brandy327
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Post by brandy327 on Feb 6, 2021 22:08:19 GMT
UPDATE 3 I saw a Dr this morning. I was less than impressed overall. She didn't really listen to me and was really kind of adamant that it was arthritis. I kept repeating to her that I already KNOW that I have arthritis. And she was like after 28 years with hardware, I know you have arthritis. Because I'm on immunosupressants, she did also send in a script for antibiotics. I had to have blood work to check my kidney function because the antibiotics can be hard on the kidneys. And then she sent me to xray. I was a little confused on why the xray plus a referral to orthopedics. I honestly think she's looking for arthritis. LADY I HAVE ARTHRITIS AND THE ISSUE I'M HAVING IS NOT ARTHRITIS PAIN. It isn't my joint that hurts. It's the skin/area right around the plate where we did find the tiniest of scabs(a pin point size scab). I'm a little scared because she said the antibiotics can be rough on the gut. Thanks for the support ladies!
UPDATE #2 Everything is holding steady and I have an appt at 10:30. Thanks for all the support, my friends. I'll update you all later after the appt.
UPDATE #1
Since I have a procedure to remove melanoma on Thursday and my second covid vaccine coming up in a couple of weeks and I don't want either of those messed with, I'll be getting in touch with my Dr tomorrow morning asap to either do a telehealth visit or go in. I've only had 1 infection in my entire life(ear infection when I was pregnant 18 years ago) and rarely take antibiotics (maybe 3 times in my life). So I'm hoping for a telehealth and some antibiotics. No urgent care for me today...I don't have a fever and we're in the middle of a snowstorm. Thanks for the info girls!!
When I was in high school, I broke my ankle and had to have a plate and some screws installed(hahaha). I'm 26 years out from high school so it's been 28 years I think since that surgery. I've never had any issues with it.
Well until 2 days ago. I noticed it was a little sensitive right where the plate is located. Today it's so sensitive that I can't touch it without it hurting. And it's swollen. I'm 100% sure I haven't hit it on anything.
What gives? Any ideas??
Eta: Too many other drs appts this week for me to try to get in unless something major changes with it. It's annoying and bothersome but not so much so that I feel the need to rush in asap.
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Post by chitchatgirl on Feb 6, 2021 22:17:55 GMT
Mine is sensitive during major changes in barometric pressure but not obviously swollen or painful to touch. Your post makes me think gout based on the speed it began though.
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brandy327
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Post by brandy327 on Feb 6, 2021 22:23:30 GMT
Mine is sensitive during major changes in barometric pressure but not obviously swollen or painful to touch. Your post makes me think gout based on the speed it began though. Hmmmm, I don't think it's gout just based off what my friend(who has really bad gout) has told me. My ankle doesn't hurt to move it... it's not in the actual joint that hurts. It's the area above my ankle(about an inch or two above the ankle) right where the plate is that hurts. |
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Post by ntsf on Feb 6, 2021 23:41:30 GMT
my husband had many years of plates and screws in his leg. I would get it checked out immediately as it could be an infection. if you ever have a break in the skin, you can have germs that stay in there for years and years and then flare up. I would not ignore it.
my husband's situation was very complicated but he was dealing with ongoing infections that would come up occasionally for 20 yr.. when the infectious disease docs said the metal had to come out.
so get it checked out!!! swollen and pain never is good
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Post by ntsf on Feb 6, 2021 23:44:43 GMT
my husband had many years of plates and screws in his leg. I would get it checked out immediately as it could be an infection. if you ever have a break in the skin, you can have germs that stay in there for years and years and then flare up. I would not ignore it.
my husband's situation was very complicated but he was dealing with ongoing infections that would come up occasionally for 20 yr.. when the infectious disease docs said the metal had to come out.
so get it checked out!!! swollen and pain never is good
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 7, 2021 0:02:30 GMT
my husband had many years of plates and screws in his leg. I would get it checked out immediately as it could be an infection. if you ever have a break in the skin, you can have germs that stay in there for years and years and then flare up. I would not ignore it. my husband's situation was very complicated but he was dealing with ongoing infections that would come up occasionally for 20 yr.. when the infectious disease docs said the metal had to come out. so get it checked out!!! swollen and pain never is good I have one in my wrist. It aches with weather. A warm dry compress always makes it feel better. |
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Post by summer on Feb 7, 2021 0:04:23 GMT
I wouldn’t put off having that checked out by a doctor.
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Post by chitchatgirl on Feb 7, 2021 0:08:41 GMT
Mine is sensitive during major changes in barometric pressure but not obviously swollen or painful to touch. Your post makes me think gout based on the speed it began though. Hmmmm, I don't think it's gout just based off what my friend(who has really bad gout) has told me. My ankle doesn't hurt to move it... it's not in the actual joint that hurts. It's the area above my ankle(about an inch or two above the ankle) right where the plate is that hurts. I misunderstood. In that case I’d still consider setting up a dr appointment soon. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Feb 7, 2021 0:30:11 GMT
My dad had a severe injury with tons of metal in his legs. Some of it had to come out after 15ish (sorry I was a kid) years - not sure all of the issues but it can absolutely cause problems down the road well after you'd think it was healed. Most of it stayed in (at least enough to still set off the metal detectors at the airport). My mom also had a screw work itself out of her toe where you could literally feel it through the skin.
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Post by lisae on Feb 7, 2021 0:37:58 GMT
I don't know about a plate and screws but when an artificial joint gets infected, it is a very serious thing. My mother has a plate and screws in her wrist and hasn't had any issue with it or been required to take antibiotics before dental work like you do with a prosthetic joint. However, what you are describing doesn't sound good and I'd want it checked out asap.
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Post by Monica* on Feb 7, 2021 0:50:54 GMT
I have plates and screws in my left radius and ulna. The only time it hurts is if I accidentally hit my forearm on something because you can literally feel the top of one screwhead under the skin on the bottom bone (so creepy). But if you haven't banged your ankle, sounds like something may be up. I am 30 years out from my surgery.
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Post by nlwilkins on Feb 7, 2021 0:57:39 GMT
Mother had just about the same as you, and it got the same way. She became septic from it. People die from getting septic and mother almost did. Please see if one of the docs you see this week can order some bloodwork.
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Post by Zee on Feb 7, 2021 1:00:39 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised.
If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk.
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smcast
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Post by smcast on Feb 7, 2021 2:13:29 GMT
I wonder if something has started to shift out of place. I'd make an appointment and get it looked at before it becomes an emergency.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 7, 2021 3:24:21 GMT
Mine is sensitive during major changes in barometric pressure but not obviously swollen or painful to touch. Your post makes me think gout based on the speed it began though. This has been my experience too. Big shifts in weather makes that part of my foot with the plate and screws have a dull ache. |
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Post by Lexica on Feb 7, 2021 3:31:29 GMT
I have plates and screws in my left radius and ulna. The only time it hurts is if I accidentally hit my forearm on something because you can literally feel the top of one screwhead under the skin on the bottom bone (so creepy). But if you haven't banged your ankle, sounds like something may be up. I am 30 years out from my surgery. i have metal and screws in my spine and left elbow. Just like you, Monica, I can feel and see the screw head in my elbow because the skin is so thin there. And I agree, it is creepy. It hurts when I bump it too. I try to be super careful with that elbow because the socket area was shattered and the surgeon wasn't sure he could piece it all together well enough. In fact, he told me there were loose bone chips on the inside portion and not to lift too much with that arm. I would think the chips would dissolve in time though, right? If it breaks again I have to go with an artificial elbow. I would get it checked out, Brandy. You will feel better knowing what is causing the pain, right? Mine haven't been in as long as yours. Don't they say that you could have the metal removed after the bones have knit together? Well, depending on the kind of repair done, I would imagine. |
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Post by ntsf on Feb 7, 2021 4:56:08 GMT
the thing about screws and plates is you have the orthopedic surgeons who use it to stabilize and to hold stuff together. sitting on the other bench are the infectious disease doctors who often see the metal lead to infections way way after initial injury and surgery. so something that was stable for 25 yrs can suddenly cause problems. or it can never cause problems. I think my husband had 5-6 episodes of cellulitis that caused them to say all metal had to go cause they couldn't eliminate all germs deep in old wound. his wound was finally stabilized by a second muscle transplant. he dealt with orthopedic issues after an accident for 35 yrs. he had all sorts of things tried over the years
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brandy327
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Post by brandy327 on Feb 7, 2021 16:16:45 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised. If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk. The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? |
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Post by ntsf on Feb 7, 2021 16:27:22 GMT
not worth the chance. infections can go wrong fast...
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Deleted
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Jun 30, 2024 19:09:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2021 16:32:30 GMT
My 6 face plates hurt when it is cold, when the pressure is high, when it rains, when I have a sinus infection...
The one under my right eye hurts sometimes, swells and my eye is very watery.
I also get numbing on the right side (almost completely severed my nerve).
My surgeon said it is normal.
The only time it isn't is if the area is warm and red and increases in redness and or I get a fever
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Deleted
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Jun 30, 2024 19:09:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2021 16:33:29 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised. If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk. The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? Warm and swollen? Get thy self to UC or ER. You may need strong IV antibiotics then oral. |
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Post by scrapmaven on Feb 7, 2021 16:50:25 GMT
Thank you to our pea nurses for your expert advice. I would listen to them. Maybe you should call your doctor tmw and make an appointment.
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Deleted
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Jun 30, 2024 19:09:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2021 16:52:19 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised. If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk. The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? Go to the doctor. It's better to be safe and catch it early versus waiting and it being a shit-storm of a mess that cannot be fully recovered from. Pick your hard. |
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Post by bearmom on Feb 7, 2021 17:11:31 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised. If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk. The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? Not a chance I would take. Infections that get into bone are incredibly hard to treat and can become serious fast. Personally I would be trucking it to urgent care today or setting up a televisit with my doc. Pain, swelling, warm to touch -sounds like an infection to me. |
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brandy327
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Post by brandy327 on Feb 7, 2021 17:24:11 GMT
Thank you to our pea nurses for your expert advice. I would listen to them. Maybe you should call your doctor tmw and make an appointment. This is exactly what I'm going to do. It's a little bit red today so it definitely is looking like there's an infection starting. |
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Post by Zee on Feb 7, 2021 17:44:17 GMT
I don't have any hardware but you really should make an appointment. Things could have shifted in 28 years and you might need something revised. If it becomes red or hot to the touch or if you develop a fever, get it seen pronto, but it's not likely to be infected if there's no break in the skin or injury so it can probably wait until you can get in with the dr unless it becomes difficult to move it or walk. The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? The chances are it's dealing with it all on its own by telling you it hurts and something is wrong in there! No need for panic but you need to get it looked at. 😊 |
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brandy327
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Post by brandy327 on Feb 7, 2021 17:59:03 GMT
The ONLY thing I could possibly have done is knick it with my razor while shaving. I have one staple mark that's raised and over the years I've actually taken the top off. But usually I know off I've hit it because it'll sting. I don't remember hitting it but when I showered this morning I noticed it felt like there may be a teeny pin size scab. It's a little warm according to dh and it's swollen but not an overabundance. Like I said, it's sensitive to the touch but it doesn't effect my walking. What are the chances my body will deal with it all on its own? The chances are it's dealing with it all on its own by telling you it hurts and something is wrong in there! No need for panic but you need to get it looked at. 😊 I'll call in the morning. I did check to make sure I don't have a fever and I'm a cool 97.6. |
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tincin
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Post by tincin on Feb 8, 2021 4:32:08 GMT
My left clavicle is plated and screwed. Quite honestly it’s never given me any issues but if it became sore like yours has I should definitely have it checked. I forget I even have it and I’m always started when I get X-rays or travel Andy they comment on how big the plate is and how many screws are in it.
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Post by elaine on Feb 8, 2021 5:43:39 GMT
It also could be a blood clot. I’m glad that you are contacting your doctor tomorrow!
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 8, 2021 16:05:24 GMT
Good luck! I hope it's nothing.
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