Risk of cellulitis??

[Fika500]

Hi I'd welcome opinions on whether I should be seeing a GP, considering how difficult this would be on Christmas Day. I have lymphoedema in my arm as a result of ALNC. Today I feel generally unwell, have no appetite & a temp of 37.4. Arm looks okay. Should I be getting this checked out?

Thank you.

[Jennymary]

I'd say yes, get it checked, hopefully nothing serious

[Lynora]

Did you contact NHS24 (or whatever it is in your part of the world)? Probably easier to go to your nearest A&E.

[Rebec]

In my opinion the temperature is not so high and A&E must be very busy with serious cases. I would just ring the NHS direct and see what they say.

[Lynora in reply to Rebec]

My nursey friends in A&E treat cellulitis very seriously!

[Rebec in reply to Lynora]

But Joe500 says that the arm is fine and the temperature is not so high, in my opinion. You did suggest to get in contact with NHS Direct and I think that should be the first port of call too. If the arm gets red, then taking antibiotics should be started straight away.

Don't you agree with me?

[Lynora in reply to Rebec]

I agree - but ALNC means axillary lymph node clearance - so any changes (skin/temperature etc) in the affected quadrant and a general feeling of 'bleughness' must be checked out, as severe infection can occur incredibly quickly.

[CCT67]

Are you lymph nodes swollen?

My nodes swell up hugely before I start seeing my skin turn red with cellulitis in the limb nearest to the swollen nodes.

If they are swollen get antibiotics via walk in centre, A/E or out of hours GP - very swiftly!!

[Rebec in reply to CCT67]

Lymphoedema sufferers are told to have antibiotics at home at the ready just in case of cellulitis.

[CCT67 in reply to Rebec]

I always have Antibiotics on me just in case!

[Rebec in reply to CCT67]

I was glad I had antibiotics at home as on a Sunday I developed a temperature of 39.7C, so when I discovered my arm and the breast corresponding to the lymohoedema arm were red, I started the antibiotics straight away.

[CCT67]

We always have to be prepared! Lots of GPs still aren't aware of the protocol of 14 days not the standard 7 days of antibiotics for non-Lymphies. And that we sometimes we need 'second line' antibiotics that target different bugs than the first line does. I needed that recently- I was taking two different antibiotics alternating every few hours

[Rockk1 in reply to CCT67]

how to get antibiotics so I have them when needed?

[Fika500]

Thank you for all your advice- I've been 'out of it' with high temp and aches/ pains, poor appetite but arm semis okay and I'm slowly improving. Will ask my GP about cellulitis protocol/ emergency antibiotics. It's great to have this forum to get support/ advice. Thank you all so much.

[Lynora in reply to Fika500]

Please don't delay getting advice/treatment. An increase in your arm volume doesn't have to be an indication of how you are affected by cellulitis. The bacteria can affect any part of someone with a compromised lymph system, with very serious implications if left.

[Fika500]

Thank you Lynora. I am fine now. I'd had a lip biopsy ( for a different condition) a couple of days before I began feeling unwell. Was seen by oral surgeon on Christmas Day (who,understandably, didn't really know anything about lymphoedema ). She did look at my arm. Everything seemed okay & was just given usual advice that if I got worse to contact emergency GP.

[Lynne-byn]

Hi I'm the same but no real temperature just feel totally wiped out, itchy from head to toe, feet & legs burning feels like they about to burst with pressure as they huge. I've been like this off and on from Christmas eve & it's getting no better, thanks