Cellulitis - how long before I'm able to walk in comfort again?

[basildonbond]

I got bitten by an unnamed insect on Friday night - v itchy during the day on Saturday with a tiny bite mark at the centre of a rapidly spreading itchy red patch. I thought it was just an allergic reaction but this morning it had spread to cover about half my leg which was v swollen, red, hot and itchy as hell. Walking or bending my leg is extremely painful. Couldn't stand it any longer so went to the OOH GP who took one look at it, said it was cellulitis and that it was very good that I'd not waited until tomorrow.

I'm feeling exhausted and generally crap and am praying for the antibiotics to kick in quickly

My problem is I usually take my dog for two long walks a day - if dh were here he'd be on dog duty but typically he headed off on a 3 week work trip yesterday...

How long will it take until walking is comfortable again? Presumably trying to struggle on is a bad idea?

[MrsKitty]

Absolutely do NOT try to struggle on! I did, I struggled on at work and over a weekend on my own with the kids (DH was away on a boys weekend!) and i really wish that i hadn't. You need to keep your leg elevated as much as possible. As a result of my struggling on, I ended up in hospital and on an IV drip of Antibiotics for 5 days due to a very nasty bout of cellulitus, and limping around for a good while afterwards. Unfortunately the infection apparently caused damage to the lymph nodes in the area and 3.5 years later, my foot remains noticeably swollen.

Forget the dogs for a while and look after yourself! You'll be fine in a week.

[basildonbond]

Eek mrskitty! That must have been pretty scary...

Right, will book dog walker and call in favours!

[PoshPenny]

Yes don't try to ignore cellulitis, my mother did, and ended up in hospital on IV antibiotics, and delirious with it. Rest up and try to get better without any added drama!

[MrsKitty]

Good plan, Basildonbond. Get well soon

[basildonbond]

Thanks - I now have weeping blisters on the back of my elephantine knee

[MissDuke]

Same happened to me two years ago, it definitely isn't something to mess with. The infection can potentially enter your blood stream and spread around your body causing sepsis, which is what the antibiotics are trying to prevent. Listen to your body, rest and if you feel it isn't improving or worse yet is getting worse - then you will need seen again urgently.

I have a bite on my leg too which has spread to a large red patch - there is heat in it but it isn't terrible sore yet, debating whether to get it seen too. It hasn't turned dark red yet like my cellulitis did, and isn't anywhere near as sore - so watchful waiting for now.

Hope you feel better soon

[Twodogsandahooch]

Basildon if you have seen no improvement with the antibiotics do get seen again. Cellulitis often needs IV treatment.

[fairbalance]

Sit in the garden in a chair leg up and throw balls around for the dogs. It is what I do when I am ill.