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lymphadema in r.leg

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Posted 5/13/2006 6:59 AM (GMT 0)

Hello,i'm 34 yrs.old living in n.cali.I have lymphadema in my r.leg.In 99 i had cervical cancer and had a radical hysterctomy,chemo,and radiation.about 4 yrs.later i was diagnosed for lymphadema.I wear the stockings,they help a little i guess.Shortly after that,sometimes i would wake up with my leg so sore i can hardly walk,it will be real red and hot,i will break out in a fever,then ill start the shivers,then i"ll sleep and wake up in a pool of sweat,sometimes i will get sick.I will feel very tired and nausead and get real bad headaches.I have to miss work at least 3-4 days.Its like having the flu.Ever since then, this happens about 5X a year.The doctor gave me penicillan one time,another gave me antibiotics,i have had an ultrasound and a pelvic ct scan but nothing was detected.They dont know what it is,they say its an infection,then they would refer me to another doctor cause they havent seen this before.It just keeps coming back.Has anyone had these same symptoms,if so,please let me know,so ill have an answer to what is going on and hopefully a solution.Thank u ,Janell

Posted 5/13/2006 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Janell-
Sorry for your troubles, sounds like quite a nuisance! Many here deal with lymphedema of the arms, but I knew someone once who had it in her leg, following rads to the femur. I have no info to help you, but at least wanted to say hello...

Lori
Posted 5/13/2006 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lori,thanks for writing back,let me know if u hear of someone with the same prob.Have a great day,hope your doing well.Janell
Posted 5/14/2006 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Janell,
I also wish to welcome you. I dont have info on how to help you, but there are many websites that you could look to for help. One is lymphnet.com, and there are also web forums which may be helpful. You may find someone in your similiar situation. Try googling lymphedema.
When you get an infection you MUST get your doctors to take you seriously!! Not to scare you, but it is possible to get a blood infection, and that is extremely dangerous. I wish you luck.

Chantry
Posted 5/15/2006 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Chantry,thank u for your reply,i'll defenitly check out that website.Thanks for the welcome.Have a great nite.Janell
Posted 5/15/2006 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is Nancy and I have Lymphadema in my right arm. From your post it sounds as if you are developing cellulitis and/or lymphengitis. These are bacterial/fungal infections that are in the arm Since lymph movement is compromised, and injury received to the affected arm/leg etc. must be cleaned and bandaged right away. The lymph system works to send lymph with white blood cells to the injured site ot quickly destroy and remove the "bad guys". sometimes our lymph isn't able to "kill" all the bacteria and an infection occurs in your arm, ie, heat, burning, tight swelling, itching, and the danger is in bacteria can then invade your blood stream,

You Need to take off any bandage or sleeve you are wearing. Below is what I copied and pasted from a lymphedema website.

'      *********************************************************
 "If you have any of the symptoms listed below you MUST SEE your doctor or go to the Emergency Department (E.D.) at the hospital. You MUST BE ON ANTIBIOTICS  to clear up the infection of the skin and tissues and make sure it has not entered the blood system.
Lymphangitis (Infection)

Signs and symptoms of lymphangitis (infection) may include some or all of the following: rash, red blotchy skin, itching of the affected area, discoloration, increase of swelling and/or temperature of the skin, heavy sensation in the limb (more so than usual), pain, and in many cases a sudden onset of high fever and chills.
Treatment for infections: immediately discontinue ALL current lymphedema treatment modalities (including manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, pumps, wearing of compression garments) and contact your physician as soon as possible. The antibiotics of choice for these types of lymphatic infections are those in the penicillin family. Always carry antibiotics or a prescription with you when you travel.<!--content ends here-->tc. i pasted a peice of and article from the web site lyumps"

 ****************************************Good Luck with your treatment! Nancy

Post Edited (army wife) : 5/15/2006 12:15:28 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/16/2006 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy,thank u for the helpful imformation.The last doctor i saw in urgent care had gave me antibiotics called cephalexin 500mg 3x 10dys.He said he was treating for cellulitus.My internal medicine doc. gave me naproxen 500mg for imflamatory,my surgeon gave me penicillin w'vitamin k 250mg to take for 6 mon.Im still taking the atibiotic right now and it seems to be helping.Which medicine should i keep on hand if it happens again,and is there a prevenative that i can do to stop it from coming back again,maybe a vitamin or something.My immune system is very low and i do take my vitamins and premerin everyday,whats a good immunity boost to do or take to be healthy?Do u have any secrets?Thanks again for all your help.Have a great evening.Janell
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