Recovering from Cellulitis/Anxious about Sepsis Risk

Thank you.

I woke up this morning to a warm, red leg so it looks like it has come back. At this point I just don't know what to do to get rid of it. 2 and a half to 3 months, and 3 bouts! I know I didn't finish my last course of antibios but I had 2 different doctors saying I didn't need too. 

And I've had 4 different doctors and a bioscientist I work with saying that it will go away. But when? How? Isn't just pointlessly taking antibios going to make it stronger? 

And while it's there, it's hard to not be so anxious over things like sepsis.

My first serious outbreak happened on Christmas Day and I wasn't really sure what was going on so I just soldiered through and it got better on its. However, with hindsight I realise I had the early stages of sepsis and should have gone to hospital. So you can get over it, but it does take longer and so it'll get worse before it gets better.

Personally, I'd be right back to the doctor (I have instructions to go straight to hospital now because of the sepsis) and see if there is another antibiotic that you aren't allergic to. If it is cellulitis, you won't be taking it pointlessly and you won't make it stronger. Taking the antibiotics may also give you more peace of mind because, as long as you aren't allergic to it, you'll know it won't get much worse.

Longer term, you need to find out what is the cause, and if there is anything that can be done for it. If it is caused by insect bites and scratches then you could get an antibacterial soap and an appointment with a dermatologist. If it is down to something like lymphedema then you'll want to find ways of making that better and you might need to be refered to a specialist. Mine was possibly internal (abscesses?) and a course of IV antibiotics seems to have seen it off, as I've been free of it for a couple of years now. So there is no one-size-fits-all solution but it is worth plugging away at this - have a read of this forum as there a numerous discussions about the different causes of cellulitis and how people have dealt with it. There is no harm in talking to doctors and suggesting solutions - mine were positively grateful.

Thank you, that's actually really helpful to hear. I'm also glad you've been free for years now!

I also don't understand how it doesn't make the infection stronger though. I would have thought it had time to fight/adapt. I don't understand these things amazingly though. 

I will go back to the doctor tomorrow. It's actually gone cold, again, now, which is strange. It's not pain I feel but it feels uncomfortable, and goes hot then cold. If I can find out what's causing it that'd be a step I suppose.

I'm just scared about sepsis & necrotizing...fisc--- what's it called? Flesh-eating infection progression. Knowing I keep getting somethng that has even minor risks of these things is terrifying. 

You'd need to read up about it, but I believe the main problem is not on an individual level - you aren't too likely to give your own bacteria antibiotic resistamce, it is more that in a population if everyone fails to complete their full run of pills then it could emerge in one person and spread to others (hence hospital's strict cleanliness policies to prevent the spread of things like MRSA).

Sepsis (and necrotising fasciitis) are scary, but you can't let the fear of it ruin your life, try and use it as incentive to make sure you get the help you need. Which is what I did because I was underinformed and underprepared the first few times and didn't get the prompt treatment I needed, which put my life at risk. So I did my research, kept pushing the doctors and I still have a bag packed ready to go to hospital, just in case.

I'll do my best not to worry. It's just knowing that it's always a risk now while this remains unhealed. But it's kinda'... I guess there's 101 risks everyday, everywhere. 

I think I'll just try to ask for answers and maybe if they can take a culture & find te bacteria or... i dunno, ECG? Whatever they need to do. I can't just keep taking antibiotics every 2/3 weeks & hoping for the best. It's not safe and if it safe then it's not good for me. I'm run down. I think my immune system is shot. 

Thanks for your rapid responses. I'll let you know how docs goes.

Been to the doctor today. 

She said it didn't feel too warm, and didn't appear to be Cellulitis. But I don't know, it looks kind of the same as before... Anyway, she said I should be trying to avoid antibiotics for a while if it's not Cellulitis so gave me steroid cream for the burning/dryness. 

It's really helped the burning in my leg so far but now my hands feel like they're burning. They don't feel physically very warm is the problem but I can't stop feeling like everything's burning. I don't know if this is a mental problem or something else at this point. But given the context of having had this infection it's kind of SCARY. Any ideas? :c

She said keep an eye on it, see if anything spreads. 

Good to hear the steroid cream is working, ohers have reported some success with it. It not being warm is a good sign.

On your hands: I can't think how cellulitis would reoccur there. It might be just that your mind is latching on to any thing else. You don't seem to be at high risk of sepsis as long as you get any cellulitis treated, but if the fear of it is a problem, then you may want to look into getting help for that - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or there are medications available (I know people with anxiety who have found both helpful).

Thank you! I've had some CBT before that worked well. I'm going to look into that again. c: 

I'll update you in a few days hopefully. Thanks for all your help. Have a good day!

I have a question. 2 weeks ago I had an I&D for a perianal abscess and I had cellulitis as well. I was on antibiotics for 10 days and I'm done with them now. But now I feel weird pain on the side I had the cellulitis going down that leg and my stomach is this normal am I just overreacting