Infection Detected Post-Injury
Patient Profile: Male, 50 years of age, weighing 150 pounds, standing at 5'8", non-smoker, with no significant medical history. Three weeks prior, I experienced a fall, landing heavily on my left side. My left elbow impacted my torso during the fall. Following the incident, I sought medical attention at the emergency room where an x-ray was performed, revealing no fractures or visible bruising. However, I continue to experience discomfort on the left side of my body, particularly in the area below the ribs and above the pelvis, which remains sensitive to this day. Recently, I underwent a complete blood count (CBC) with differential analysis, and the findings suggest a potential infection: - White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 10: 13.1 - Platelet Count (plt): 10: 427 - Granulocyte Count (gran #): 10: 9.1 - Eosinophil Count (eos #): 10: 0.5 Could the pain and detected infection be related to the injuries sustained during the fall?
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 4:00:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing lingering pain related to your fall, alongside signs that suggest an infection. Given your recent CBC results indicating an elevated white blood cell count, it is essential to investigate this connection further, as the pain you feel could be linked to the injury, or it might represent a separate issue.
Explanation
After a fall, it’s common to have some discomfort, but the persistence of your side pain, especially with elevated white blood cells, raises the possibility of an underlying infection. This could involve the abdominal area, such as organs or tissues, or it may be related to soft tissue surrounding the site of impact, even if no fractures were initially detected on x-ray.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain intensity, new symptoms (like fever, chills, or skin changes), or anything that worsens your condition.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain good hydration and eat a balanced diet to support your immune system.
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Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as needed to manage discomfort, following the dosage instructions on the packaging.
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Rest and Avoid Strain: Rest the affected side as much as possible and avoid activities that cause more discomfort.
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Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: It's important to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious infections or conditions. Bringing your CBC results and any tracking of your symptoms will help in this conversation.
If you experience acute symptoms such as significant fever, increasing pain, swelling, or shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately. Your health is the priority, and timely evaluation is crucial given the signs of potential infection.
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