Cellulitis... GCAer, high dose pred + Actemra - PMRGCAuk

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Cellulitis... GCAer, high dose pred + Actemra

Grammy80 profile image
23 Replies

Yes, more good news!! This morning I woke up because my feet were cold; they were cold and wet. There was a 15 x 18-inch puddle of soaked bedding under my ankles and feet.

My left ankle had been red for about a week, and I outlined the red area with a permanent marker to see if it shrank or got larger. In 2021, I had cellulitis and was an inpatient (I don't recall my steroid dose at the time). I received double bags of IV antibiotics and had to continue for six weeks at an infusion center. In the hospital, they took me off my prednisone and Actemra.

We went to the ER; they took blood and blood for cultures, did an ultrasound for blood clots, and x-rayed my leg! That is why insurance companies in the States and hospitals fight...and the insurance companies get rich. When the doctor said I had cellulitis, and they were giving me a script for Doxycycline, I asked her what I should watch for. She said, "Everyone is different, so I can't say." I pressed her because I am still on 60mg of Pred and the Actemra. She repeated herself and then in frustration said " some people get sepsis, some lose a leg and some get a fever, everyone is different." I was gaping at her poor choice of words, and she apologized....the said fever, chills, increased redness, etc. After that, when the nurse came in, even though it was the weekend, I told him I was not comfortable being discharged until he discussed my prednisone with my rheumy, who I am scheduled to see on Monday. He did page the doctor, who said to stay on the 60mg and have her come to the office on Monday.....I'm coming.

I think I'm so junked up with meds and separate issues that I am between a rock and a hard place. Is it enough on the antibiotic? Some would say no; I've listened to a few lectures tonight. Who wants to fool with the pred and endanger the right eye? Nobody....which is so blurry. Then we have my growth into Parkinson's and that new med...

Right now, my PJ leg is soaked already, and my husband has spread towels on the bed. Poor soul. He was looking in different closets tonight for a towel and asked me where they were. When I said the linen closet in the bathroom, I could see him replay the loss in his mind and figure out where the linen closet was. So many times, I wish he was present, but he just isn't there anymore. Now , I struggle to stay on top of things, and life moves at the pace of quicksand.

I'm not available all the time, but I will follow up with my visit on Monday. I know this cellulitis has to be dealt with properly. Maybe they are doing just fine, and I'm anxious. I hope to taper by 10mg on Monday. xxoo I miss all of you....xo This group is so supportive and well, personal like family. 💞

💞💞

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Grammy80
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23 Replies
Angelsmummy profile image
Angelsmummy

Poor you,endless problems,turn one corner and face another.Really hoping appointment goes well for you this week.Healing thoughts to you.xx💐🐈

123-go profile image
123-go

Grammy, I could weep for you but I know you’d tell me in no uncertain terms to pull myself together! You know that we are all in awe of your ability to stay on top of things while retaining a wonderful sense of humour that never fails to inspire. I look forward to hearing how things progress when you are ready to tell us any news. There will be so many people putting their arms around you that you will be at risk of suffocation. Lots and lots of love and caring thoughts.xxx❤️

scats profile image
scats

Dear Grammy, I wish I had your way with words to express how I feel for you. It will have to enough for you to know that you are in our thoughts and good wishes are speeding across the Atlantic towards you.Remember the row of people supporting eachother 🧑‍🤝‍🧑👭👬👫🧑‍🤝‍🧑👭👬👫💕

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

Grammy, I am thinking of you and hope that things start to improve for you very quickly x

Pixix profile image
Pixix

Sending more gentle hugs…I was hospitalised twice with cellulitis in my legs…most unpleasant…hope it improves soon…very soon! S xx

1988jtb profile image
1988jtb

❤️Sending you strength and love. We are all hugging you right now❤️

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Oh dear, one more thing to get sorted out… sending best wishes and hope you can soon see something positive.. 🌸

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

If it ain't one thing it's another. Hugs.

Difficult to source at a weekend without help I suppose except online - but you can get mats - baby changing sheets might do - to put under the leg to protect the bed and soak up the fluid

This sort of thing

ebay.co.uk/itm/204524013988...

Angelsmummy profile image
Angelsmummy in reply toPMRpro

Puppy training mats are large and reasonably cheap,might be worth a try eh?x🌼😜

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAngelsmummy

Wouldn't know about such things!!!

Angelsmummy profile image
Angelsmummy in reply toPMRpro

Never used them myself but they are useful if someone is working and cannot get pups out to toilet .But I am digressing,large,waterproof and disposable,better for Grammy than having to use towels and have the hassle of washing them!x🌼😜

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAngelsmummy

Quite ...

montebello profile image
montebello

What can I add to what the others have said. 🙏

Fatsiajaponica profile image
Fatsiajaponica

Sending love and hugs to a very stoical and special lady 🫂

Stills profile image
Stills

hoping things improve for you very soon 🌺

RachelJDH profile image
RachelJDH

Dear Grammy80, I cannot offer any technical but was very moved by your strength and bravery. Thinking of you and hoping you get the support you need.

Frewen1 profile image
Frewen1

gosh, that’s a lot to deal with, wishing you all the warmest support that can be sent virtually… x

Missus835 profile image
Missus835

No words. Just a huge hug Grammy. 🫂

Telian profile image
Telian

Sending big big hugs Grammy and hoping Monday goes well. 🌺

readingbooks profile image
readingbooks

Hugs from me too.

Tiggy70 profile image
Tiggy70

You are one special lady Grammy! You are an inspiration to us all. Sending big hugs X

MamaBeagle profile image
MamaBeagle

This is a wonderful family. Im v weak after my recent, now revovering, from acute HepA. Have so many messages of support. Its amazing. Probably still too weak to give you a hug...will a virtual hug do? 🤗🤗xxx

RiviS7 profile image
RiviS7

I'm so sorry Grammy80. I hope you are doing better. Please let us know that you are o.k.

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