HELP, Infection at injection site

[tyler911]

Hi Everyone

I have a question, one of my Betaseron shots from last week, has developed a really bad infection, the pain is terrible and nothing i do seems to make it better, the redness around the infection is  about 1 1/2 inches, but the pain extends to about 5 inches all around I should probably be on Antibiotics for it, right now i am soaking it with Epsom salts, and spraying it with antibiotic spray

I am seeing my Neurologist in the morning, should I bring this up with him or go and see my family doctor, i know i cannot stand the pain from it anymore, I am in agony, it is stopping me from sleeping, if i turn onto that side, i could sit and cry, as the pain will not go away

anyone got any suggestions on how to deal with this, or has anyone has the same reaction to a shot

I really do not understand how it could have gotten infected, other than it is quite near my belt line, and my jeans have been rubbing on it, but i shower twice a day, so i know the site was not getting dirty

Thanks so much folks

Tyler

[tyler911]

I am changing the dressing twice day right now, and yes you were right it was cellulitis,

though i do not know what that is or what caused it, other than it is an infection, i also have an appointment to see my primary care on Monday to check up on it, guess the Neuro contacted her, and she has been on the phone saying she wants to see me, until this has cleared up,

I am a little worried about taking the steroids with an infection, will this not lower my immune system, but i guess my Neuro would not have put me on them, if he thought there was any risk, Right ?

thanks again folks for your wonderful support

Tyler

[twopack]

I'd like to reinforce what Shell and Ren said about keeping a close eye on this, especially since he also prescribed the steroid.  I understand the desire to forestall a MS flair but steroids can also allow infection to flair.

Keep this in mind -- If it's not getting better, it's getting worse.

Mary

[tyler911]

HI Lulu

Meant to mention that yes he has discussed another DMD, it is unlikely he will have me back on the Betaseron again, not sure which one he will suggest, or if he will go another route,

I also suspect he is thinking this may be Neuro Sarcoidosis rather than MS, but he is not sure, as i present with classic Ms, but as the ace level is so high, and my lung test was positive, he said i may have both, so will have to keep u all updates on what the outcome is

Thanks again

Tyler

[tyler911]

The doc said the infection was from the shot itself, He did not mention what kind of infection it is,

I am still in so much pain from it, but i guess it will take a few days for the Antibiotics to kick in,

Yes he has me scheduled for an another appointment in a month, but to call him if the infection does not clear, as he said i may need IV Antibiotics,

I also have an appointment with a rheumatologist (I think i spelled that wrong) as my ace level way way high, so by then i want all the infection gone,

thanks so much for the advice folks, like i said i would have tried treating it myself, not understanding the consequences of leaving it

Tyler

[sllowe]

Tyler,

Did the Dr. say it was cellulitus? Soooo very glad you went to the Dr.

Glad you asked us and shared the results too because it's very important for all who inject to know that "cellulitus" or worse, sepsis can happen.

Rest up, and hope you can get back on track.  If you do not see improvement, don't hesitate, have Dr. call you in for IV antibiotics!

Fell better soon,
Shell

[Lulu54]

Tyler,
So glad you listened to all the wise advice here.  Left unchecked, these types of infections can run rampant through your body, creating all sorts of havoc - even with essential things like your heart.  

Does he have you schedueld for a follow-up in a month or so to discuss your future dmd use?  I sure hope so  - if not, please get it scheduled now.

feel better,
Lu

[tyler911]

Hi Everyone

Well saw my Neuro this morning, and he could not believe the bruising all over me from the shots, and he had a look at the infected shot site, he immediately took me off the Betaseron, and is not having me on another DMD for at least another month, he said my poor body needs time to heal from the Betaseron,

He has prescribed antibiotics for 10 days, and has told me to come back if the infection
does not improve, he has also prescribed some antibiotic cream for the actual wound itself, he said it is a pretty nasty infection, he was also pretty mad i did not have this checked sooner, (Typical me)

he has also put me on 60mg a day predisone, as he knows, this is going to lead to a flare, then taper down,

Thanks for all your advice, as I know i would have left this to go on,trying to treat the infection myself,

Tyler

[rendean]

I agree with ladies who posted before me. Get yourself to a doctor TODAY ! If you have an infection at an injection site is more than likely an abscess. You need antibiotics now. do not wait until tomorrow.

The reason for NOT waiting is two-fold. First , the longer you wait the worse the infection which increases the chance for more tissue damage. secondly, the infection is going to set up  for a flare-up.

See somebody TODAY, I'm sure if you call your PCP tey will se you on an emergent basis.

Please keep us informed. BTW, you also need to tell your neuro tomorrow as well.

Ren

[essdipity]

I agree. Any doctor can diagnose an infection such as you describe, and if your PCP is the first you can get in to see, take that route. You'll be given anti-biotics, which you do need. In any case, make sure your neuro knows about this too.

Good luck,
ess

[HVAC]

You do need to tell your Neurologist.

Alex

[Eyesnlegs]

I don't know much about this as I don't take DMDs but my friend with MS does. She had a really nasty infection like this that spread to her whole thigh and was very poorly.

You need antibiotics so whoever you will get to see first will give you a prescription as either can write one.