week course to really get on top of it so it might be worth asking for another week's worth if you don't have a prescription for that already.

Quick update.
Kept an eye on DH's temperature but it stayed down and by this morning the swelling had also diminished as he slept with his legs elevated on two pillows, however both legs are still a bit red and tender, also hot. DH had a further complication as he has had an internal/rectal bleed (not for the first time, but that's another story) Rang our GP but no appointments before tomorrow,- however offered a home visit this morning !!!
Our own GP appeared on the doorstep (even more amazing as he only does 2 days a week) and confirmed my suspicions of cellulitis, but in light of the fact the swelling had gone down and there is no temperature, thought we might have caught it in time. So oral antib's and if there are any further probs from the nether end, straight to A&E.
I will admit to being surprised at a home visit and very glad to keep DH in the warm rather than sit on a hard plastic chair in A&E surrounded by poorly people! If we can keep him out of hospital it will be good as one admission so often leads to another.
Thank you all for your concern and advice.

I developed cellulitis as a result of an allergy to sand fly bites when visiting my daughter in New Zealand. My legs were so swollen that absentdaughter took me to her GP as we were not really sure what to do. The GP went totally nuts, prescribed the strongest possible course of antibiotics and steroids with the warning that if the swelling had not reduced within 24 hours, I would be admitted to hospital for intravenous antibiotics. If they did not work within 24 hours, amputation would be likely. Fortunately, the first lot worked.

It is a serious condition that needs serious treatment.

Take PawBroon to the doc /A and E immediately , cellulitis can wheech you off !

I had this just before Christmas , I'd initially thought it was my recurring phlebitis but got concerned when it wouldn't go away . I got anti biotics for 2 weeks , then a scan as they were concerned that it might be a DVT too . All well now , the leg still feels a bit vulnerable , though . I felt rough for a few days , so much so that I packed a hospital bag ,but thankfully it disappeared as mysteriously as it came .

Cellulitis is caused by group A streptococcus and it must be treated asap. I woke up with it on my left lower leg a few months ago, went to see my GP who fast tracked me to A&E department where I was started on antibiotics immediately but also given tests to rule out anything else. The antibiotics did the trick but I do not know how it started. Because of the amount of metal in my joints I had to have rapid treatment but your DH needs a medical opinion. It is not something he can treat himself. I would be inclined to ring 111 tonight, knowing a little of his medical background.

Get him to his GP as soon as possible. Most of the people I know who have cellulitis have ended up in hospital on intravenous antibiotics.

DH had it twice last year. Each time he was prescribed massive doses of antibiotics and he did manage to stay out of hospital, but it was touch and go. As Jalima says it can hang around and DH still finds the skin on his leg is very sensitive.

Cellulitis is not an infection to take lightly, especially if the victim has immunity problems.

I should have added that intravenous antibiotics work faster and better so perhaps the GP could help you bypass a wait in A&E?

Yes, I've had it more than once and it takes quite a bit of getting rid of according to an elderly locum GP I saw who said it can lurk in the soft tissues.

At the GP's suggestion I keep in a course of antibiotics to start immediately if I notice a telltale red patch and a second week's course may be needed.

I would ring for advice, perhaps a doctor could call to start off the course, if not definitely see the GP first thing tomorrow.

A&E tomorrow, or GP at least.

Sorry MawBroon but I can't reassure you on this. A friend's son was in hospital a long time with this problem. I would suggest you keep a close eye on his temperature tonight and ask for a doctor's urgent visit in the morning. If not possible then get to A&E asap. It's not something to be taken lightly.

Yes, our DD was in hospital for a month with this, and then again for two weeks the year after,So potentially dangerous! She was taken in by ambulance both times with a really high temperature.
He should see somebody Maw hopefully before he develops a high temperature.

Knowing how my brother suffered with this and the fact it is swollen and inflamed , I do think he should see or speak to someone. Can you call 111 for advice ?