Hi, I am new to this website which I found while googling. I have had secondary lymphedema in my left arm for nearly 13 years. It occurred post lymph node dissection for Stage 1 BC in 1997. I was 33 at the time, am 46 now.
I am recovering now from a bout with celluitis which started last Friday. Over the years I have had 2-3 "minor" infections -- where I was able nip it in the bud by taking an oral antibotic at the first sign of red spots -- and it never got any worse. However, this time, although I also started taking an oral antibiotic at the first sign of spots, the infection continued to spread until my entire arm was red, puffy, painful, warm and I had a 102 fever. I ended up in the ER, got IV antibiotics and was released on oral antibotics which I am to take for another few days.
At this point, the redness, pain, etc. is all gone -- however, the arm still looks very puffy. Not sure if this is from the infection or because I haven't wrapped or worn compression garments in a week. I'd like to get back to it but am getting conflicting info -- even from my doctors. I also have been googling and information on the internet seems conflicted as well
Do any of you have any advice from past experience? Please advise
Thanks,
Carolyn