Diabetes Update March 2021

My last blog was a few years ago. Covid is still with us, but seems more manageable for society as a whole, but as of yesterday, I have a new health problem. 

I got a new adult tricycle. It has a big basket on the back so I can go shopping. I have to strap my prosthetic leg onto the pedal, so a fall would be disastrous.

11 days ago I fell while getting off of my new Tricycle, and my right shin landed on the pedal. There were many cuts and bruises on my right shin. 

I treated them all, and a week later they were all healing well, excepts one small wound. Then a few days later, the one unhealed sore started hurting. It was sore to the touch, hot, red and swollen.

On Friday, I went to my local, favorite Dr. She looked at my leg, and immediately nodded, and started asking questions. She asked about my Blood Sugar levels and whether I had been able to control my BG lately. I told her that my BG seems to go high easier, and comes down slower. I hadn't thought about my sore leg being Diabetes related.

She diagnosed Cellulitis. A Diabetes web site said this, about Cellulitis: 

"Cellulitis affects the two deepest layers of the skin—the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. It often appears as a swollen, red area on the skin, and feels tender and hot when touched.

Cellulitis typically develops in areas where the skin has been broken, such as near ulcers, bruises, burns, or recent surgical wounds.  While many types of bacteria can cause cellulitis, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the most common culprits.

If the cellulitis spreads to your lymph nodes and bloodstream, it can become life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect you have this infection."

OK. Now she had my full attention. She said the plan was to hit it hard now, with the two strongest antibiotics possible. Then if there was not a distinct improvement by Monday morning, I was to go to the big hospital casualty and get admitted for about 3 days. She said that Penicillin was the best treatment, but I am allergic to Penicillin. At least I was allergic in 1971. She decided to test me to see if maybe I was no longer allergic by taking a blood test. She said that information would be needed by the hospital staff.

Cellulitis is a major cause of amputations amongst Diabetics. My poor brain imagines the worst. I am almost 70 years old, and live alone, in a small house. How do I transfer from the bed to my wheelchair with no legs? Toilet? I can't even reach my spices for cooking without at least one good leg. What about driving? My new Tricycle? 

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Saturday morning...

I had a poor nights sleep. Quite a bit of pain. Of course after Cancer, and the amputation of my left leg, and the phantom pain afterwards, this is just "toy pain". But enough to keep me awake. I have lots of powerful pain pills on hand if the pain gets worse.

I now see small blisters all around the wound.

I am following the antibiotic pill schedule the Dr gave me to the letter. I am keeping the leg elevated, and I have packed a hospital bag. I see no improvement after 12 hours of antibiotics.