infectious disease

Question

I had a cyst on my back that developed an infection in it when I got pneumonia. After many rounds of antibiotics and several chest xrays, I still haven't gotten rid of the infection. I also had the cyst removed.

Angel0703 · Answer

Thank you for your response. I just assumed (and the doctor agreed) that I didn't have any problem with the cyst until I had the pneumonia. I have been to a pulmonologist (4 chest xrays & a ct later) and they saw a nodule on my left lung that is decreasing after many rounds antibiotics. By the time I got to the pulmonologist, I was feeling better too. 
I will definitely check into your suggestions.
Thank you again.

mkh9 · Answer

Did you still have a positive culture? If so, a lot of strain of bacteria that cause pneumonia and other things are very resistant to antibiotics. You may need to be treated with another antibiotic if that is the case.

LVGirlRN · Answer

How do you know you havent gotten rid of the infection?  Have you had a CBC? Are your white blood cells high???  The cyst on your back is not related to the pneumonia unless it formed a track containing puss to the lung from the back. If you still have symptoms of pneumonia, please see a lung specialist - a Pulmonologist.  They will order a CT of the lungs to look closer within the soft tissues and ask them to order Lung Function Testing to see if you are breathing adequately and have good lung capacity.  Most Drs can also check the amount of oxygen in your blood at any given time with a plastic clip that goes on our finger.  You want to see 96% or higher.  If you are lower, first make sure you arent talking and that you are breathing while clip is on, you may have something going on in the lungs... Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, COPD.... There could be many possibilities. The testing will give you more answers.  Troubles with breathing and coughing, etc. do not always indicate an infection. Make sure you tell the lung Dr if you have smoked in past or present or if you lived with a smoker or worked in a smoky environment.  Good luck! Hope this helps you.