Experiencing Complications After Corticosteroid Infiltration
Hello everyone, my name is M, and I’m a 21-year-old sharing my story about complications I faced after a corticosteroid infiltration that took place over a year ago on May 28, 2025. Due to persistent discomfort stemming from a pinched disc at levels L4 and L5, I underwent this procedure after experiencing pain during activities like walking, sitting, and certain sports, as well as ongoing digestive issues. After discussing my situation with my physician, I opted for an MRI which revealed a minor herniation alongside degenerative disc issues. Unaware of potential complications, I went ahead with the infiltration, which at first seemed uneventful. However, within days, I began to experience alarming symptoms such as balance loss, position-dependent headaches, and an overwhelming sense of faintness. Physical sensations felt unusual, and overall bodily weakness became pronounced, particularly in my lower limbs. As time passed, it felt like my physical strength was rapidly diminishing; I went from weighing 70 kg of lean muscle to just 60 kg, essentially losing all of my physical strength. My masculine traits have notably faded—my broad shoulders shrank, and I noticed changes in my libido and physical appearance. Additionally, I began experiencing muscle spasms in various areas and discomfort in my hands and arms, even impacting my previously unaffected right leg. Currently, I weigh 59 kg and find it increasingly difficult to walk or maintain a posture without feeling significant pain. I spend most of my time lying down, where discomfort persists. Disturbingly, I’ve developed noticeable scoliosis, and my legs tremble from weakness. Nerve pain has become intolerable, stemming from what seems to be issues with the sciatic nerve. I feel utterly overwhelmed and let down, as my condition deteriorates week by week. Before undergoing the infiltration, my testosterone levels were tested at 15.46 nmol/l at 9 a.m., which was within the normal range and gave me assurance. However, my recent tests show a drastic decrease to 11.23 nmol/l, with my free testosterone dropping below normal at 22.1 pmol/l. Despite several visits to the emergency room where I detailed these symptoms, I was frequently sent home due to unremarkable blood test results. Medical staff suggested that I may have psychological concerns, emphasizing that it might all be in my head. Now, with the recent hormonal test results, I finally have solid evidence to reflect the significant decline in my testosterone levels. I apologize for the lengthy message, but I felt it necessary to share my experiences. If anyone is facing a similar situation or would like to discuss this further, please reach out. Thank you all for your understanding and support.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 1:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenging experiences you've been facing following your corticosteroid infiltration. It sounds like you're going through a distressing time, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of physical and hormonal changes you're experiencing. Let’s break down your situation and explore some focused steps you might consider taking.
Main Points
- Potential Complications Post-Corticosteroid: The symptoms you're describing, including weakness, nerve pain, and hormonal changes, may be related, whether directly from the infiltration or as a result of underlying conditions like a herniated disc.
- Importance of Comprehensive Assessment: Given the complexity of your symptoms, a thorough follow-up with healthcare professionals is crucial to rule out further complications or conditions, such as neurological issues or hormone imbalances.
Explanation
Corticosteroid injections can sometimes lead to side effects, especially if there is an underlying condition like degenerative disc disease or nerve involvement. The loss of muscle mass, changes in libido, and other hormonal fluctuations could be linked to a combination of factors, including stress from chronic pain, potential endocrine effects of corticosteroids, or changes in physical activity post-procedure.
Next Steps
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including physical sensations, mood changes, and daily activities. This can help healthcare providers understand your situation better when you discuss it with them.
-
Seek a Neurological Evaluation: Since you're experiencing balance issues, nerve pain, and weakness, it may be valuable to consult a neurologist. They can assess for issues that might be related to nerve compression or other neurological conditions.
-
Revisit Hormonal Assessment: Given your significant drop in testosterone, consider discussing these results with an endocrinologist. They can offer guidance on whether further testing or interventions are needed to address this hormonal imbalance.
-
Physical Rehabilitation: Engaging with a physical therapist can help you develop a tailored exercise program, even if your mobility is currently limited. They can assist in strengthening your muscles, improving balance, and managing pain through physical strategies.
-
Mental Health Support: It may also be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional who specializes in chronic pain or illness. They can help you cope with emotional stress and guide you through this challenging period.
-
Nutritional Support: Considering the weight loss, focus on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to support your health. Consulting a nutritionist may also be helpful in developing a plan that aids recovery and supports muscle maintenance.
Please take care of yourself, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, especially when navigating such complex issues. You deserve support and attention to address the challenges you're facing.
Related Questions
Injury Update: Concerns After a Head Impact
I’m a 34-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds. As a youth soccer coach, I recently took a ball to the side of my head during practice, courtesy of one of my players. Currently, I am prescribed 10mg of Eliquis for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and have been advised to seek emergency medical attention following any impact to the head. While the impact didn’t feel severe enough for me to suspect a concussion—given my prior experiences with them—I’m reaching out for some guidance on this situation. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Shoulder Discomfort and Asymmetry: Seeking Insight
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 115 pounds, with no noteworthy health issues in my past. My current medications include 90 mg of Cymbalta, 25 mg of Metoprolol, birth control pills, and vitamin D supplements. I've noticed that I tend to suffer from various injuries more often than most, although I won't delve into specifics. I lead a relatively active lifestyle, which could contribute to this, combined with my excessive flexibility that may lead to overextension during workouts. Recently, I underwent an X-ray of my back and was relieved to discover that scoliosis is not an issue for me, especially since it's affected my mother's and siblings' lives. However, I am perplexed as to why one of my shoulders appears markedly lower than the other. I consulted with a physiotherapist regarding my shoulder pain, and they mentioned that my shoulder is positioned incorrectly, although I'm uncertain what exactly that entails. They provided me with a series of exercises to follow. While the discomfort is manageable at the moment, I still experience occasional flare-ups. During these times, the sensation is akin to my shoulder feeling "saggy" or unsupported, and if I let it hang too long, the pain intensifies, making it necessary for me to support it on something like a table. I've scheduled another physiotherapy session, which also includes acupuncture for my facet joints, but that's not until several months from now. In the meantime, I can't help but wonder if the pain I'm experiencing might be contributing to the visible difference in my shoulder height. Does anyone else recognize these symptoms or have insights to share? Thank you for your help!
Side Effects from Tapering Prednisone
I'm a 23-year-old male. I've experienced shakes and tremors over the past 2.5 to 3 weeks after concluding a 12-day regimen where I was gradually reduced from 60mg to 10mg of prednisone. Is this something that commonly occurs?
Injury from Dog Leash Friction
I am a 31-year-old female, 5'10" tall and weighing 180 pounds, currently residing in the United States. Recently, I sustained a friction burn on my ankle due to my dog's leash, specifically near the shin area. After the incident, which occurred on July 5th, I sought medical attention and began a prescribed course of 500 mg Cephalexin, to be taken four times daily, starting yesterday. The most recent photo documenting my injury was taken today, July 10th. To manage the injury, I am keeping the area bandaged and applying Alocane along with an antibiotic ointment, following my doctor's recommendations. Currently, my ankle displays noticeable swelling and redness. The burn itself is uncomfortable, as it is both painful and itchy; however, it hasn’t significantly hindered my daily activities. I am scheduled to depart tomorrow for a two-week international trip, and I am feeling quite anxious about my situation. I can't shake the concern that my infection might worsen and would greatly appreciate any reassurance or advice on additional measures I can take to facilitate healing during my travels.
Navigating Complex Medical Challenges: A Call for Guidance
This post includes sensitive topics and is tagged NSFW. Currently, I find myself overwhelmed by an array of medical challenges that seem to confound even my healthcare providers. To say this past year has been tumultuous for my health is an understatement; it has truly been one of the most difficult periods of my life. At present, I rely heavily on a wheelchair and a cane for mobility. To summarize my medical history: I have experienced a staggering 24 kidney stones in my right kidney alone and one in the left, leading to two surgeries and the placement of two stents. I have also suffered from two transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Additionally, I was struck by a vehicle back in April while outside my own car. My history includes several anaphylactic responses, as well as a severe kidney infection resulting in sepsis earlier this year. Overall, I have been unable to experience a sense of physical wellbeing for more than a year now. Notably, I sometimes endure complete paralysis in my right leg when pain levels escalate; as an ER doctor explained, excessive pain can lead the brain to effectively disable a limb. My current diagnoses include: - Levoscoliosis - Significant bulging of the L4-5 disc - Degenerative disc disease - Chronic multilevel facet hypertrophy in the lumbar spine - Postoperative pain from an open hip surgery - Bilateral occipital neuralgia - Functional neurological disorder - Complex regional pain syndrome I have undergone the following surgical procedures: - Mastectomy in December 2023 - Total hysterectomy (including both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix) in October 2023 - Repair for a hip tendon tear in November 2024 - Kidney stone extractions in January 2025 - Colonoscopy and endoscopy scheduled for May 2025 My current regimen of medications and supplements is as follows: - Toradol IM (15mg/ml, three times daily or oral 10mg three times daily) - Baclofen (oral 10mg three times a day) - Ipratropium (nasal spray twice daily) - Testosterone (0.6ml weekly) - Pepcid (20mg twice daily) - Lidocaine (4% applied to the back of my head three times a day) - Magnesium gummy (one nightly) In terms of substances consumed in the last year, I have tried cocaine five times and ketamine seven times. I am experiencing a range of symptoms regularly, including but not limited to: - Fluctuating fevers (often above 101°F) - Frequent chills - Daily hives on my arms (currently itchy as I write this) - Significant pain in my right kidney area (rated 7/10 every day) - Persistent pain from mid-back radiating to mid-right thigh (constantly between 6-9/10) - Neck pain during conversation or prolonged sitting/standing - Diarrhea upon each bowel movement - Unintentional weight loss of around 80 pounds over a two-month span - Episodes of fainting (at least three times a week) - Continuous weakness in my right leg - A recurrent headache since January 2021 (constant occipital neuralgia) - Daily upper back discomfort - Constant lack of appetite, though I force myself to eat - Often remaining awake for five consecutive days, recently treated with baclofen - Frequent kidney stones averaging 3-4 per month, with spikes (eight in January) - Continuous abdominal bloating - Occasional blood in stool (once daily) - Nighttime shoulder pain - Increased hair loss, particularly during recent weight loss Regarding allergies, all of which have surfaced through anaphylactic reactions unless stated otherwise, I am allergic to: - Cantaloupe - Honeydew melon - All nuts - Coconut - Ginger root - Mango - Pineapple - Daridexorant - Cipro (causing full-body hives) - Azithromycin - Sulfa drugs - MRI contrast The specialists I consult and their focus areas include: - Urologist for recurrent stones - Primary care provider for overall health management - Neurologist for addressing occipital neuralgia - Neurophysical therapist for functional neurological disorder and complex regional pain syndrome - Upcoming appointment with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist - Allergist for allergy management - Gastroenterologist for gastrointestinal symptoms including blood in stool - Sleep specialist for sleep-related issues It is worth mentioning that my hip tendon tear and spinal disc problems are suspected to have originated from sexual activity in March 2024. In additional context: - I am fully vaccinated against various diseases. - I lack any psychiatric diagnoses, having been evaluated multiple times to rule out psychosomatic conditions. - Hormone replacement therapy has been verified as unrelated to my health issues. - I have contracted COVID-19 six times. - I have undergone numerous tests, including CTs, MRIs, blood work, and urinalyses, and have access to results if required. I can’t shake the feeling that something is fundamentally off with my health status. With so many intertwined issues, I find myself at a loss as to how best to proceed. Is there a specific path or area I should investigate further? Moreover, how can I effectively communicate with my primary care provider to express the severity of my back and leg conditions? I am currently unable to walk more than 20 feet or stand for more than five minutes. I feel disheartened and uncertain about how to move forward. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!