Should I Be Worried?
Age: 23, Weight: 200 lbs I have a couple of questions. Last night and continuing into today, I’ve experienced a sensation similar to growing pains in my right thigh whenever I stand up, which was particularly intense last night. I haven’t been able to hit the gym for about a week due to my recent insertion and removal of the Nexplanon implant. I wonder if this discomfort might be a result of my body craving physical activity. Additionally, I noticed an unusual spot on my skin that has been itching. I can't tell if this is related to the implant insertion or not. It doesn't seem to correspond with most of the bandaging, so I’m uncertain. Does this appear to be normal, or is it beginning to show signs of infection?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 12:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about discomfort and changes in your body, especially after a recent medical procedure. You’re experiencing two main issues: thigh pain and an itchy skin spot. Let's break down each concern.
Main Points
- Thigh Discomfort: The sensation in your thigh, similar to growing pains, could relate to decreased physical activity due to your Nexplanon procedure, but other factors could also play a role.
- Skin Irritation: The itchy spot on your skin requires careful attention to determine if it's a reaction to the implant or possibly an infection.
Explanation
-
Thigh Pain: After a week without exercise, particularly if you're used to regular physical activity, your muscles may respond with discomfort due to inactivity. However, if you experience sharp pain, swelling, or it begins to impede your movement, these may indicate a more serious issue.
-
Skin Itchiness: Itching can occur for various reasons, including allergic reactions, irritation, or infection. If the spot is infected, you might see surrounding redness, warmth, or pus. It's important to monitor any changes.
Next Steps
-
For Thigh Discomfort:
- Gentle Stretching and Movement: Start with light stretching or walking to gradually increase your activity. This can help alleviate muscle discomfort.
- Ice Application: If there is any swelling, you can apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
-
For Skin Irritation:
- Monitor the Spot: Check for redness, swelling, or discharge. If these symptoms appear or if it doesn't improve, it's important to take further action.
- Apply Moisturizer: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to relieve itchiness while you observe the spot.
- Avoid Irritants: Refrain from scratching the area, as this can worsen irritation or introduce infection.
If the pain persists, or the skin condition worsens, it’s advisable to seek further evaluation to ensure everything is healing correctly. Take care, and feel free to reach out with more questions or updates on your situation.
Related Questions
Rabies - A Long Delay After Exposure
Recently, a case in the UK highlighted the serious risks associated with rabies, culminating in the tragic death of a woman who was only "lightly" scratched while vacationing. I’m a 33-year-old female with a deep affection for animals, often finding myself drawn to strays. I reside in the UK. In October 2018, I traveled to Costa Rica and spent time in a jungle setting. During my stay, I encountered a ginger cat that seemed to be wandering around our cabin. I soon formed a bond with this cat, spending my six days with him, petting and snuggling while I enjoyed books in a hammock. I noticed that he would hunt and consume wild creatures like lizards for sustenance. A detail that stands out in my memory is that he was drooling quite a lot; however, it didn’t raise any red flags at the time. Although I can’t recall if I might have been scratched or sustained a wound during these encounters, I’ve come across information indicating that rabies can remain dormant for several years. Currently, I am feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, fearing that I might have contracted this virus, potentially putting me among those rare cases of delayed onset. Is there anything I can explore now, such as tests that could either confirm or eliminate the possibility of rabies infection? For the record, I did receive vaccinations prior to my trip.
Is It Necessary for My Sister to Visit the Emergency Room?
My sister, a 22-year-old woman weighing 130 pounds and standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, went to urgent care four days ago due to symptoms indicative of an acute urinary tract infection. The physician prescribed her cefuroxime axetil and sent her home with the medication. Fortunately, her symptoms improved over the following days. However, two days ago, she began to experience increasing discomfort in her back. Just a couple of hours ago, the pain escalated significantly, accompanied by tenderness in the costovertebral angle, prompting her to call me in tears due to the severity of her pain. She has not exhibited any signs of fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Should I consider taking her to the emergency room, bearing in mind that she continues her antibiotic treatment as prescribed?
Experiencing Postpartum Cramps Without Bleeding
Age: 34, Female, 5'5", 150 lbs, Caucasian, residing in the Southern United States. Medical History: Underwent LEEP in early twenties; last Pap smear results were normal. In 2024, had an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma removed during which the surgeon identified and excised two mild endometriosis lesions. Currently taking: Prenatal vitamins, DHA, iron, vitamin C, and probiotics. Hello, I'm reaching out because I've been having persistent cramping similar to menstrual pain for the past week. These cramps do not subside despite taking Tylenol or resting. I am breastfeeding, but the discomfort is constant, not just during feeding times. I mentioned this to my OB during my six-week postpartum appointment, but he dismissed my concerns. He seemed more interested in when I planned to return to work. For some context: I underwent a C-section after an unsuccessful induction. My water broke on its own at 39 weeks and 5 days, but I did not go into labor naturally. After 12 hours of pitocin, I reached 10 cm dilation and was ready to push, but developed a fever, and my baby's heart rate increased. Overall, my labor lasted 30 hours, I received antibiotics 18 hours after my water broke, and the C-section went smoothly aside from a confirmed grade 2 chorioamnionitis. I was on intravenous antibiotics for 24 hours and was discharged after 48 hours. Aside from a subchorionic hematoma and a short cervix, my pregnancy was largely uneventful. I wonder, is it possible to experience "dry menstruation" after childbirth? Should I be concerned about this cramping? It appeared that my uterus had returned to its normal size during my OB's physical assessment at my six-week follow-up.
Numbness in Hands During Sleep
I’m a 27-year-old female weighing 240 pounds, and I’ve noticed that my hands tend to go numb each night, regardless of my sleeping position. Although my alcohol consumption has increased over the past year, I doubt that it's a case of alcoholic neuropathy. Could my being significantly overweight play a role in this issue?
Navigating Unexpected Safety Issues Following Successful Treatment
In my early thirties, weighing 118 lbs and with no significant medical history, I am a non-smoker who takes vitamin D3 and glycine as dietary supplements. Originally from Sudan, I left there over two decades ago and I have deep skin. ### Background on Treatment In April 2024, I noticed an itchy, scaly patch appear on the left side of my face. It progressively spread across my face and to some areas of my neck. I have experienced hives due to environmental factors in the past, which I managed with antihistamines. My skincare routine is minimalistic and free from fragrances. Up until 2024, I hadn’t faced any major facial skin issues. None of the usual home remedies worked for me, and in a state of desperation, I tried several active treatments. Eventually, I consulted a dermatologist because my face became unbearably hot, itchy, tight, and painful, with pustules forming that disrupted my sleep; I rated the discomfort as a 4 out of 10, despite having a fairly high threshold for pain. - The initial dermatologist prescribed doxycycline, which cleared my skin within five days. However, I developed hives and an essential tremor, prompting me to discontinue the medication due to the adverse reaction. - A few months later, when my condition worsened, I visited an urgent care NP who prescribed a 10-day course of prednisone. While it provided temporary relief, my symptoms resurfaced upon completion. - In March 2025, while browsing Reddit, I discovered a post detailing a person's experience mirroring mine, with pustules and symptoms similar to mine. This led me to the r/roscea community, where I initially felt skeptical about being diagnosed due to my deeper skin tone. I regretted the futile attempts at self-treating and realized I needed more effective help. After reading multiple threads, I decided to try over-the-counter 0.5% topical ivermectin, which alleviated the burning and itching. Nonetheless, I continued to experience flare-ups every couple of weeks. Consequently, I requested a referral to a dermatologist through my primary care physician. - Finding a black dermatologist in my area proved challenging, so I opted for a dermatopathologist instead. I've never chosen my healthcare providers based on race; I just find it challenging to receive evidence-based care from non-black dermatologists. - I meticulously documented my symptoms, bringing photos and assessments to my appointment with the dermatologist, who concurred with my self-assessment and diagnosed me with demodicosis. - I received a treatment plan consisting of topical ivermectin, permethrin, ketoconazole, and two oral doses of ivermectin (200 μg/kg) spaced a week apart. Thankfully, I experienced no adverse effects, and the treatment was helpful, although I still encountered mild flare-ups every couple of weeks. ### Current Situation When I requested an extended treatment course based on a 2024 study indicating 75% remission with eight-week regimens and ongoing flare-ups, my dermatologist suddenly mentioned the need for a Loa loa screening given my birth in Sudan. According to the WHO, the prevalence of this parasite in the region is almost nonexistent. Since I haven't lived there in over 20 years and show no symptoms, it seemed surprising to me. The dermatologist recommended I consult with an infectious disease specialist before proceeding with further treatment. - Later, she declined to extend my prescription, citing that the risks of prolonged oral ivermectin therapy outweighed the potential benefits. She expressed discomfort with prescribing due to concerns over neurotoxicity and severe side effects, including possible death. ### My Inquiries - If Loa loa was genuinely a pertinent issue based on my geographical origins, why wasn’t I tested for it before taking oral ivermectin the first time? - Having taken oral ivermectin successfully twice without complications, isn't this indicative that I’m not co-infected with Loa loa? - What medical rationale exists for denying extended treatment when I have already proven the medication’s safety for me? - Am I being unreasonable in my requests, or should I pursue a second opinion? This situation feels illogical to me. It’s baffling how the very medication that was previously deemed safe for me is now considered "too hazardous" for continued use. I appreciate any insights you can share. I am earnestly striving to improve my self-advocacy skills in healthcare settings.