Seeking a Second Opinion on Health Concerns
I’m a 49-year-old male, non-drinker, and non-smoker. My medical history includes a tonsillectomy at the age of eight, kidney stones two decades ago, and a few older surgeries on my shoulders. I maintain a mildly elevated blood pressure, averaging around 125/75 while under medication, and I also have elevated cholesterol levels. For management, I have been prescribed amlodipine, rosuvastatin, and olmesartan potassium for my blood pressure and cholesterol, in addition to low doses of minoxidil and finasteride for hair retention — a regimen I have adhered to for several years. Generally, I consider myself to be in good health, but about three weeks ago, I started experiencing fever and a general feeling of unwellness. My only notable symptoms are persistent tiredness and a low-grade fever averaging around 99.8°F, which has lingered for weeks. Interestingly, this fever typically begins in the late morning, around 10 a.m., and persists throughout the day, usually subsiding by bedtime. I observed that I rarely have a fever at night. Yesterday, I consulted a doctor, who conducted a complete blood count (CBC) along with tests for Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, and COVID-19, all of which returned negative results. I had mono 25 years ago, and my current symptoms seem reminiscent of that experience. The CBC indicated that most values were within normal ranges, but my granulocyte percentage (GRA%) was elevated while my lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) was low. The physician mentioned that these findings suggest I might be combating a bacterial infection rather than a viral one, although they expressed doubts about it being Epstein-Barr pending further test results. My white blood cell count (WBC) was normal. I was prescribed Levaquin and Flagyl, with the aim of addressing potential bacterial causes. Is this treatment approach reasonable? I find it peculiar that I am evidently dealing with an infection, yet my WBC is within normal limits. Do you have any suggestions, or should I simply allow the antibiotics time to take effect? It’s been only two days since I started the medication, and I feel worse today than I have in the past three weeks, although I understand this can be a common occurrence during treatment. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Here are my CBC results: WBC: 7 GRA%: 82.1 MID%: 4.4 LYM%: 13.5 LYM: 0.9 MID: 0.3 GRAN: 5.8 RBC: 5.11 HGB: 14.4 HCT: 41.2 MCV: 80.5 MCH: 28.3 MCHC: 35.1 RDW%: 13.2 PLT: 352 MPV: 7.8
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 4:21:05 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing symptoms and the recent blood test results. The fact that you've had a fever and persistent tiredness for three weeks warrants attention, and it’s good that you’ve consulted a doctor and are now on antibiotics.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms and lab results suggest that you might be dealing with a bacterial infection, even if your WBC count is normal.
- Feeling worse after starting antibiotics can happen as the body reacts to the treatment and the underlying infection.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely is crucial during this time.
Explanation:
Your history shows that you have been generally healthy, but the recent fever and tiredness indicate something is off. It’s important to note that a normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection; it can sometimes happen during specific types of infections, especially early on. The elevated granulocyte percentage could indicate your body is mounting a response to a bacterial problem, which is why antibiotics (Levaquin and Flagyl) have been prescribed.
It's also common for symptoms to fluctuate when starting antibiotics. Some people initially feel worse before they start to improve, as the body reacts to the infection and the treatment.
Next Steps:
- Continue Medication: Stick with the antibiotics as prescribed and complete the full course, even if you feel worse initially.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the intensity of your fever and any additional symptoms that arise (like changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or new pains).
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take time to rest. This can help your body fight off the infection effectively.
- Follow Up: If your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting the antibiotics, or if you experience any worsening symptoms (like difficulty breathing, severe fatigue, persistent high fever), consider reaching out to your doctor for further evaluation.
- Evaluate Ongoing Effects: After a week on antibiotics, reassess how you feel. It's essential to communicate any concerns or lack of improvement to your healthcare provider.
Your situation is unique, and continuing open communication with your doctor will be key to finding the right resolution. If you have any more concerns or specific clarifications you need, feel free to reach out. Take care of yourself during this recovery process!
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