OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Advice and Support

6/15/2025, 3:40:20 AMMale25-34

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!

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

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:

  1. Unresolved Symptoms Post-Injection: Your ongoing nausea, pressure in the head, motion sickness, and fatigue are concerning and should be further evaluated.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Prioritize hydration and rest as your body may be under stress. Light meals can help if you're feeling nauseous.
  5. 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!

Related Questions

Is This Infection?

I had a lump taken out from my leg exactly two weeks ago, specifically at the upper part of my inner left thigh. There’s still a bit of stinging sensation in the area. Since I already missed work for the removal procedure, I’d prefer not to schedule another appointment during working hours unless it seems necessary due to signs of infection. Appreciate your advice! Update: The site appears drier now after being out of the shower for a few hours.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Concern Regarding a Worm Found in Dried Chives

Greetings, I am a 41-year-old man, residing in the northeast. My weight is 190 pounds, and my height is 5 feet 8 inches. Currently, I am taking several medications, including Montelukast, Metoprolol, and Famotidine. Recently, I used a jar of dried spices to enhance my bagel, but upon returning to the jar today, I noticed something crawling on my bagel. To my dismay, it turned out to be a small worm. I am quite anxious, as I suspect I may have consumed one of these worms yesterday. Could someone please advise if there is cause for concern?

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

What Could Be Making Me Feel Unwell at My Boyfriend's Place?

I’ve been struggling with a recurring issue that seems to arise every time I stay overnight at my boyfriend’s house. Without fail, I wake up feeling extremely dizzy, nauseous, and light-headed. It seems to worsen significantly if I haven’t had a decent amount of sleep beforehand. This unsettling experience has happened over six times during my visits. Most recently, I found myself feeling unwell for a grueling four days straight after just one night there. One possibility that crossed my mind is the temperature of his room—it tends to be quite warm. Perhaps I'm waking up feeling unwell due to dehydration or heat exhaustion that my body is not used to handling. However, it’s puzzling because I don’t sweat much and don’t typically feel dehydrated. Might there be something in his room that I'm inhaling which is contributing to these symptoms? Could it be the overall scent of his home? Am I overreacting? Is my body just not coping well? I’ve been diagnosed with vertigo, yet the medical professionals haven’t clarified the underlying reasons or triggers for my condition. It’s incredibly frustrating. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter. For context, I’m a 19-year-old female, in relatively good health, standing at 5’2" and weighing 55 kilograms, with no current medications.

AgingWellnessLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

Concerns About Tetanus Infection

A couple of days ago, I ascended a rusty ladder. Recently, while eating, I experienced a mild discomfort and a sense of tightness in my right jaw, but it has largely subsided since then. Given these circumstances, what are the chances that this could be a sign of tetanus? For context, I live in a dry and hot region, and although I didn’t notice any cuts, I could feel the rough surface of the ladder during my climb. I am a 17-year-old male.

VaccinationLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
42 minutes ago

Is This a Healthy Sign?

At 29 years old and weighing approximately 115 kg, I recently engaged in self-pleasure for the first time in two weeks. I noticed an unusual consistency and color in my semen that I've never observed before. I'm curious if anyone else considers this normal or indicative of any health issues.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
42 minutes ago