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lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
Mon Mar 23, 2020, 10:00 PM Mar 2020

Cellulitis in my leg

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?

16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Cellulitis in my leg (Original Post) lillypaddle Mar 2020 OP
What did the vascular surgeon say? marybourg Mar 2020 #1
He didn't know why the podiatrist lillypaddle Mar 2020 #3
110%? snort Mar 2020 #4
haha! lillypaddle Mar 2020 #11
I feel for you. Have not been impressed by docs lately. There are few Drs. House or Welby nowadays. Hoyt Mar 2020 #2
My sister had cellulitis out of the blue. MLAA Mar 2020 #5
Thanks lillypaddle Mar 2020 #12
It could lead to an aneurism in your leg, and that ain't pretty Under The Radar Mar 2020 #6
Has anyone suggested lymphatic drainage massage. DURHAM D Mar 2020 #7
You probably got more help here marybourg Mar 2020 #8
Compression underwear...that'll get you in the soprano section! Canoe52 Mar 2020 #10
Haven't heard of it lillypaddle Mar 2020 #14
I also have cellulitis in my legs at this time. No Vested Interest Mar 2020 #9
Sounds familiar lillypaddle Mar 2020 #13
Everything you ever wanted to know about cellulitis? trof Mar 2020 #15
And it's been almost a month lillypaddle Mar 2020 #16

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
3. He didn't know why the podiatrist
Mon Mar 23, 2020, 10:10 PM
Mar 2020

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????

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
11. haha!
Tue Mar 24, 2020, 06:41 AM
Mar 2020

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

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
2. I feel for you. Have not been impressed by docs lately. There are few Drs. House or Welby nowadays.
Mon Mar 23, 2020, 10:09 PM
Mar 2020

MLAA

(17,115 posts)
5. My sister had cellulitis out of the blue.
Mon Mar 23, 2020, 10:14 PM
Mar 2020

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

(9,580 posts)
12. Thanks
Tue Mar 24, 2020, 06:43 AM
Mar 2020

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.

DURHAM D

(32,580 posts)
7. Has anyone suggested lymphatic drainage massage.
Mon Mar 23, 2020, 10:22 PM
Mar 2020

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.

No Vested Interest

(5,154 posts)
9. I also have cellulitis in my legs at this time.
Tue Mar 24, 2020, 03:30 AM
Mar 2020

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

(9,580 posts)
13. Sounds familiar
Tue Mar 24, 2020, 06:48 AM
Mar 2020

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.

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
16. And it's been almost a month
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 01:56 AM
Mar 2020

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.

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