Seeking Advice and Support
Greetings everyone, I’m a 26-year-old woman with no history of smoking and not taking any medications. On May 9th, I underwent a steroid injection in my lower back. Almost immediately after the procedure, I began to experience nausea, pressure in my head, feelings of motion sickness, and overwhelming fatigue. I informed my doctors about these symptoms, and they assured me that such reactions were typical for about a week and should dissipate in time. However, it has now been quite some time, and I am still experiencing these symptoms, which have rendered me unable to leave my bed. I consistently feel unwell and I’m at a loss about what to do next. I’ve undergone blood tests, and all results have come back normal. My family suggests that I consider getting an MRI or a CAT scan, and possibly consult with an ENT specialist. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and uncertain, especially since both my family and the spine surgeon have indicated that my symptoms might not be connected to the steroid injection after all. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 3:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
I’m sorry to hear that you've been feeling this way after your steroid injection. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when symptoms persist longer than expected, especially when they impact your daily life. Let’s break this down and address your concerns.
Main Points:
- Unresolved Symptoms Post-Injection: Your ongoing nausea, pressure in the head, motion sickness, and fatigue are concerning and should be further evaluated.
- Normal Blood Tests: While it's reassuring that your blood tests are normal, it’s important to consider that further diagnostic evaluations, like imaging, may be necessary to investigate your symptoms more thoroughly.
Explanation:
After a steroid injection, some patients experience side effects, but when symptoms persist beyond a week, it's crucial to explore other potential causes. Your symptoms of nausea, head pressure, and fatigue might not be directly related to the injection, especially since you’ve been reassured about their typical duration. The suggestion from your family and the spine surgeon to consider further tests is valid, particularly if your quality of life is being significantly affected.
Next Steps:
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting their severity, duration, and any triggers. This will be helpful for any healthcare provider you consult next.
- Consider Imaging: If your symptoms continue and you feel it’s necessary, getting an MRI or CAT scan can help visualize what's happening in your body and rule out other possible issues.
- Consult with an ENT Specialist: Since you’re experiencing head pressure and motion sickness, an ENT specialist can help assess if there are any ear-related issues contributing to your symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated and Rest: Prioritize hydration and rest as your body may be under stress. Light meals can help if you're feeling nauseous.
- Follow-Up with Your Spine Surgeon: Reach out to your spine surgeon to discuss the persistence of your symptoms and express your concerns about the connection to the steroid injection. They may recommend additional evaluations or adjust your treatment plan.
Please remember that it’s okay to seek second opinions or additional support if you’re not feeling heard. Your health and well-being are the top priority. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
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