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Suggest Remedy For Severe Joint Pain
Question: I had a TB skin test on Monday, November 9, 2015 and 2 days later I started to develop joint pain and burning in my joints which has gotten progressively worse. It is especially bad in my shoulders and I get little to no relief from Tylenol or Celebrex. I have read that this has happened to others under the same circumstances. I am scheduled to have a 2nd. test (because I will be working in a nursing home) THIS week. What should I do? Should I take the 2nd. text or ask for a chest Xray instead?
Brief Answer:
Consulting family physician is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
1. TB is a slowly progressing chronic infection. Local joint pain or burning happens in few people taking the test. It is less likely that the TB skin test has cause pain in joints all over your body.
2. I would like to know the result of your skin TB test and why they have asked for a repeat skin TB test.
3. A chest X ray shows past or recent features of infection. If your employment guidelines request for a chest X ray then you can go for one. Otherwise it is not required since you do not have any lung symptoms.
4. Consulting your family doctor will help because it is important to get examined clinically and make a probable diagnosis based on your symptoms, especially since you do not get much relief from Tylenol or Celebrex.
5. There is no contraindication for a repeat skin TB test except if you had a severe reaction to the first one. If you have received any live virus vaccination recently then TB skin test should be done a month after it.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Consulting family physician is recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
1. TB is a slowly progressing chronic infection. Local joint pain or burning happens in few people taking the test. It is less likely that the TB skin test has cause pain in joints all over your body.
2. I would like to know the result of your skin TB test and why they have asked for a repeat skin TB test.
3. A chest X ray shows past or recent features of infection. If your employment guidelines request for a chest X ray then you can go for one. Otherwise it is not required since you do not have any lung symptoms.
4. Consulting your family doctor will help because it is important to get examined clinically and make a probable diagnosis based on your symptoms, especially since you do not get much relief from Tylenol or Celebrex.
5. There is no contraindication for a repeat skin TB test except if you had a severe reaction to the first one. If you have received any live virus vaccination recently then TB skin test should be done a month after it.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The result of the first TB skin test was negative. But this terrible joint pain and burning is very painful.. It is a 2 part test just in case the first one was not accurate. I am a Registered Dietitian and will be working with the elderly.Should I ask for a chest Xray rather than take the second test & another skin injection?
Brief Answer:
If first test is acceptable then no need of second test
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. A negative test shows absence of past infection and the result looks to be accurate.
2. If given a choice between getting the second test and chest X ray, then I suggest to go for the chest X ray.
3. If the second test is compulsory then I suggest consulting your family physician to rule out any type of hypersensitivity reaction after clinical examination.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
If first test is acceptable then no need of second test
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. A negative test shows absence of past infection and the result looks to be accurate.
2. If given a choice between getting the second test and chest X ray, then I suggest to go for the chest X ray.
3. If the second test is compulsory then I suggest consulting your family physician to rule out any type of hypersensitivity reaction after clinical examination.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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