Surgical Site Infection: A Personal Account
Three weeks ago, I underwent an ankle tendon reconstruction with an internal brace. I had my stitches removed about a week back, and everything seemed to be healing well. However, in the last four days, I've noticed some troubling signs of infection. On Sunday, I visited the emergency department, where the doctors prescribed me a strong course of antibiotics and sent me on my way. I followed up with my surgeons yesterday, who advised me to continue the antibiotics for another week and scheduled a follow-up appointment for next week to assess the situation. If my condition hasn’t improved, they may consider a surgical washout. Currently, my ankle is experiencing significant discomfort; it has a burning sensation, feels hot to the touch, and my joint movement is severely restricted. Alongside that, I have a persistent headache, no desire to eat, bouts of nausea, and feelings of extreme fatigue. Although I haven’t developed a fever, I feel shaky, although my heart rate remains stable. I've been on antibiotics for approximately 65 hours now, but I haven't seen any improvement compared to the initial day of treatment. Thankfully, the redness has stopped spreading today. I'm anxious about the possibility of waiting until next week for a follow-up, given that it coincides with the Christmas period and the likelihood of fewer hospital resources. I can’t shake the feeling that my condition isn’t improving, even with the high-dose antibiotics I’m currently taking.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 11:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're feeling anxious about your recovery from ankle tendon reconstruction, especially with concerning symptoms of infection. It’s important to focus on monitoring your situation closely and managing your symptoms while you await your follow-up appointment.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: You're experiencing significant discomfort, burning sensation, and restricted movement, along with systemic symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue.
- Monitoring and Communication: While you’re on antibiotics, it’s important to keep track of any changes or worsening in your condition and communicate this clearly to your healthcare team.
Explanation:
Surgical site infections can sometimes take time to respond to antibiotics, but it’s crucial to monitor symptoms closely, especially if they escalate. Your current symptoms might suggest that while you’re on antibiotics, there could still be an underlying issue needing attention, especially if the discomfort and systemic symptoms persist.
Next Steps:
- Continue Antibiotics: Follow your surgeon’s recommendation and complete the full course of antibiotics.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain, swelling, heat, or new symptoms like fever or increased redness.
- Use Comfort Measures:
- Elevate the Ankle: Keep your ankle raised to help reduce swelling.
- Cold Compresses: Apply a cold pack to your ankle for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help with discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to help with nausea and fatigue.
- Plan for Follow-Up: As your follow-up appointment is next week, prepare a list of all the symptoms you have recorded to discuss with your doctor at that time. If things worsen before then, consider reaching out to your surgical team to see if you can get an earlier appointment, particularly for further evaluation given the holidays.
- Emergency Symptoms: If you develop a fever, increased redness, persistent nausea, or if your pain becomes unbearable, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs that you need prompt care.
Your feelings of concern are entirely understandable given the circumstances, but having a plan can help you manage this situation more effectively. Please take care of yourself, and do reach out if you have immediate concerns!
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruises and Welts on My Daughter's Skin
Four nights ago, my daughter developed two noticeable welts on her thighs, which showed no signs of pain or itching. She insisted vigorously that nothing occurred to cause them, and nobody had harmed her. The following day, I noticed that the welts had vanished, leaving behind bruises. This left me quite anxious, fearing she might have sustained an injury. However, since that initial incident, it seems she has developed one or two more welts every evening right before bedtime, which then disappear overnight, only to be replaced by bruises in the morning. Most of these welts have appeared on her legs, ankles, and feet, with the exception of one on her palm that did not result in a bruise. Oddly, none of the welts are itchy, but she mentions that they can be painful when pressure is applied. There's a bit of swelling as well, consistently occurring in the evenings just before she goes to bed. We plan to consult a doctor on Monday, but it's currently the weekend, and I'm curious if anyone has encountered something similar or could have insights on what might be happening.
Navigating Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options
**Profile: 45-year-old Male, 6'0", 220 lbs, No Regular Medications** My husband maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite experiencing some service-related disabilities. About a year and a half ago, he underwent knee replacement surgery, and he utilizes a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea—an issue linked to a jaw surgery performed many years ago. Additionally, he has a history of appendectomy. For the past three years, he has been prescribed hearing aids due to bilateral hearing loss, although he rarely uses them. About eight months ago, he experienced what he described as the "worst headache of his life." Given that he seldom suffers from headaches, we decided to visit the emergency room. A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and he was diagnosed with a migraine. Since then, he has grappled with weekly migraines. He has a triptan medication, but it offers limited relief. Additionally, he has been reporting non-migraine headaches every few days. Before this incident, he reported headaches perhaps twice a year, typically after consuming alcohol, which he does occasionally and in moderation. He also frequently mentions a sensation of pressure or fullness in his head, though he is uncertain if he would categorize it as a headache. Given the stressors our family has faced over the past couple of years, I hoped this might subside as we return to a more typical routine. Two weeks ago, my husband’s boss alerted us that an ambulance was called after he fainted while walking down the hall at work. After regaining consciousness, he attempted to sit up but felt intense dizziness, forcing him to lie back down. Although his fall wasn't witnessed, he was found roughly two minutes later. At the ER, tests including a CT scan and EKG returned normal results. He was then referred back to his primary care manager (PCM), who ordered an MRI with and without contrast. The MRI revealed the presence of an acoustic neuroma. Through my investigation, it appears that many of his symptoms—headaches, pressure sensations, dizziness, and cognitive fog—could be linked to this condition. We are currently awaiting a follow-up appointment with his PCM for a specialist referral. I want to ensure that he is equipped to advocate for himself during this process. Considering his MRI results and associated symptoms, should we seek the expertise of a specialist familiar with acoustic neuroma? I am concerned that our small-town ENT may not have extensive experience with this issue, and I want to avoid a mere monitoring approach if more proactive treatment is advisable. With a busy family and an active lifestyle, his symptoms over these past months have certainly impacted him, as well as our family dynamics and his professional duties. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding treatment options or specialist locations you might be able to share. Thank you!
Blood in Urine: Seeking Guidance
A 20-year-old female weighing 140 pounds has not been taking any medications or supplements, and has no prior or current medical conditions. Her menstrual cycle last occurred two weeks ago. While at work, she observed blood in her urine, which appeared light red but darker than pink. Accompanying this symptom, she has experienced some abdominal discomfort. Notably, there was no evidence of blood on her underwear, only when she urinated. Additionally, she felt a moment of lightheadedness upon noticing the blood, which has since subsided; she attributes this feeling to her anxiety about the potential seriousness of the situation. Given these symptoms, what could be the likely cause? She is uncertain whether to visit the emergency room or to wait until urgent care is available tomorrow for a consultation. As she recently relocated and does not have a primary care physician yet, her anxiety is heightened.
Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?
34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.
Gene Testing Outcomes Suggest Elevated Risk for MPN
A 27-year-old male of Irish heritage recently conducted a commercial gene analysis, and here are the findings: - **Rs12340895 (C;G)** Result Interpretation: "Doubles the likelihood of developing V617F-positive MPN." - **Rs3780374 (A;G)** Result Interpretation: "Significantly raises the probability of V617F-positive MPN manifestation." Based on my research, it appears that having these two genetic markers indicates a strong predisposition to this particular form of cancer. What steps should I consider taking to either prepare for or potentially postpone the onset of this condition? Should I discuss these findings with my healthcare provider? My studies suggest there isn’t a definitive cure for this condition.