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What Are The Symptoms Of Bacterial Infection?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: I have had a infection in my right elbow since Dec 13 and my arm swelled up and I went to the Dr and they thought I had bursitis. They drained the fluid that was there and they gave me a cortisone shot and it helped for about 3 months. In March I had that done again. Things weren't getting better so I went to a Dr who works on hands elbows. He told me that I had got MRSA and he treated it with drugs and then finally I had an opening on the elbow and all this puss and blood was coming out and finally it got better, at least I thought it did. Dec 30th I had surgery on my arm and he took out all the crap that was in there. I had it stitched up and a week and a half later I had the stitches taken out and then two days later the wound broke opened up so now I am living with that. My question is, how has all this effected my body?? I am tired and do not have much energy these days. I am 66 years old and I still feel like I am in my 30's but these days I have a hard time thinking that. Does having an infection for so long affect the body and will it get better??
My email address is YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it is due to infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

An infection anywhere in the body ,definitely would cause tiredness,fatigue and muscle weakness.
Bacterial infection is among most common causes for temporary fatigue.
An infection is like a battle between your body and a specific microorganism that might be a bacteria , virus,fungus or parasites.In this fight our body uses every possible way to defeat the infection that is called the inflammatory response of the body.During it a lot of inflammatory substances are produced that can cause general symptoms like fatigue,symptoms,loss of appetite ,fever ,pain etc.
Another reason for fatigue is that during this infection ,our body uses a big part of the energy produced to fight the infection.For this reason you should:
-Rest a lot ,sleep well.
-Eat a well balanced diet that contains all the necessary elements .Eat a lot of green vegetables and fruits.
-Drink plenty of water.

As the process of healing continues you will feel better day after day.
If this fatigue continues even after the infection is completely healed,you may need to run some tests to exclude other common causes like anemia, low blood pressure,diabetes,hypothyroidism etc.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (18 hours later)

Will this hurt my permanently? I was wondering since I have had so much bacteria in my body for such a long time!!

Thank so very much for explaining what was going on so I could understand it!!

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no,it won't cause permanent symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am sorry for the delay in answering your query.I apologize for that.

If your symptoms of fatigue and weakness are due to the bacterial infection you have been going through ,then your symptoms are temporary.
You will feel better once the infection is cleared up and the wound is healed.

You don't need to worry ,the infection won't cause any permanent damage.
Your symptoms are due to the inflammatory response of the body against bacterial infection.Once that the infection is cured, your body will recover completely without consequences.

If your symptoms persist after the infection is cured ,then you may need to run some tests to exclude other possible causes.

Hope it helps.
Take care,

Dr.Rovena

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