Foot randomly balloooned and swollen, boiling hot

[user97632467]

Ii don't know what to do. I'm in absolute agony but have no one to look after dc (she needs to sleep as had a late night and lack of sleep makes her dizzy.

I just don't know where this has come from.

Call NHS 111. Have you possibly been bitten by something or scratched your foot recently? I'd be worried that the swelling could be cellulitis, but get medical advice rather than from randoms on the internet.

What does the top look like, how red is it? I'd also be wondering about cellulitis, so I think I'd ring 111. If it is cellulitis it's worth noting that the research currently suggests that the first treatment of cellulitis can influence the likelihood of recurrence so it may be worth making sure that they treat with that in mind.

You need urgent medical attention as that could be serious. Don't mess about, just get a call in and follow the advice.

Cellulitis. Go to A & E.

I do think it's worth flagging that 111 first might be the best option - in my area they'd be able to give you an OOO GP appointment and if they wasn't suitable should be able to book you an appointment at A and E so you essentially queue virtually for an injury where they strongly believe you won't be triaged to a point of being seen quickly. The latter isn't as rolled out as it could be but it may be worth asking about the scheme is called "111 first"

www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2021-03-09/nhs-111-first-making-difference

111, who will probably recommend you are seen to rule out cellulitis as other posters have suggested. Cellulitis can be serious so it’s best to get seen asap. It may be that your DC will have to get up and sleep later in the day?

Ring the non emergency number and try and get an out of hours appointment.

How old is DD, small enough for a pushchair? Old enough to stay in the car? Your DD can go with you and catch up on sleep later in the waiting room or similar or ask a neighbour or family to pop around most would be willing in an emergency.

Red and hot likely means an infection, draw around the current outline with a sharpie so you can see if it gets bigger.

I’m afraid your dizzy child needs to get on with it. You need someone to look at that.

I ignored the first signs of cellulitis and 24 hours later was in an ambulance, semi-conscious, and spent two weeks in hospital. Don't be me.

my DH had what turned out to be cellulitis we’d gone out for the day and left him at home. He rang me to say 111 had sent a prescription to the chemist for antibiotics and to pick them up for him. When I got home he’d developed sepsis and was delirious. He needed a drip of ABs for a week. When is left him in the morning he had a swollen area on his leg but nothing much more.

it’s scary how these things can change so quickly. Definitely go to A&E and not rely on 111.

Agreed it looks like cellulitis. I've had it in my feet three times and it's very dangerous because as others have said, it can easily lead to sepsis. No idea how old your daughter is but come hell or high water you need to see a doctor today, and the sooner the better.

Last December I had a swollen lower leg and foot, and thought it was cellulitis (had it before, I have varicose veins), I called 111, they got me a doctor's appointment the next day, they referred me for a DVT scan, the DVT team nurse said I had a DVT and some cellulitis. I was on antibiotics for a week and I am taking Apixaban (blood thinner) for at least 12 months. Don't leave this.

@user97632467 How did you get on, have you seen someone about it?

It's not as simple as that. She's 3, autistic, development delay and has poor balance.

Thanks everyone. I'm in hospital now. It's cellulitis. Seems to be spreading but they're discharging me even though I can't move my leg.

Discharging you after IV antibiotics and with antibiotics you've been prescribed I hope? You can take painkillers as well. They must have told you to go back if it shows signs of spreading or you feel unwell?

No IV just oral. :(

And these antibiotics usually make me vomit I'm worried as my lower leg feels entirely numb

I also can't take the painkillers they wanted me to and I'm already on dihydrocodeine

Gosh that sounds worrying for you OP - have they given you an alternative route to get some reassurance about your other symptoms? Otherwise I think I'd be making a fair fuss and not leaving til I was sure they had been adequately considered.

The toes look bluish.

Have they checked you for DVT?

Okay - if it gets any worse, spreads or you start to feel woozy, etc you must call 111 or 999. I'm sure they've told you that in A&E but in the early hours when you've been kept awake for treatment and are tired, we don't always remember the advice. Fingers crossed you'll feel better soon. You would only be given iv antibiotics if the A&E team felt it necessary.

Haven't checked for DVT.

In the past month or so I keep getting random black/ blue bruises with no injury. Gp was concerned about blood clots. I also have long QT. I feel something isn't right, I have a feeling.

How would I just get cellulitis with no scratch etc? So bizarre.

Still can't sleep. :( I'm worried about DVT now, had an hour's flight twice in the last week

Get to hospital urgently as you risk losing your foot or worse your life if you don't!!

Infections don't need a wound. I had Septis that started like this but with swollen fingers & hand. I nearly died. This is not something to mess about with, the faster you get medical attention, the better chance they have of saving you/your foot

OP you need a blood test called a D-dimer. It's to check for blood clots. Did you have bloods taken at the hospital? If so, ring A&E and ask them to check if this was done.