Anyone else have reoccurring cellulitis in their lymphoedema arm? I have had lymphoedema for nearly 10 years now following breast surgery which is managed well with my compression sleeve. However over the past 3 years I get several bouts of cellulitis a year meaning 14 days of antibiotics 4 times a day. In addition I have been taking a daily antibiotic in between times to help prevent this (clearly made no difference!). I just worry about the amount of antibiotics I’m taking…
Just want to hear anyone else’s experiences as I feel pretty much alone on this. Xx
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Hi Kim. I am very similar to you. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and a few months later diagnosed with Lymphoedema in my right arm. Plus finally, after many years requesting, Lymphoedema in my bust. I kept having recurring cellulitis and have been hospitalalised with it. Felt like I was forever on strong antibiotics and would take 2 months, on average, to clear. GP put me on a prophylactic antibiotic (low dose) but this didn’t stop the infections. I’m allergic to penicillin. I pushed for a referral to be seen at St George’s (London) and they put me on a different antibiotic and fortunately I haven’t had an infection since (nearly 2 years now). I wear a compression sleeve on my arm, complete self massage every day plus have a bra insert for the Lymphoedema in my bust. I have lost some weight too. I have this year just been discharged from the lymphoedema clinic as no evidence of abnormal readings.
I hope this encourages you. Michele x
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Thank you so much! Sorry I didn’t see your reply - I thought I’d get an email notification!
Can I ask which antibiotic you were changed to? Was that a daily low dose or just for when the cellulitis occurred?
Kim x
Hi Kim. Originally I was put on Clarithomycin (low dose) but this didn’t work for me. I now take 100mg daily Doxycycline (as mentioned I am allergic to Penicillin) and remain infection free. I take this continuously. I hope you find something that works for you x
That’s good to know and I’m really pleased it’s working for you 
I have a Gp appt next week and I’ll see what she thinks. I’m currently nearly 4 weeks clear of antibiotics so every morning I’m expecting to wake up with red patches!!
Thanks for replying