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What Causes Low Grade Fever And Uneasiness Along With Drainage From Incision Site?
Question: Following a TMJ implant surgery last year my incision opened up and started draining. I had a Gram Stain test done and the preliminary results showed no organisms, cells, and a few WBCs. I was on Keflex up until the day before this test was done. After the Gram Stain results were given on the report it states two organisms coag. neg. staph (few) and enterococus (few) were grown. A susceptibility test was done and it listed the antibiotics that were susceptible to these two organisms. Keflex was one of the antibiotics for one of the organisms. The doctor that did the cultures called me back and stated everything was fine and never placed me on antibiotics. Since then I have been having continuous low grade fevers and fatigue. I have been placed on antibiotics, but never any of the ones recommended since my doctor stated the test showed no organisms and there were few WBCs. I am just wondering if the Gram Stain could of been misread and if I should have been placed on the antibiotics susceptible to the two organisms grown. I also feel since I just came off Keflex the day before the culture was done this could have kept the WBCs down. What are your thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Povidine iodine, Ibuprofen, Consult - antibiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the query, attachments and understood your concern.
Yes, the possibilities of infection being low during the time of culture due to antibiotic is there and also infection can develop after the test. Your low grade fever and uneasiness along with the drainage may be due to infection. Your upper part of incision healing photo also looks not good.
Since surgery was over last year and the wound should heal in maximum 1 month. Again discharge after few months needs evaluation and for your symptoms you may require antibiotic coverage. So better to consult your doctor once for examination and for antibiotic prescription (prescription drug).
Till then daily cleaning with povidine iodine and anti inflammatory drug like ibuprofen will help you.
I hope this information helps you and answered your concern. Feel free to ask for any further queries. I will be glad to answer them.
Wish you faster recovery and good health.
Regards
Povidine iodine, Ibuprofen, Consult - antibiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the query, attachments and understood your concern.
Yes, the possibilities of infection being low during the time of culture due to antibiotic is there and also infection can develop after the test. Your low grade fever and uneasiness along with the drainage may be due to infection. Your upper part of incision healing photo also looks not good.
Since surgery was over last year and the wound should heal in maximum 1 month. Again discharge after few months needs evaluation and for your symptoms you may require antibiotic coverage. So better to consult your doctor once for examination and for antibiotic prescription (prescription drug).
Till then daily cleaning with povidine iodine and anti inflammatory drug like ibuprofen will help you.
I hope this information helps you and answered your concern. Feel free to ask for any further queries. I will be glad to answer them.
Wish you faster recovery and good health.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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