My brother is type 1 diabetic, he has been diagnosed with cellulitis on his right hand. He has no insurance?

Question

is on state disability. The ER Dr. wanted to lance it but said it was very dangerous, gave him anitibiotics, & pain meds. Will it go down and heal or what do I need to watch for? Where could I take him if it worsens? ER's are no longer taking patients w/out INs.or $$. VERY Desperate.

Answer 1

Your brother is probably right handed and would like to use it for many years to come.

That wasn't meant to be a distasteful pun, but there you have it.

It would be useful for him to be reviewed by a doctor who knows about hands. These are usually plastic surgeons. Alternatively a surgical doctor who knows about diabetes - these are usually the vascular surgeons.

At very least, make sure a doctor is going to review the progress of his hand with the antibiotics. If your brother is quite well and has a good immune system, the cellulitis may settle with the oral antibiotics. If it fails to settle, then antibiotics by injection may be needed.

If an abscess forms (big round collection of pus - very painful) then it may need drainage.

If he is getting in worse shape, bring him back to the ER.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

that's rediculous! I just got out of the hospital from having a case of cellulitis, and I'm diabetic. My sugar was extremely high because of the infection. And if they won't treat it, then he needs to go back and demand treatment. Where do you live? Becuase in Mo, they have to treat you regardless of whether you have the money or not. Is there not a financial aid option for him? I was admitted into the hospital immediately, and had to have surgery! Cellulitis can lead to a staff infection, and blood infections. He should be entitiled to treatment anyway. Maybe you could try a clinic? I know those take forever to get into. I would take him to a different hospital. This is nothing to play with, especially with diabetes!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I don't know where you live, but emergency rooms that don't treat people without money or insurance are not practicing good ethics. I live in Morocco and they are like that here too, so I know it does exist. Luckily in the US, they MUST treat you, regardless of your finances.

On to your brother... cellulitis is very dangerous, especially in diabetics. If his condition worsens, you need to find him help asap. I had cellulitis on my hand a few years ago from a dog bite and the doctors washed it very thoroughly and used a black marker to draw a line around the infection. This helped them to see if it spread or began to get better. Luckily within 2 days of intense medication I showed significant improvement.

I wish I had more to suggest to you. Is is possible to get help from a friend or family member for the expenses? Pride is not important when it comes to saving your brother's hand, or possible even his life.

Answer 6

Ok, he went to the ER, the ER doctor treated him, he doesn't have insurance, but now the ER won't treat him? Did that happen after your brother went home?

And actually, yes, if it's a private hospital and it's not a life-threatening emergency, you CAN be refused treatment.

With the antibiotics, the infection should start to heal. If it hasn't gotten better in 3-5 days, he needs to return to the hospital he was first treated at, or with his family doctor. If he doesn't have one, then there should be walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics where he can be evaluated. If it gets worse quickly (begins to spread, or show any signs of deeper infection--fever, etc.) then he needs to go back as soon as he can.

Answer 7

Maybe get him some pamphlets from the chemist and get some books for teenagers on diabetes. Kids this age always push the limits and will frequently not do what parents want. Your brother is probably frustrated by the controls he has and mostly likely wants to be able to eat whatever he likes like other kids. The best approach might be to stay calm, and instead of lecturing, be encouraging. Also try and find support groups for kid his age with diabetes and get him involved. Maybe if the entire family has the same foods as him. Do not have foods or substances in the house he can not have. If everybody sticks to the diet and eating plan he might like it better. If he eats too much sugar and gets high, just ask him if he enjoys being sick or does he want to be able to do stuff normally. I would also try talking to the doctor as they can have pump inserted now for hard to control diabetes.

Answer 8

ERs in the US are not able to reject patients for ability to pay. this is very dangerous, look for redness and swelling spreading up the arm, red streaks on the inside of the upper arm, swelling in the armpit, fever. All signs that the infection is worsening.

Answer 9

medicare/medical can help especially with the insulin and other supplies for the diabetes. there should be a local "county" hospital that takes all comers insurance or not. you may be ask to sign a payment plan after he gets out.
look for all the usual signs of infection. redness, puffiness etc.talk to the local pharmacist they can advise you on over the counter meds.