Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Swelling In The Inner Thigh Area When Diagnosed With Cellulitis?
Question: Hi, I have been in hospital 5 times since July this year with the same swelling in upper inner thigh area , I had no wound on outside, first 3 times I was treated with antibiotics and the swelling went down but never completely I also contracted D Ciff & VRE , presumably from all the antibiotics. , the 4th time they lanced drained and packed area for one day, i felt better for a few weeks & thought the problem was solved but by the 3rd week I could hardly walk or sit with the swelling again, and 5th time they lanced and drained area I spent a week in hospital then a week with wound been packed everyday, the wound has nearly closed but swelling has started to come up large lump about 2 inches just above the wound, begining to feel unwell again low energy and a pain in area. Please help I am at my wits end. kind regards, XXXXXXX
I must mention that the doctors and surgeons I attended diagnosed cellulitis and abscess. they have yet to grow cultures although samples have been sent to the lab.
I must mention that the doctors and surgeons I attended diagnosed cellulitis and abscess. they have yet to grow cultures although samples have been sent to the lab.
Brief Answer:
I would: repeat MRI, ask urologist opinion and wait the results of culture.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for the troubles you have had with the infection in your thigh. I carefully read your question and the hospital report and understand your concern.
According to the report you are having frequent thigh infections due to the sling you have been using for urinary incontinence and this might be true as it might serve as a source of infection. Have you had a chance to have the urologist consulation as the report recommended? do you still have the sling in place?
Becasue you have been in hospital I would assume that your doctors have already checked the sugar levels in your blood and ruled out diabetes as diabetes might effect the healing process of the tissues and might delay it and make us more prone to infections.
I would probably repeat MRI to take some recent information on how are the structures of the thigh and especially the bone. The MRI you had was in August which is 3 months ago. MRI does not have radiation and will not hurt but the financial cost of it but it is worthy if your symptoms are recurring.
It is good that the doctors have already sent tissue and secretions for culture- this will tell us the bacteria causing the infection and the effective antibiotic to fight it. Unfortunately C.Difficile infections are real risk when we give antibiotics but we have to take this risk whan we are faced with serious infections.
So to conclude I would say that you seem to be taking a very good medical care and having the right tests done. The only I would add is repeating MRI, having the consultation with the urologist and continue the antibiotics according to the culture results.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question.
I wish you quick healing.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
I would: repeat MRI, ask urologist opinion and wait the results of culture.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for the troubles you have had with the infection in your thigh. I carefully read your question and the hospital report and understand your concern.
According to the report you are having frequent thigh infections due to the sling you have been using for urinary incontinence and this might be true as it might serve as a source of infection. Have you had a chance to have the urologist consulation as the report recommended? do you still have the sling in place?
Becasue you have been in hospital I would assume that your doctors have already checked the sugar levels in your blood and ruled out diabetes as diabetes might effect the healing process of the tissues and might delay it and make us more prone to infections.
I would probably repeat MRI to take some recent information on how are the structures of the thigh and especially the bone. The MRI you had was in August which is 3 months ago. MRI does not have radiation and will not hurt but the financial cost of it but it is worthy if your symptoms are recurring.
It is good that the doctors have already sent tissue and secretions for culture- this will tell us the bacteria causing the infection and the effective antibiotic to fight it. Unfortunately C.Difficile infections are real risk when we give antibiotics but we have to take this risk whan we are faced with serious infections.
So to conclude I would say that you seem to be taking a very good medical care and having the right tests done. The only I would add is repeating MRI, having the consultation with the urologist and continue the antibiotics according to the culture results.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question.
I wish you quick healing.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I haven't had appointment for urologist yet ? And have been tested for diabetes. I don't have it. Have already had 2 mri scans 1 cat scan. And 2 ultra sounds. I still have the bladder sling in place but most of the doctors don't think this is the source. But are unable to provide a cause . I've also seen a gynaecologist and she assures me their is nothing wrong in that department. Would you advise me to see an infection specialists?
Brief Answer:
Culture results are very important now
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thank you gor the new information.
It is good you have checked with a gynecological doctor. Sometimes it is hard to know for sure the source of infection.
The culture in your case is the most important examination now, it will tell for sure the antibiotics that should be used.
Blood cultures might be needed also and see if there are bacteria travelling in your blood from other sources and causing it.
Still there is a risk for C.Difficile infection and having some enterogerminas (bowel flora bacteria):dialy to substitute the normal bowel flora might be helpful.
Having repeated MRI done is good- your doctors seem to be doing the right things.
I wish you quick healing
Regards
Dr Antoneta
Culture results are very important now
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thank you gor the new information.
It is good you have checked with a gynecological doctor. Sometimes it is hard to know for sure the source of infection.
The culture in your case is the most important examination now, it will tell for sure the antibiotics that should be used.
Blood cultures might be needed also and see if there are bacteria travelling in your blood from other sources and causing it.
Still there is a risk for C.Difficile infection and having some enterogerminas (bowel flora bacteria):dialy to substitute the normal bowel flora might be helpful.
Having repeated MRI done is good- your doctors seem to be doing the right things.
I wish you quick healing
Regards
Dr Antoneta
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
