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Stubborn cellulitis?
I am a 62 year old male in good health. I am 6' 2" and 265 lbs. On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, I was splitting firewood and dropped a piece, striking my ankle above the ankle bone. After a quick examination, I then forgot about it. It went unattended until Monday, Nov 30, 2020, when I noticed an infection and cleaned it with alcohol wipes. It immediately started burning and I thought the alcohol wipes were burning the skin.
The infection increased in severity for three days while I tried topical ointments. I was able to see a doctor on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. He diagnosed my infection with cellulitis.
Dec. 4, 2020 -
Prescribed Sulfamethoxaz-ole-tmp ds tablet 1 two times daily 10 days
Prescribed Cephalexin 500 MG capsule 1 four times daily 10 days
Bedrest, elevate the foot.
I witnessed an improvement and was able to sleep and eat after the previous week of neither.
Dec. 7, 2020 - Monday 2nd Visit
Dr. was concerned about the swelling and wanted to reduce fluid buildup.
Prescribed Furosemide 20 mg Tablet 1 one time daily 10 days
Again, I noticed further improvement and experienced dried skin across the wound area.
Dec. 9, 2020 - Tuesday 3rd visit
Prescribed Clindamycin HCL 150 MG Capsule 1 three times daily 10 days
Prescribed Clindamycin HCL 300 MG Capsule 1 three times daily 10 days
Prescribed Silver Sulfadiazine Cream
Discontinued Sulfamethoxaz and Cephalexin
Dec. 11, 2020 - Thursday 4th visit
Prescribed Prednisone 20 MB Tablet 1 one time daily for 5 days
Received injection? Either steroid or antibiotic with pain killer
Dec. 22, 2020 - Tuesday
Ran out of Clindamycin HCL
Dec. 23, 2020 - Wednesday
Prescribed Sulfamethoxaz-ole-tmp ds tablet 1 two times daily 10 days
Prescribed Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule 1 four times daily 10 days
Jan. 3, 2021 - Sunday
Ran out of Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule
Jan. 4, 2021 - Monday
Refill Cephalexin 500 MG Capsule denied
Refill Silver Sulfadiazine Cream denied
Continue Sulfamethoxaz-ole-tmp ds 1 twice daily 9 days
My question is:
Should the antibiotic treatment be discontinued at this stage? Should it have been discontinued in Early December?
2 Answers
You have very good cellulitis. You need to see your doctor ASAP for proper care. Meanwhile, you need blood work to check if you have diabetes. You have a complicated problem now. Naturally, I suggest you take wild oregano oil, 10 drops in a glass of water two times a day till it feels better and follow up with your doctor.
If the pictures are current, I suggest you stay on antibiotics. I would also get an X-ray to look for foreign bodies or infection in the bone. I would also make sure that you don't have diabetes and that you have good blood flow to the foot.
Hope this helps.
Dr. K