Escalating Concerns Over Infection and Treatment Challenges
On November 29th, I, a 29-year-old female, underwent drainage of an abscess located on my shin due to an infection at an Urgent Care facility. Unfortunately, the wound has not shown improvement; rather, the infection has returned. Initially, the abscess was about the size of a quarter, but it has since expanded to around 4-5 inches in diameter, accompanied by notable swelling and redness in the area. Throughout this ordeal, I have been prescribed multiple antibiotics: Cephalexin, Doxycycline, and currently, Amoxicillin. However, I have a strong suspicion that Amoxicillin will also prove ineffective in resolving the infection. I am currently awaiting approval for a referral to see a wound specialist or a general surgeon, who might consider reopening the wound for a better assessment. Thus far, my follow-ups have been limited to visits at Urgent Care, and just yesterday, I consulted with my primary care physician after noticing that the wound had bled through my gauze during the night. Additionally, I have rheumatoid arthritis and had been receiving Biologics treatment, but I paused that regimen on December 13th to enhance my immune function, a decision coordinated with my rheumatologist’s guidance. I'm wondering if there are further steps I should consider taking or if I need to elevate the urgency of my situation. The thought of managing an open wound and persistent infection for over two weeks feels overwhelming to me.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 7:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with such a challenging situation. It sounds like you're experiencing a significant infection that hasn't improved even after treatment, which can understandably be quite overwhelming. Here’s what to consider regarding your condition and how to proceed:
Main Points:
- The abscess enlarging and being resistant to antibiotics warrants further assessment.
- Given your background of rheumatoid arthritis and recent pauses in treatment, your immune function may indeed be affected.
- Timely action is crucial to facilitate the healing process.
Explanation:
An abscess that has increased in size and continues to show signs of infection (such as swelling, redness, and bleeding) needs prompt attention. Antibiotics can often help, but if the bacteria are resistant or if there’s retained infected material (like pus), they may not be effective in healing. Moreover, your autoimmune condition and treatment decisions can influence how well your body responds to infections.
Next Steps:
-
Follow Up on Specialist Referral:
- It is essential to pursue that referral to a wound specialist or surgeon. If not received swiftly, do not hesitate to request updates directly from your primary care doctor’s office.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms Closely:
- Keep a detailed log of any changes in size, color, or severity of the wound, including any new symptoms like fever, increased pain, or drainage. Share this information with your healthcare provider during your next visit.
-
Maintain Wound Care Practices:
- Keep the wound clean and properly dressed according to any guidelines from your healthcare provider. Change dressings frequently to prevent infection worsening.
-
Consider Alternative Treatments:
- Discuss with your healthcare provider about possible alternative or stronger antibiotics, especially if there’s concern about bacteria that are resistant to commonly used ones.
-
Rest and Immune Support:
- As you have paused your biologic medications, focus on getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, and managing stress. These can help support your immune system during this difficult time.
When to Seek Immediate Attention:
- If you experience increased pain, widespread redness, fever, or any other symptoms that feel concerning (like a significant increase in drainage or pus), this may necessitate urgent medical evaluation.
You are taking all the right steps by seeking care and being proactive. Please remember that managing a wound and infection can take time, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Reach out for support during this time, both from healthcare providers and loved ones. Let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance!
Related Questions
Concern Over Skin Growth on Inner Thighs
As a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, standing 5’4" and weighing approximately 115 pounds, I'm puzzled by a recent development on my inner thigh. I have discovered a small, round growth that resembles a boil. In the past, I've experienced cysts in the same area. Currently, I also notice frequent hard patches forming on my thighs and underarms. These spots sometimes feel like small balls, particularly under my arms. The closest match I have found online is hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as HS. This time, however, the appearance is more concerning to me than it has been previously; it resembles a mere sac of skin rather than anything else. There is no sensation of pus or fluid inside, but it is definitely painful enough to prevent me from wearing tight-fitting clothing or underwear.
Overwhelmed by Symptoms: A Personal Perspective
I am a 29-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing 160 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. Throughout this year, I've noticed a gradual decline in my overall health, coupled with high levels of persistent stress. I have received diagnoses of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and hypermobility. When I attempt to explain the multitude of symptoms I’m experiencing to my primary care physician, I often feel as if I might be perceived as exaggerating or seeking medication. I’m currently waiting for blood test results to provide further insight, so I can’t comment on that aspect yet. Currently, I am grappling with severe fatigue and weakness, generalized musculoskeletal discomfort, and coordination issues. My sensitivity to light is heightened, and I’ve lost my appetite. The pain in my feet has become increasingly troubling, accompanied by sensations of numbness, burning, weakness, discomfort, and nocturnal twitching. I also struggle with chronic headaches that arise from overstimulation, muscle tension, a sensation of heaviness in my head, and persistent pain at the nape of my neck that I've endured for over a decade. My joints seem looser and weaker than usual, my skin is itchier and feels unusually elastic. I've encountered challenges with speaking and swallowing, and I have been unconsciously grinding and clenching my teeth, which aggravates my headaches and overall pain. The constant tension from both pain and anxiety is a vicious cycle that feeds into one another. I've noticed that I bruise easily and my healing process is slower than it should be. All I yearn for is a good night's sleep, but I’m plagued by nightmares and restless dreams. The pain causes me to toss and turn, preventing me from achieving any restorative rest. I’m currently on several psychiatric medications aimed at managing my anxiety and pain, and I’ve been taking maximum doses of Tylenol and Advil almost daily for years now. Previously, I was quite active, but my symptoms have rendered me unable to work for the past few months. I feel as though my vision is deteriorating, and I find basic tasks such as bathing, eating, and walking increasingly difficult. Upon standing, I frequently experience dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and a sensation similar to blood rushing through my head, making it feel as though I might faint, although I haven’t actually lost consciousness. Often, this feeling only occurs after I’ve taken a few steps. Consequently, I have to rise slowly, sometimes bending over or keeping my eyes closed, while I brace myself and concentrate on my footing. This situation seems increasingly nonsensical to me as I’m fatigued and desperately need to rest. In addition to the above, I’ve been experiencing intense feelings of depression and paranoia. Walking has become a painful ordeal, and I sweat profusely at night. I struggle to organize my thoughts and articulate them, and I am besieged by significant forgetfulness and mental fog, feeling detached from my sense of self. There is inflammation in my neck, resembling that sickening feeling when one’s tonsils swell, yet I do not have a fever or extreme sore throat. My auditory perception feels inconsistent. Moreover, I’m wrestling with gastrointestinal issues, including sensitivity likely related to my fast eating habits, and frequent gas. I believe I’ve lost some muscle mass, although my weight has remained unchanged on the scale. Dark circles under my eyes have become prominent, my skin's condition has deteriorated, and my pain threshold seems to have decreased, causing a more intense reaction to pain. Although I usually have a high tolerance for pain due to my chronic condition, even a slight pinch now feels more profound and draining. I often rely on a cane for support and wear glasses indoors to mitigate light sensitivity, actively avoiding my usual activity levels due to the physical agony and distress that even simple movements now provoke, which has also led to insomnia and intermittent fatigue during the day.
Persistent Tonsil Swelling After Mono Infection: A Concerned Wife's Perspective
I am a 34-year-old male, weighing 140 kg and standing at 5'4", residing in Canada. I have a medical history including celiac disease and hypothyroidism, for which I take 175 mg of Synthroid daily. I do not engage in drug use, alcohol, smoking, or vaping. In late April, I experienced my first episode of mononucleosis that took a severe turn, resulting in hospitalization due to liver complications. While those issues have since resolved, I have been dealing with swollen tonsils ever since. These tonsils continue to be enlarged, and I have noticed they swell even more during physical activity, although they do settle into a consistently swollen state afterward. My wife has also pointed out that I've begun to snore significantly more since falling ill. Because of this, I'm planning to retake a sleep apnea test, having previously had one that returned negative results a couple of years ago. I brought my concerns to my family doctor, who examined my tonsils and assured me they appeared normal. However, my wife remains unconvinced, leaving us unsure about the next steps to take. In Canada, referral processes often necessitate visiting a family doctor first, which adds to the frustration. It would be incredibly helpful if there were some medical professionals who could provide clarity and reassurance about living with this condition, along with a scientific explanation to help ease my wife’s concerns. I will include images of my tonsils in various states for context: one taken when I first felt a tickle (when they appeared normal), another during the acute phase of my mono illness, and a recent photo taken nearly seven months after the mono infection.
26-Year-Old Female with Unhealed Insect Bite
Age: 26 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 8 inches Weight: 151 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: One Week Affected Area: Back of Upper Thigh Relevant Medical History: None Current Medication: 30mg Vyvanse I initially thought that I might have been bitten by a spider, but I’m beginning to have doubts. About a week ago, I discovered two raised, whitish blisters on the back of my upper thigh; they were painful to the touch and had a slight burning sensation. The following day, a scab formed, and its appearance was nearly identical to what it looks like now, although the scab was elevated at that time. On the day after, the elevation of the scab had diminished. It still retains a mild burning feeling, which is bothersome but tolerable. I just want this to heal completely and disappear entirely. Given the number of spiders in my area, it wouldn’t be surprising if I inadvertently rolled onto one and got bitten, but I’m also anxious that it might be something other than an insect bite. Thank you in advance for your input!
Loss During a Disagreement: Wrestling with Guilt
A 54-year-old man, standing 6’4” and weighing 200 pounds, tragically succumbed to a heart attack amid a disagreement. Now, the question looms over me, a 45-year-old woman: was this somehow my fault? The dispute stemmed from his spontaneous purchase of a new guitar, which he inexplicably didn't want me to see. I persistently asked to reveal it, wanting to share a song with him. It was during my third request that he suddenly collapsed to the ground. The argument itself seemed trivial at the time; we weren’t shouting, and I didn’t feel particularly upset. In that moment of shock, I was utterly bewildered. I attempted to administer his inhaler, thinking perhaps his asthma was acting up. As the realization set in that something far worse was happening, I dashed to find someone to call for emergency assistance. I started performing CPR, and a passerby took over until the paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts for over thirty minutes, his heart did not resume beating. Heart disease had plagued his family—his father passed away at the age of 45, and he himself was only 54. He had dealt with intermittent heart arrhythmias that I had noticed, prompting me to suggest he seek medical help. However, he had dismissed my concerns, assuring me that it was simply a pattern of quick and slow beats he had experienced intermittently throughout his life. He appeared unbothered after passing a stress test just months prior. Occasionally, our arguments turned into drawn-out exchanges. He often mentioned that it stressed him when I couldn't simply let things go. I recall previous disagreements regarding his eating habits and some misunderstandings about meeting times. Though these disputes caused tension, we consistently found ways to communicate effectively, and we were improving our ability to resolve issues quickly. We held a genuine love for one another, a love I profoundly miss. Now, I grapple with anger towards myself for not letting go of this insignificant disagreement in the moment.