Seeking Advice for Swollen Injection Site and Pain
I’m a 45-year-old man, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. I have a history of intravenous use involving subutex and sporadic methamphetamine. Three days ago, in a rush, I attempted to inject a cold-prepared subutex shot that I had micron filtered. Unfortunately, I struggled to find a vein, missing the first two to five attempts at various locations, which led me to consider one in my foot that appeared hardened but noticeable. I know from past experience that using veins in the feet is challenging, so I avoid it when possible. Despite the risks, I proceeded slowly with the injection and felt no discomfort; the needle slid in without any resistance. However, as I reached around 10 units, I became attentive, often checking to ensure everything was progressing smoothly. By the time I hit about 15 units, the injection became difficult. When I pulled back 2 units, the syringe showed mostly clear fluid, which is typical for lower limb injections in my experience. That’s when I realized something wasn’t right, and in a panic, I withdrew the needle. Less than an hour later, I experienced mild symptoms reminiscent of "cotton fever"—a fever, chattering teeth, and achy legs. I took four Advil and two aspirin, which seemed to alleviate my discomfort fairly quickly. However, while standing for an hour, my foot began to throb intensely. Although I'm using a different account now, I plan to share an image of the injection site and my painfully swollen foot. Yesterday, I sat up with a reusable cold pack from the hospital, applying it to the area until the swelling was somewhat reduced. Today, after elevating my foot and applying another cold pack, I fell asleep. Upon waking, I attempted to stand but was met with excruciating pain, presumably from the blood rushing back. Now I find myself quite anxious about the situation and would appreciate some guidance on how to handle this.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 3:01:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with significant pain and swelling in your foot following an injection, and I understand this situation is understandably concerning for you. Here are the key points to consider:
-
Injection Complications: Pain and swelling after an injection can occur for several reasons, including inflammation, tissue injury, or even potential infection. The symptoms you're describing could also suggest a localized reaction or complication from the injection.
-
Managing Symptoms: It's great to hear that you’re already applying cold packs and keeping your foot elevated; these are effective initial strategies to reduce swelling and pain.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Cold Therapy:
- Apply cold packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed. This can help reduce not only swelling but also discomfort.
-
Rest and Elevation:
- Keep your foot elevated above heart level as much as possible to help reduce swelling. Avoid putting weight on it until the pain decreases.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. Severe and persistent swelling, increasing redness, warmth, or any discharge from the injection site can be signs of infection.
-
Pain Management:
- You may continue to take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as long as you follow the recommended dosages and guidelines. This can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
-
Hydration and Nutrition:
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your body’s healing process.
-
Seek Help if Needed:
- If you notice worsening symptoms such as severe pain that does not improve, spreading redness, fever, or any other alarming signs, consider seeking immediate medical attention. It's important to address potential complications early on.
Reassurance
It's understandable to feel anxious about this, but taking these steps can help you manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and ensuring your body heals properly is the priority. If you have any further questions or need clarification on any of these steps, feel free to ask. Take care!
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.