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Suggest Treatment For Lower Back Pain And Swollen Lymph Nodes
Question: I was diagnosed with L 4, 5 spondylythelosis on Monday, after my orthopedic surgeon made an xray. At the same time as the lower back pain became severe (sunday) I also developed fatigue, swollen lymph nodes esp. in groin, some dizziness and minor feverishness. I'm finishing Day 3 of a 6-day steroid course plus Meloxicam. I also take Premarin, and a steroidal nasal spray for allergy. I had my first hip replacement (left ) Dec. 2014 and the right one Feb. 2015. After the Feb surgery I was transfused two units of packed red cells. I have been recovering well until the spondy popped up. Otherwise my medical history is unremarkable; hysterectomy in my 30s because of prolapse after vaginal delivery of two gigantic babies in a 21-month period (8 lbs 15 oz; and 9 lbs 12 oz). On Monday, doc also drew blood but I dont have results yet. I feel like a bus has run over me. What could be going on? thanks!
Brief Answer:
Pelvic infection, Urinary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
You seem to be suffering from an ongoing infection which is causing the symptoms of feverishness, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. Swelling of the groin lymph nodes usually indicates focus of infection in the pelvic region or lower limbs.
It is possible you could be having Pelvic inflammatory disease with urinary tract infection which can cause fever, chills, rigors, low back pain and burning sensation on passing urine. Steroids can make you prone to get infections as it reduces the protective activity of the immune system against infection causing organisms.
Kindly consume 2 litres of water daily. Apply a hot water bottle to the back about 3 times a day. Apply a thin pillow under your lower back when you lie down. You may need antibiotics once confirmed with the infection and also the steroid needs to be tapered down, to help bring back the suppressed immune system of your body.
If the Spondylolisthesis is of a high grade, we usually consider surgery but a thorough evaluation of the patient is pertinent to deciding the final management. Avoid forward bending, lifting weights. Wear a Lumbosacral belt. Do back extension stretching exercises and abdominal strengthening exercises.
Kindly consult your Doctor to look for the focus of infection in your body and get you started on the required antibiotics as necessary to avoid it from flaring up since you are on steroids. You may need to get tested for infection in your blood, urine and possibly a pelvic examination as well to rule out vaginal infection.
I hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Pelvic infection, Urinary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
You seem to be suffering from an ongoing infection which is causing the symptoms of feverishness, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. Swelling of the groin lymph nodes usually indicates focus of infection in the pelvic region or lower limbs.
It is possible you could be having Pelvic inflammatory disease with urinary tract infection which can cause fever, chills, rigors, low back pain and burning sensation on passing urine. Steroids can make you prone to get infections as it reduces the protective activity of the immune system against infection causing organisms.
Kindly consume 2 litres of water daily. Apply a hot water bottle to the back about 3 times a day. Apply a thin pillow under your lower back when you lie down. You may need antibiotics once confirmed with the infection and also the steroid needs to be tapered down, to help bring back the suppressed immune system of your body.
If the Spondylolisthesis is of a high grade, we usually consider surgery but a thorough evaluation of the patient is pertinent to deciding the final management. Avoid forward bending, lifting weights. Wear a Lumbosacral belt. Do back extension stretching exercises and abdominal strengthening exercises.
Kindly consult your Doctor to look for the focus of infection in your body and get you started on the required antibiotics as necessary to avoid it from flaring up since you are on steroids. You may need to get tested for infection in your blood, urine and possibly a pelvic examination as well to rule out vaginal infection.
I hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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