Concerns Following Steroid Injection
Hello, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. I am a 51-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 145 pounds. I have never smoked and have a medical history that includes ADHD and Hashimoto's disease. Currently, I am on hormone replacement therapy along with medications for my thyroid, ADHD, and an antidepressant. Recently, I visited urgent care due to concerns I had regarding potential systemic reactions to a steroid injection I received in my hip for a labral tear. This was my first experience with such an injection, occurring last week, and following it, I encountered issues with insomnia and unusual fatigue over the next few days. My anxiety levels also increased significantly and have continued to rise. Now, six days post-injection, I started experiencing additional troubling symptoms, prompting my visit to urgent care: I felt dizzy and lightheaded, had heart palpitations, experienced chest pressure, itchy skin, and worsening anxiety. Additionally, I had noticed my eyelids were puffy due to edema on and off for several weeks prior to the injection, and I raised concerns regarding my kidney function. The physician assistant seemed to believe I was undergoing an anxiety attack, yet I assured her that I am quite familiar with anxiety, and this was different. While conversing with her, I struggled to maintain focus unless I closed my eyes, as my disoriented thoughts even made me question my surroundings while driving to the clinic. This was not merely an anxiety episode. She conducted lab tests, and I anticipate needing to wait until tomorrow for results. The tests that came back outside the normal range included: - Glucose: 100 - Alkaline Phosphatase: 34 - CO2: 30 I still feel unwell and the symptoms persist. Fortunately, the EKG results were normal, but I am uncertain about what steps to take until the clinic reopens tomorrow.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 2:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a lot of unsettling symptoms following your steroid injection. It's understandable to feel anxious when experiencing such changes in your body. Let’s break this down and focus on managing your current symptoms while awaiting your lab results.
Opening Statement:
Your recent symptoms following a steroid injection, including anxiety, dizziness, and other physical manifestations, can be concerning, especially given your medical history. It’s important to address these symptoms with care and monitor your condition closely.
Explanation:
Steroid injections can sometimes lead to side effects, particularly when it comes to mood and physical sensations. Increased anxiety and insomnia can arise due to the steroid itself, and pre-existing conditions can complicate how your body responds. Dizziness and heart palpitations can also stem from anxiety or stress and could potentially indicate other reactions to the injection, especially combined with your concerns about kidney function and existing health conditions.
Since the EKG was normal, it's reassuring that no acute heart issues were detected; however, the other lab results you mentioned highlight the need for careful observation. It’s common for anxiety to amplify physical sensations, but since you feel this is not just anxiety, it's wise to stay vigilant.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Hydration: Ensure you stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen dizziness and fatigue.
- Rest: Take frequent breaks and limit physical exertion to help manage your fatigue and lightheadedness. If possible, lie down in a comfortable position and close your eyes to alleviate disorientation.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, noting any triggers or changes in intensity, which can be helpful for discussions with your healthcare team.
- Breath Control: Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm anxiety. Slow, deep breaths can make a big difference in how you feel physically and mentally.
- Observation: Watch for any new or worsening symptoms, especially relating to the chest pressure, as these could indicate a need for more immediate attention.
- Follow-Up: When your lab results are available, review them carefully and consider discussing them further with your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist. If you feel very unwell before then, seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion:
You are taking the right steps by seeking help and sharing your concerns. Focus on hydration, rest, and monitoring your symptoms while you await further information. If your situation does not improve or worsens, please do not hesitate to seek further care. You're not alone in this, and your concern for your health is justified. Let me know if you have any more questions or need additional guidance.
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