OK, I am sharing this because I had NO idea what cellulitis was until last Friday. Now, after being in the hospital for a few days, I want to pass this along in case anyone else hasn't heard of it either. (although you ladies are usually more up on these things than me...)
On Wed. my left elbow was really hurting. Since that's the arm where I have mild lymphedema, I thought maybe it was starting to go into "swelling" mode. That and you all know we seem to get more than our share of general aches and pains, so I didn't think much of it. Then, on Thurs, as I was pulling off my shirt I noticed a kind of rash on the back of that arm. "Hmmmm, " I thought, that can't be good, but maybe it will go away by morning." (OK, so maybe I am in denial!)
Of course, by morning my whole arm was covered with these angry spots, was swollen and hot and painful. Called my doc and she said, "Go to the ER right now." Went and they admitted me and put me on what looked like nuclear grade antibiotics. I just got out today.
When I told my Dad I was in the hospital with cellulitis he was a bit confused and said, "What, are you having liposuction?! I didn't think you were that fat."
I guess this can be a very serious thing if left unattended and you can loose the arm or even die if it goes throughout the body. You'd think one of my many doctor would have warned me about the symptoms of this....well, I do know now!
Good grief!
Erin