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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Had A Discectomy 14 Weeks Ago, Having Severe Pain, Blood Test Shows Low RBC, High ESR. Does She Need Antibiotics ?

Evening doctor my partner had a discectomy l4/5 3 weeks ago. she is experiencing severe pain, her blood test results came with low rbc count and high levels of both ESR at 80mm/hr AND CRP at 43 mg/l. she wekas discharged from hospital with no antibiotics prescribed which has really surprised me!. My question is , would she need to be admitted to hospital ? and for how long? would she have antibiotics prescribed? ps her wbc and platelet counts are both normal. thanks very much
Mon, 29 Jul 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

Low RBC count can be due to blood loss during the surgical procedure.
What is the status of other blood parameters like hemoglobin and RBC indices- MCV, MCH and MCHC?
Low RBC count can lead to anemia.
ESR is a non-specific test and it is raised in number of chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, infections like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, etc.
CRP is also raised in chronic inflammatory diseases but it is more specific than ESR.
There is a chronic inflammatory process going on.
What was the indication for discectomy?
Any disease process damaging the joints can lead to raised ESR and CRP levels.
Antibiotics or hospital admission are not required.
Management consists of managing the underlying disease process.
Consult your doctor for further work up.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P wahal
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Pediatrician,  Dr. Imraan Hussain 's  Response
hi

Thanks for your query

i can feel your concerns

low RBC can be due to anaemia

anaemia can be due to blood loss or poor dietary habits

i advise to take iron supplements after consulting doctor

ESR AND CRP are indicators of chronic inflammation

may be raised due to disc problem

she doesnot need admission or antibiotics

give her a strong painkiller after consulting doctor

wishing her a speedy recovery

Hope i have ansewered your query
i am available for your help
regards
Dr.imran
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Had A Discectomy 14 Weeks Ago, Having Severe Pain, Blood Test Shows Low RBC, High ESR. Does She Need Antibiotics ?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Low RBC count can be due to blood loss during the surgical procedure. What is the status of other blood parameters like hemoglobin and RBC indices- MCV, MCH and MCHC? Low RBC count can lead to anemia. ESR is a non-specific test and it is raised in number of chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, infections like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, etc. CRP is also raised in chronic inflammatory diseases but it is more specific than ESR. There is a chronic inflammatory process going on. What was the indication for discectomy? Any disease process damaging the joints can lead to raised ESR and CRP levels. Antibiotics or hospital admission are not required. Management consists of managing the underlying disease process. Consult your doctor for further work up. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P wahal