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Reoccurring cellulitis 6th episode since April - help!

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kerryanne1975
kerryanne1975

My dad is 63 and this year he has endured 6 episodes of cellulitis in his lower left leg. All these episodes start off really scary with him quickly becoming septic (hospitals attended have each failed to follow sepsis guidelines on every occasion, but that's another story).

When my dad eventually gets started on intravenous antibiotics he's been given flucloxicillin, benzyl penicillin and more recently they used clindimycin. He gets treated for 10-14 days the latter part are orally. He has had a maximum of 8 weeks recovery before it starts over again.

He has underlying lymphodema of both legs which I have managed to arrange support from a nurse specialist but I had to do the enquiries and self referral as when I asked Dr's they just said it would be a good idea. She wrote to my dad's GP to advise low dose antibiotic prophylaxis and custom made compression socks (we are still waiting for these).

2 episodes have occurred just 2 weeks after the previous.

We are desperate for a plan and a medical professional to take more interest - my dad has type 2 diabetes, cirrhosis (not through alcohol ) and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can anyone offer any words of wisdom, suggestions and recommendations? We desperately want our dad back in better health, sepsis is scary and hospital stays are miserable for everyone!

Thank you

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • millie99
    millie99 kerryanne1975

    Posted

    Hi

    I have had cellulitis several times and like your dad ended up in hospital.I  am type 2 diabetes and have lymphodema in my right leg.I am lucky that I have a good doctor,maybe your dad needs to change his doctor to someone who will be more understanding

    I also have had sepsis and it was picked up by a junior doctor after two experienced doctors had said it wasn't.I was told I was hours from death.I ended up in hospital for six weeks fighting for my life.Now I don't take any chances with my health.I wish your dad well.

    Millie

     

    • kerryanne1975
      kerryanne1975 millie99

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply Millie99. Each time my dad goes in the signs of sepsis are very visible - posters all over both hospitals say antibiotics need to be given within an hour to reduce risk of serious consequences - 3 1/2 hours is the quickest so far, 11 hours the longest! He was in hospital from Aug 11th-16th - they stopped iv antibiotics suddenly and put him on oral because they upset his stomach, he's gone back in today because it's raging again!

      I'm going to make an appointment to have a lengthy discussion with his Consultant - I just hope they listen and are willing to put a plan together, not just fob us off!

      I hope you are doing well, thank you for your help and understanding.

    • millie99
      millie99 kerryanne1975

      Posted

      Hi

      I am so pleased you are doing that. Please keep me informed,your dad is lucky he has you t fight his battles.

      All the best

  • pauluk60
    pauluk60 kerryanne1975

    Posted

    hi kerry i have been there and at this time thinking of going to a/e sore on leg from last bout painful and like eletric shocks keep telling district nurses  reply is we will take a swab  well you know how fast this goes you could be in the box b4 they get results  the one thing that has helped and worked is i got the doc to give me antibiotics as standbye       he wasnt to happy about it but it saved me a couple of times now the only thing i can say because like yourselves i want a plan  the only way i can think is either 111 or a/e and keep at them i had a older style district nurse one and all she would say is any pain heat swelling redness and all other symptoms  YOU MUST GOTO A/E NO GOING TO DOCS and must say as far as concerned she was spot on      so all the best from someone in same boat cu paul
  • pauluk60
    pauluk60 kerryanne1975

    Posted

    kerry i hope i am helping if you are doing the careing you must check feet athletes foot splits on sole of foot  i use a sqaure type plaster till better and all types of breaks in skin in leg and feet area this is where bugs get you may know all this but trying to help 
    • kerryanne1975
      kerryanne1975 pauluk60

      Posted

      This is really interesting, my dad has obvious fungal infection of his big toe on the same leg. He's been told not to use fungal treatments as they don't work. This could be the route though and worth investigating further. Thank you

    • pauluk60
      pauluk60 kerryanne1975

      Posted

      kerry try vicks vapour rub might sound daft but read it on line as i some tried it worked for me and rapid emptied the nail it goes black mite b a little worrying for you but the forum warned me of this but then came a lovely clean nail  cant remember  site but if you google  you may find site/forum 
  • brads27
    brads27 kerryanne1975

    Posted

    I put a post on but was deleted, I am trying what Ian Botham advertises on tv , my leg feels better after I have used it, only used it a couple of times so will use it every night from now on, my GP face me double base cream to put on my leg so that may be worth a try.
    • brads27
      brads27

      Posted

      Should read gave me double base cream.
    • kerryanne1975
      kerryanne1975 brads27

      Posted

      Yes, my dad uses epiderm wash and moisturiser which does help as dry skin is a problem for his leg following the infection.

      Thank you for your suggestion.

    • brads27
      brads27 kerryanne1975

      Posted

      Also I have read about Vicks for toenails,i to have a fungal infection, another method to try is coconut oil with a couple of drops of tea tree oil, it does take at least 6 months to clear.

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