Is swelling permenant?
Posted , 3 users are following.
I'm a 48 year old male. I had a severe bout of cellulitis 12 months ago in my right lower leg. I was admitted to hospital quickly after the onset & remained there for two weeks whilst an appropriate anti-biotic was found & applied.
My first symtom was a pain in the groin, which apparently was the lymph glands reacting to the condition. I was discharged when the swelling had reduced & the accompanying fever had subsided. I was unable to work for another 6 weeks whilst the swelling continued to reduce.
My problem is that my lower leg & foot remains considerably swollen after 12 months. At around 6 months I was advised by my GP to use compression hosiery. This works short term i.e. when I'm wearing it, but soon returns to the swollen state on removal. Are there any other treatments?
It does not cause any discomfort, but it's clearly not right. And, the simple logistics of trying to get a pair of shoes / boots that fits is a nightmare because of the size difference.
0 likes, 3 replies
Tessa
Posted
I knocked my ankle with a plug from the iron about three months ago. Being a long term steroid user, it rapidly bruised and was swollen. Some weeks after as the swelling was going down, my lower leg became red and was swelling. I went to my doctor and he said I had excema which had become infected and turned to cellulitis. He gave me some cream and antibiotics. Just as I was coming to the last day of the antibiotics I developed a chest infection. He said we must concentrate on that and for me to just use the cream on the leg.
After the chest infection I went down to see my GP. He said he wasn't worried by the swelling and as it is above an old healed ulcer that the skin was pulled tight like an elastic band. Well it's been like that for 9 years and I haven't had this swelling before.
He has given me some emulsifying ointment and suport tights, which as you say work while you are wearing them, but when you take them off the swelling is back again. The redness has gone, but if the leg gets hot then it is back.
I don't know if the cellulitis has gone (or if I had it in the first place as I didn't have a fever or any swelling other than the leg) and like yourself is the swelling ever going to stop, Also my lower legs hurt to touch. Do yours?
If you get an answer to these questions I would be very interested to hear them.
Warmest regards
Tessa
Guest
Posted
The up-side of my condition is that although my leg is still quite swollen, there is no pain at all.
Regards
Phil
Tessa
Posted
Sorry I have taken awhile to reply but been having trouble with the old laptop.
Same here, there is no pain, BUT there is tenderness on the shin. When the stocking is pulled on or off if it touches the shin then I do get some pain. But otherwise it is ok for the moment.
Tessa