Severe cellulitis
I have COPD 9 years on oxygen 24/7. I recently was diagnosed with heart failure.My question is have any of you had a problem with edema causing severe cellulitis and if you did what did you do.I am wearing compression leggings.I have went through 3 different antibiotics and a small amount of improvement is all have to show for it. My dr.thinks l need to go to the hospital but I am trying to hold off till l get this test on my legs done Monday then l see my ❤️ Dr.Wednesday.I do not want to go to the hospital l really feel like they want to kill me.I know they aren't but it's awful.Any recommendations for the cellulitis?
Why do you want me to reply to my own question?
, you don't have to respond to your own question, but you can respond to other members in this thread when they reply to you! I am hopeful our community will see your post and will respond if they have had a shared experience! Best, Sam S. (COPD team).
Need advice
Hi. Sorry to hear that you are experiencing cellulitis along with your COPD and heart failure. I can completely understand your frustration with with your doctors, especially considering you have tried three antibiotics already. Likewise, I can also empathize with your desire to avoid the hospital. Cellulitis, as far as I am aware, I think it is an infection caused by a bacteria. Edema doesn't directly cause it. But I'm told it may stretch your skin out in a way to makes it easier for bactera to enter your skin, thereby causing the infection. I could be wrong there, but that's what I think. If antibiotics you are taking at home are not helping, it's possible you may need IV antibiotics that can only I be given in the hospital setting. They can also manage any pain you are experiencing and offer supportive care. If all you need is IV antibiotics, I think you can get that on an outpatient basis at an infusion clinic. I support and understand your desire to be patient. Although, if you start to notice it getting worse before your next appointment, please don't hesitate to visit your local health clinic or ER, as they should be able to help you reverse the infection. Does this brief response help? How are you doing today? John. community moderator.
I'm so sorry for what you're going through! Cellulitis is no fun at all. Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that enters the skin, so the antibiotics should really have worked better than it sounds like. Your doctor is giving you the advice to go to the hospital because if the bacteria spreads into your bloodstream or lymph system, it becomes more serious.
In the meantime, there are things you can do that will ease the discomfort - but certainly won't cure it. A cool, damp cloth on the area will feel good. Make sure you keep your legs elevated and if your doctor says it's ok, take some over the counter pain killers.
If you go to the hospital, they can help get rid it much quicker than at home on oral antibiotics.
Best,
Lyn (COPD.net site moderator)
