1 week postop--cellulitis infection-SCARED!

I had my arms done a week ago..Everything seemed to go off without a hitch, but now left arm is unbelievable swollen (hand is twice normal size) and I am freaking out. I went to see the Dr yesterday and he didnt seem as alarmed as I am--he put me on Augmentin and I have been taking it for a day with no reduction in swelling..I have an 8 month old baby to care for and a job that I had gone back to on Monday before the bad swelling started..Now I am home entertaining visions of necrotizing fascitis and gangrene and my imagination is getting the better of me...Someone please reassure me that this is common..the doctor's office tried to but I am panicking..thinking I am going to get some kind of cosmic payback for my vanity..you know..the irony of having to have an arm amputated after getting cosmetic enhancement surgery on it. Has anyone heard of anyone losing a a limb after plastic surgery?

Courtney, You must be my long lost twin. I do the same thing in letting my mind wonder to horrible places! Unfortunately I dont have any medical knowledge that can help you. I can give you my support though! Take your cues from your doctor. Did he say how long it would take for the swelling to start going down? If not give him a call. Hopefully you'll see it improve from here on out. And no one is trying to get you back for your "vanity". You've done what you needed to to be healthy and look as best as you can---bottom line! Best wishes! Kirsten

Hey Courtney.. Can you send me a picture of it? I was seen thousands of wounds and incisions. Is there any reason why he put you on Augmentum instead of Keflex? I was a RN in the ER up until I had my last baby . I went back for about 6 months and decided to resign in 2005. If he thought it was bad he would have given you IV antibiotics. Your hand is swelling because of the dependant edema..from the surgery, possibly, or infection. Did he ask you to wear a sling? Sometimes just the outer edges become infected or slightly infected with Staph.... Take a Deep breath..I am sure you are in good hands !!! Hugs.. Dana

Back in October, before my consult, I had cellulitis in my left leg. I told the ER doc specifically how it began and I was given an IV antibiotic in the ER and sent home with a scrip for Keflex. This looked rather improved after 2 weeks, but one week later the spot started to swell again. The second time I was able to get in to my PCP who wanted to know why in the world I had been put on Keflex when my dogs were involved in the injury to begin with. I told him he would have to ask the ER doc. Anyway, after two weeks of Augmentin I saw great improvement and have had no recurrence. But, there is still a small raised area. I asked the anesthesiologist about this right before my surgery and he said it might take a year for that raised area to go away. Don't give up! Stay on that Augmentin and give it time for work! I was just like you, fuming and worrying. Everything turned out just fine. Have faith! Lois

Aww, Courtney, I wish I could help but it sounds as though you got some good answers....I am sure that the dr has it under control. Just relax and you will be just fine...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, betsy