Concerns About Generalized Discomfort Following Cyst Removal - Possible Suture Reaction?
A 41-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 3 inches and weighing around 260 pounds, has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), depression, and perimenopausal symptoms. She is currently taking estradiol, progesterone, Zoloft, and Prevacid. Nearly fourteen days ago, her partner underwent the excision of a cyst located in her back, approximately the size of a ping pong ball, along with a smaller cyst on her neck. Immediately following the injection of a local anesthetic, she unexpectedly fainted, a reaction that is unusual for her and had never happened before. The procedure itself appeared to progress smoothly, without complications. Since that time, however, she has been experiencing significant discomfort characterized by widespread aches, especially in her hips and lower back. She reports that the pain radiates from her hips down to her knees, causing considerable distress. In addition to this, she is suffering from profound fatigue and an overarching sense of unwellness. Notably, the area surrounding her incision on her back has several noticeable bumps. Could her symptoms indicate an allergy to the suture material used during the surgery, potentially explaining her current condition? If this is not the case, are there other aspects she should investigate? Her worsening situation is a growing source of concern for me, as she continues to feel unwell.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 11:01:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your partner is experiencing some really concerning symptoms following her cyst removal. The discomfort, fatigue, and the bumps around her incision are important to address. Her symptoms could be related to several factors, including a reaction to the suture material, post-surgical inflammation, or even muscle tension from pain and stress.
Explanation:
After surgery, it's not uncommon to have some discomfort and sensitivity in the area where the procedure took place. In some cases, patients may have localized reactions to certain suture materials, which can manifest as bumps or inflammation at the incision site. Additionally, post-operative pain can lead to tension in the surrounding muscles, resulting in achy sensations that can radiate down the legs.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on her symptoms over the next few days. Note any changes in the appearance of the incision, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, which could indicate an infection.
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Manage Pain: Encourage her to use over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if there are no contraindications with her current medications), to help manage discomfort.
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Rest and Hydrate: Make sure she gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated, as fatigue can often be exacerbated by dehydration and lack of sleep.
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Gentle Movement: Help her engage in light stretching or gentle movement to relieve tension, especially in the low back and hips. Walking short distances can be beneficial.
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Warm Compress: Using a warm compress on the affected areas may help reduce tension and provide relief.
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Document and Act: If symptoms worsen or new ones appear (like fever, increasing pain, or distinct changes around the incision), or if the bumps persist without improvement, it may be worthwhile to consider further evaluation to rule out any complications, such as infection or other reactions.
Finally, your concern for her well-being is commendable, and addressing these symptoms in a structured way can help her feel more in control. Encourage her to reach out for help if anything feels off, especially if her condition doesn't improve as expected.
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