Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Cold And Shivering While Suffering From Lymphedema?
Question: I have lymphadema, my lower legs are bandaged, changing every other day, my thighs are wrapped at night. I also pressure cuff the legs at least once a day. It really sucks. But my question is every once in a while a go thru what we have come to call an event. I get upset/weepy, I get cold and shiver uncontrollably and have to get under multiple blankets, I run a low grade fever for a night. The other thing that happens is an area of cellulitus (sp) where an area on my legs turns dark red, and then clears up in a day or several days. I have been given antibiotics, but I do not want to keep doing this. Dr. any and all help is appreciated, I do not want to feel crazy with this.
Brief Answer:
Lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Because of Lymphedma you have stasis in legs and consequent stasis ulcer and secondary infection giving rise to intermittent episodes of fever.However you have not mentioned about the cause of Lymphedema. Antibiotic (if feasible as per culture and sensitivity report) and regular dressing is the modality of treatment. Personal hygeine is important to prevent super infection.
Physiotherapy (complex decongestive physiotherapy /CDPT and complex lymphedema therapy ) are recommended for morbidity control of lymphedema of most causes.Manual lymphatic massage & Multi-layer bandaging are required by trained physiotherapist. Treatment measures for lymphedema are useful but, of course, not curative.You are already using some pressure cuffs.
Lymphosaphenous anastomosis has been used for leg elephantiasis;many other procedures have also been used in the past, often with inconsistent results.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Because of Lymphedma you have stasis in legs and consequent stasis ulcer and secondary infection giving rise to intermittent episodes of fever.However you have not mentioned about the cause of Lymphedema. Antibiotic (if feasible as per culture and sensitivity report) and regular dressing is the modality of treatment. Personal hygeine is important to prevent super infection.
Physiotherapy (complex decongestive physiotherapy /CDPT and complex lymphedema therapy ) are recommended for morbidity control of lymphedema of most causes.Manual lymphatic massage & Multi-layer bandaging are required by trained physiotherapist. Treatment measures for lymphedema are useful but, of course, not curative.You are already using some pressure cuffs.
Lymphosaphenous anastomosis has been used for leg elephantiasis;many other procedures have also been used in the past, often with inconsistent results.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
