Is it possible

[mrrick]

I suffered a case of Cellulitis in late June of last year. I had intravenous antibiotics for 3 weeks and then oral antibiotics for 2 weeks. My Cellulitis appeared to be gone but my leg would swell and by the end of the day it was quite swollen. This was a daily occurance. In the middle of January of this year I was hit with a relapse all of a sudden. I only had to have intravenous drugs for a week. Is it possible that I had developed Lymphedema after my Cellulitis and my relapse was caused by my undiagnosed Lymphedema? I still haven't been diagnosed with it but I have been prescribed a compression stocking by a Dermatologist.

[Cassie]

Goodness yes!

And what's also possible is to go for years without a diagnosis because doctors so often know little about it. Please don't let that happen to you! Insist on referral for an evaluation by a well-qualified lymphedema therapist (that'd be someone with at least 135 hours of specifically lymphedema training beyond their PT or OT certification, and at least a year's experience treating lymphedema - call and ask before you go!) S/he will be able to diagnose and if necessary treat your problem and hopefully reduce your risk of further cellulitis flare-ups.

With lymphedema, the sooner you get good treatment the easier it is to control and the better the outcome.

The Therapist Locator links at www.mylymphedema.com can help you find a fully-trained therapist near you.

Hoping you get solid answers soon!
Cassie