How to know if abscess is returning??

[crohnie4life]

Hello,

I feel like this question should be self-explanatory...

However, I'm not sure? I had an (abdominal) abscess drained over xmas, and the drain was taken out on 1/9 (not even 2 weeks ago).

They sounded confident there was no fistula, as the color of drained fluid was a pale yellow, and it did not drain very much at all. I felt great after the drain was taken out... best I felt in months, and still feel really good- except over the last few days I've noticed that I can still feel something in my side... not true pain, like I had before. But it almost feels like a muscle strain. It's worse in the morning when I wake up...

I'm being treated with IV Rocephin for a month (2 weeks left).

This is all stuff I will bring up to my Dr's of course, but just wondering what you guys thought. Should I be worried if I'm still feeling something in my side? Will it go away? Could it be scar tissue I'm feeling? How common is it for an abscess without a fistula to return?

I think I'm just super paranoid this abscess is going to come right back!

Thanks for any info/thoughts

 

[sawdust]

Hello C4L. I think it's tough to know for sure. The only way I know is to have your doctor look at new imaging, like a CT scan or MRI. Perhaps, when you tell your doctor about it, he or she can feel for abnormalities?

My abscess was not abdominal like yours, however I remember going through a similar stage of worry that it was returning at first. These things can be unpredictable and difficult, so I would definitely follow up with your doctor on all of your concerns, but I did want to share with you that I had a few extra visits to the doc for additional peace of mind. :hug:

 

[bigtruck]

Have you been having a temp? Raised temp / fever normally accompany an abscess, although in saying that some medications may mask those symptoms, what medication are you taking?

 

[crohnie4life]

Thanks for the responses!

I have a follow up cat-scan in 2 weeks. I saw my (infectious disease) doc today and even though I told him I was still feeling something in my abdomen, he seemed to think I've had enough antibiotics. WBC is apparently normal and no temp- however, I never had a temp to begin with... I am on Humira, Pentasa, & weaning off pred (@ 15mg right now). I feel like pred is great at masking symptoms..

I think maybe I am just being paranoid... So I will cross my fingers & hope that I stay feeling good & that the follow up cat scan doesn't show anything in a couple weeks!!

 

[bigtruck]

I would keep a close eye on it, as you very rightly said pred is very good at masking symptoms, also it shouldn't be used if there is any infection present, good luck and keep us posted.