OpenHealth Q&A

Unexplained Swelling and Pain in the Groin

A 46-year-old gentleman reported experiencing unexpected health issues. Yesterday, he awoke with chills and widespread body aches, accompanied by a localized pain in his groin, specifically on the right side near the junction of his upper thigh. By midday, his condition escalated to a noticeable fever, reaching 102°F, along with nausea and tremors. He sought assistance at an urgent care facility, where routine tests for urine, flu, and COVID-19 yielded no conclusive results, leading to his discharge without a diagnosis. Later that evening, he observed pronounced swelling at the base of his penis, notably at the circumcision scar from infancy. Upon waking this morning, he noted an exacerbation of groin pain, which had spread to both sides and across his entire pubic region. Although the penile swelling increased slightly, he experienced no difficulties with urination and noted there was no abnormal discharge, leading him to discount the possibility of sexually transmitted infections as a contributing factor. **Additional Relevant Background:** * Approximately six weeks ago, he began experiencing intense discomfort on the left side of his abdomen, below the rib cage, occasionally radiating towards the center or the lower right part of the abdomen. After consulting a gastroenterologist, routine blood tests and a CT scan indicated no issues, although a colonoscopy was scheduled for September 16, the soonest available date. * A week back, he faced a recurrence of urinary complications characterized by an urgent need to urinate frequently. Even after emptying his bladder, he often felt an immediate urge to urinate again, along with a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. This urinary problem has manifested several times each year over the last three years, typically lasting between one to two weeks. His primary care physician speculated that it might be a side effect of his lithium medication. **Pre-existing Health Issues:** * Bipolar II Disorder, stable since 2020 * Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (with the first rib removed); ulnar nerve transposition in the right arm; carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands * Mildly elevated blood pressure * Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) * Herniated disc at L-5 * Pre-diabetic status **Current Medications:** * Lamotrigine * Lithium * Propranolol * Amlodipine Besylate * Baclofen * Allergy medications **Supplements:** * Multivitamins; Vitamin D3-5 * Fish oil * Melatonin * L-Lysine * Probiotics Additionally, he is from an area impacted by nuclear fallout from World War II, known as a "downwinders" zone. A history of cancer is prevalent in his family, with his father succumbing to colon cancer, his mother and grandmother to breast cancer, and his sister diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Answers (1)

8/17/2025, 11:01:38 PM

OpenHealth AI

The symptoms you're experiencing, including groin pain, swelling at the base of your penis, fever, chills, and recent urinary issues, warrant close attention. These signs could be related to several conditions, including infections, inflammation, or other systemic issues, especially given your previous abdominal discomfort. It’s crucial to take a systematic and careful approach to understand the root cause.

Explanation

The swelling and pain in your groin area, particularly with a history of urinary symptoms and recent fever, raise concerns for conditions such as infections (like orchitis or epididymitis), inflammation, or even complications related to your previous gastrointestinal issues. Your previous urinary complications, although recurrent and possibly related to your medication, also complicate the picture.

Next Steps

1. Hydrate: Increase your fluid intake to help flush your urinary system and reduce any potential discomfort. Aim for clear fluids unless contraindicated for other health issues.

2. Pain Management: If safe for you (considering your medications), you might take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage pain and reduce your fever.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain, fever patterns, urinary frequency, and any new symptoms. This can aid in diagnosis and management.

4. Seek Follow-Up Care: With a complex presentation like yours, it's crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms in detail. It may be advisable to revisit your primary care physician or consider seeing a urologist or an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation.

5. Communicate Medication Effects: Discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider and inquire if any may be contributing to your urinary symptoms or if adjustments are necessary.

6. Watch for Severe Symptoms: If you experience worsening symptoms such as high fever (over 101°F), severe pain, changes in urination (like blood in urine), or other alarming changes, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Your situation is complex, and it’s understandable to be concerned. Keeping an open line of communication with healthcare providers will be pivotal as you navigate these symptoms. Please feel free to reach out with further questions or updates on your condition.