Almost lost my leg

[DesertDeuces]

Almost lost my leg, per doctor, due to my cellulitis infection from a deep cut on my shin. I dropped a little shelf and it hit my leg.

My concern is how involved is my heart. I have Afib with RVR and enlarged right atrium. Both of my legs swelled up A LOT, then my left leg got red all over from my toes to my thigh. My right leg didn't get the redness.

After 5 days hospitalized, I still can't walk well. Doctor was concerned about my heart, He said that both legs swelling like they are indicate heart failure.

I'm not sure what to do, hearing that my leg infection with bad pitting edema may be affecting my heart. Any advice is appreciated.

[rosyG]

I think they should have asked cardiology to look at you. It's best to contact your GP and tell him/her what was said, describe the symptoms and ask to be referred to cardiology. Nest to do this soon so you can be given the right treatment- let us know how you get on

[DesertDeuces in reply to rosyG]

Thank you. Fortunately I have a cardiology appointment in 2 days.

I didn't think about it when I was in the hospital, but I think you're right. They should have checked my heart.

I appreciate your advice.

[irene75359]

Just as well you are seeing the cardiologist, my father-in-law had cellulitis but the swelling was only in the leg affected. Best of luck.

[Jalia]

It's good that you have your cardiology appt very soon.

I was hospitalised for a week with cellulitis some years ago but only one leg affected.

This came about from a mosquito bite on shin which had been badly hit by a car door weeks previously ( ouch!...i remember it well..) .

The whole business was extremely painful and I was very ill so my sympathies to you. I have to say that my heart was monitored throughout though.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Nybroc]

I have had cellulitis on four separate occasions. First three were moderately serious but treated at home with antibiotics prescribed by my G. P. Final bout was severe. Had mild fever first three times but severe for the last one. Hospitalised and had IV antibiotics. First didn't work so they put me on two. Also had psychotic symptoms. Couldn't remember the year or who was our Prime Minister. In hospital for 8 or 9 days. Eventually got better. I have heart problems, heart attack 10 years ago and afib about four years ago which is now permanent. Then diagnosed as diabetic. Retired 18 months ago which gave me lots of time for exercise. This was my saving grace. Managed to take off two stone and the only thing stopping me being classed as in remission from diabetes is the medical centre is not doing reviews due to coronavirus. Although I still have medical problems they are no longer a problem after weight loss and exercise. If you are anything like me I think exercise and diet is your best choice. Just difficult to get into it at the start.

[DesertDeuces]

Thank you so much for the replies. I found your experience with cellulitis affecting only one leg very important. The doctor that evaluated me for in-home nursing care said he was inclined to think it was heart failure. He said pitting edema like mine is in both legs was how heart failure is.

I saw my cardiologist today. He was worried that the edema might be due to a reaction from me taking cardizem, so he told me to stop the cardizem and he'd prescribe something else to try. He's very concerned that my heart rate will go back up when I'm not on cardizem.

I'm kinda worried.

I called the infectious disease doctor Monday. Today is Thursday and they still haven't set an appointment for me. They said doctor needs to review the notes and then they'll call me to make the appointment. This is ridiculous. I'm going to ask my nurse to call them. Maybe she'll have better luck convincing them that this is urgent.

I'm all out of the antibiotic that the hospital doctor prescribed, and my primary care doctor said I need IV antibiotics. But, now I'll be with nothing.

I'm going to ask my nurse to call my primary care doctor, too. He's a very good doctor, but I think it will get the ball rolling better with this infectious disease doctor if my nurse talks to both.

Thanks again!