Cellulitis in my leg

[lillypaddle]

This has been going on for a month - 3rd time I've had this problem. After 3 rounds of antibiotics, I want to an infectious disease doc. Just what I wanted to do in these times of infectious disease, right? Haha.

I have been to my family doc for several visits, she referred me to a podiatrist, who referred me to a vascular surgeon (I have heart issues, too), back to my family doc, who referred me to an infectious disease doc.

Fast forward to today. Back from the doctor. My leg is worse now after 4 infusions of super-duper antibiotics ($200). Frankly, I don't think he knew what to do. Another genius doctor. He did a blood test to see if it's a blood clot. He told me to wrap it in an ace bandage, elevate my leg, and double the dose of my diuretic, and come back on April 3rd. WTF?? Is it just me, or are doctors just totally clueless? He is an infectious disease doc, for god's sake, and he is passive as shit, kind of followed my lead. So fuck it. I'm done with the leg until and if I need to be hospitalized. Now is just NOT he time to be dealing with this bullshit.

I am totally frustrated. Now is not the time to be hanging out in waiting rooms of doctors' offices.

What will be, will be. But I am totally blown away at the ineptitude of these doctors. Where is Dr. House when you need him?

[marybourg]

1. What did the vascular surgeon say?

[lillypaddle]

3. He didn't know why the podiatrist

had referred me to him. But since I was there, he ran tests that showed blood flow was 110% in both legs. Damn. Is it because I'm i Kentucky????

[snort]

4. 110%?

Is this tRumps Doctor?

[lillypaddle]

11. haha!

He explained it, but to be honest, I kind of blocked it out - anyway, he said it was a good thing.

[Hoyt]

2. I feel for you. Have not been impressed by docs lately. There are few Drs. House or Welby nowadays.

[MLAA]

5. My sister had cellulitis out of the blue.

Swollen and red splotchy ankles. Dr immediately ordered a ‘Doppler test’ at a radiology center to rule out blood clots. No clots. Told her to where compression socks (you can get them at drug store or order off amazon), if super swollen, the ones with zippers that you can order are easier to get on and off. She did that, put up her ankles, took some antibiotic and used Cetaphil lotion (alcohol free lottion from drugstores). It went away after she started the hose in a couple of weeks.

Good luck!

[lillypaddle]

12. Thanks

I'm going to get an ace bandage today. I can't bend over to do compression hose or socks. And I can't get my leg up high.

[Under The Radar]

6. It could lead to an aneurism in your leg, and that ain't pretty

[DURHAM D]

7. Has anyone suggested lymphatic drainage massage.

A friend had out-patient surgery and was having all sorts of problems with fluid, drainage and clots. My massage therapist told me to have him get a referral from his doctor to a physical therapist because they are all trained in the technique. She added, doctors don't know anything about it.

So friend got a referral and went for two weeks and his legs that were twice their normal size are now back to normal but he continues to do exercises that they taught him at home and wears compression underwear and socks. jfr - I did not even know there was such a thing as compression underwear.

[marybourg]

8. You probably got more help here

ZZthan from all the doctors! Good luck.

[Canoe52]

10. Compression underwear...that'll get you in the soprano section!

[lillypaddle]

14. Haven't heard of it

until you mentioned it.

[No Vested Interest]

9. I also have cellulitis in my legs at this time.

Went to urgent care and prescribed Doxycilin(sp?), 2 tabs per day, as well as 2.5% hydrocortisone for itching.

I thought the Doxycilin was a pretty strong medicine, as I didn't always feel very good when taking it.
Completed 10 day course and it's not completely gone.

Don't know that I want to return to the urgent care doctor right away, though I felt she was a good diagnostician, etc.
Am concerned what else may be going around while in the waiting room.
Besides, it's not bothering me that much at the moment

[lillypaddle]

13. Sounds familiar

I took cephalexin (antibiotic), and when that didn't work, doxy. And when that didn't work, my doc referred me to the infectious disease doctor. That's when I had 4 days of strong antibiotic infusion. Which didn't work. And here I am. He "offered" to put me in the hospital, but I declined. Like you, I am concerned about spending all this time at the doctor's office.

Glad you are feeling better. Hope it is all gone now.

[trof]

15. Everything you ever wanted to know about cellulitis?

https://www.healthline.com/health/cellulitis#treatment

[lillypaddle]

16. And it's been almost a month

I still have it, even after the IV infusions. You'd think an infectious disease doctor would know what to do. I go back to see him next Friday. I think it might be a little better, but not much. Currently not on any treatment.