Cellulitis: Has Anyone Else Developed This Post-op?

[wantobeskinny 10]

Hey Everyone,

It seems that I have developed Cellulitis on my face... it started about 3ish weeks post-op. It is a bacterial infection of the skin, which can show up in different places on the body. It is very painful... Kinda like a whole bunch of fire ants bit me on the face, red, warm, itchy, swollen, oozing (gross!). It is really terrible. I went to the Doctor (not Bariatric) and they gave me some antibiotics about five days ago. I thought it was getting better, but today it has flared up again pretty badly.

Has anyone else developed Cellulitis after surgery? Should I contact the Bariatric surgeon? Do you know how long it takes to heal?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[gettingtohappy 23]

Wow...this is strange...and I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the surgery. I can say that sometimes our immunity is down after surgery and we are more vulnerable to illness during this time of weakness. We as gastric patients are struggling to drink and eat enough so that makes it worse on our system. I do hope you get well soon!!!

[happy1957 138]

Is it like a small cluster of blisters? Usually if it is painful and a small area, it could be a case of shingles. I am not a nurse, but work in a Dr's office and at times of emotional or physical stress people sometimes will get a breakout of shingles. Just a suggestions. I broke out with cold sores after my surgery. I have NEVER had a cold sore in 54 years. You never know what your body will do. The best of luck

[RickM 1,753]

I've had it a few times, several years pre-op, so it's not necessarily anything connected to the surgery other than weakened condition and altered immune responses. Mine has always been on an ankle and the rash was preceded a day or two before with flu like symptoms and a rapid fever spike into the 104-105 range - that really gets your attention. My PCP always sticks me in the hospital for an incredibly boring stay due to the antibiotics that he prefers for it (what can I say - he's an infectious disease guy, who am I to argue?)

It's certainly worth letting the Bariatric surgeon know about it, particularly anything that close to surgery.

[Mrs.Newme 21]

I am so sorry to read you are going through this. I had cellulitis once, but completely unrelated to this surgery. It was from problems with my joints and an injection. Very painful and bought me a 5 day stay in the hospital as my entire leg was inflamed. I do recall the nurses putting a moist pack on my leg to help reduce the swelling and restore circulation to the leg. Good luck. Sorry your are having that happen, I hope you get well soon.

[wantobeskinny 10]

Thanks everyone. I ended up going back to the ER this saturday. This ER doctor is testing me for lupus. I then went to the Dermatologist today... he seems to think it may not be lupus, but just a hormonal reaction because my body has gone through so much lately. It is really hard to diagnos right now because of all of the changes... in medication, diet, lifestyle, etc.

Thanks for your comments! I hope this helps someone else in the future also.