antibiotics

[Algu]

How do I convince my nurse I need more than 7 days antibiotics. Thanks

[CCT67]

Do you mean antibiotics for Cellulitis infection? A Lymph nurse should know that a minimum two week course is needed in first line antibiotics treatment. This has been the gold standard for years and is clearly outlined in the BLS & LSN Cellulitis Consensus Document (recently updated from the original version). A lymph nurse should be familiar with this. However GPs and GP practice nurses wouldn’t necessarily be familiar (not covered in their training) and should be signposted to it. If you have a printer, take a copy to your GP. Chances are your GP practice is unaware these official guidelines exist

lymphoedema.org/wp-content/...

[Algu in reply to CCT67]

Thank you for confirming. Working with practice nurse.

[BedfordBoy in reply to CCT67]

Hi, that's a good piece of advice. You are right about the GP's and regular nurses not being clued up with all the gold standard procedures. I don't think doctors bother reading your notes any more as everytime I have to see them they are clueless about what's happened to me in the past. So I end up repeating myself over and over again. Not good for the blood pressure!

[AnneBury]

Just endorsing the reply from CCT67

[DeadfootMo]

Book an appointment with your doctor.

[Algu]

Thanks everyone been this morning and got prescription for mor antibiotics but I will have had a 5day gap between, hope this doesn’t make a difference

[CCT67]

Hi if you have Lymphoedema and an active Cellulitis infection you do not want a five day break in between antibiotics treatment. It’s important you have a continuous two week course of first line antibiotics. This is to prevent the infection from escalating thus resulting in you’re requiring intravenous antibiotics. (This is not uncommon in Lymphoedema patients who are at much higher risk of Cellulitis complications).

If you do have Cellulitis then it’s advisable you seek an urgent appointment with your GP and don’t accept no for answer. Take the Cellulitis medical consensus document along with you (link posted above). Take care.

[Algu in reply to CCT67]

thanks

[Microsurgeon]

I totally support CCT67 and EVERYONE with lymphoedema should be made aware / have a copy of the BLS consensus cellulitis guidelines. Sadly many patients, GP's, nurses and A+E departments are unaware of the importance of cellulitis and the treatment. I would recommend all patients should have the link / PDF of the guidelines with them and also make sure your GP is aware of the guidelines so that you get the right antibiotic for the right length of time and you get them early. Early and effective treatment can prevent hospital admission and a step worsening of lymphoedema symptoms. Benefit of appropriate antibiotics - very high. Risk of appropriate antibiotics - very low. It's a no brainer.

[Perido]

I'm the UK and always carry a cellulitis alert card, available from the Lymphoedema Support Network online shop: lymphoedema.org/product/cel...

[Algu in reply to Perido]

Thanks

[DeadfootMo]

I suppose it depends on what is wrong. If you have a bad chest infection and a long term lung complaint like asthma, you might get a 5 days to a week of antibiotics. If things don't improve the asthma may need further investigation. Or if its for Cellulitis your dr not your nurse needs to know how the cellulitis arrived , was it because of a bite, a knock, or surgery. And then depending on how severe the Cellutlitis is this could result in a variety of antibiotics. SEvere Cellulitis requires intraveous antibiotics for 5 days to 10 days, directly into a vein given by a nurse visiting you or you going to outpatients. After this you may be give a further week to 10 days of oral antibiotics. If the Cellucitis is mild you might not get antibiotics at all. It all depends on what your DR thinks. Book an appointment and find out what his throughts are.

[bulldogbyrne]

I had to take article from lymphoedema support network to my GP surgery. For two weeks worth of antibiotics and for prophylactic which took a long time but I persisted.Good luck.