Understanding Full Body Pain Following an Enterococcus Faecalis Infection from a C-Section
I am a 36-year-old woman weighing 235 pounds. Currently, I’m on a regimen that includes 500 mg of levofloxacin, and I have a past medical history of tendonitis. I also supplement with prenatal vitamins and magnesium, which I take a few hours after my levofloxacin dose. I underwent a cesarean section seven weeks ago, and at my six-week post-operative appointment last Monday, my physician examined a pink, slightly moist area at the end of my incision. Although there was no significant pus or drainage, the area appeared to be irritated. They tested it, and the result confirmed the presence of enterococcus faecalis. Consequently, I began a 7-day course of levofloxacin yesterday. Prior to commencing this medication, I was experiencing widespread pain, particularly concentrated in my shoulders and various joints. I initially attributed this discomfort to the physical demands of caring for my newborn. There were no other indicators of infection at that time, so I didn’t think too much about it. However, in the past week, my pain levels have escalated significantly, especially over the last couple of days. I am aware that levofloxacin can contribute to tendon issues, and I’ve been advised to discontinue use if I develop joint pain. But since I was already experiencing discomfort, I am unsure whether this is a sign that the infection is worsening before the antibiotics start to work. Is this a typical response? I am uncertain how seriously I should take this pain, which feels akin to the aftermath of a physical beating. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 1:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort after managing a recent surgical procedure and infection. Widespread body pain can be distressing, especially in the context of recovering from a cesarean section and an infection.
Main Points:
- The pain you’re feeling could be related to the infection, the physical demands of caring for your newborn, or a combination of both.
- Levofloxacin can have potential side effects that might contribute to your pain, particularly if there is an existing history of tendonitis.
Explanation: Post-surgery, it is common for the body to experience various degrees of pain as it heals, especially with the added strain of having a newborn. The irritation at your incision site and the presence of enterococcus faecalis suggest an infection that may also be contributing to your systemic pain. Antibiotics can take a few days to significantly improve an infection, during which time symptoms can fluctuate.
Levofloxacin has been known to cause joint and tendon pain in some individuals. Given your past medical history with tendonitis, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely. If your pain worsens or if you experience any new symptoms (such as swelling, redness, or heat over the joints) or feel that your overall health is declining, that would warrant immediate attention.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Pain: Keep a detailed record of your pain levels and any changes you notice. Use a scale from 1 to 10 to rate your pain, noting where the pain is located and if any activities increase the discomfort.
- Activity Modification: Reduce activities that might exacerbate your pain. Focus on gentle movements and stretches that do not increase strain on your joints.
- Physical Therapy: If your pain persists beyond a few days or worsens, consider initiating gentle physical therapy exercises tailored to post-operative recovery.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and consider nutritional support to aid recovery, especially with the demands of breastfeeding.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help with discomfort, but consult your physician about what is safe for your specific situation, especially while taking levofloxacin.
If at any point you feel that your symptoms are unusual or concerning, or if the pain becomes severe, please seek professional medical evaluation promptly. Your recovery journey is important, and it’s great that you’re proactive about understanding these changes.
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