Infection vs. Bad Injection

[Private Steel]

How do you tell if you have an infection from a shot?

My wife gave me an injection on Saturday afternoon. It was painful and afterwards I had a difficult time walking. She accidentally placed the shot lower and closer to the center of my rear.

It is now Monday night and its still hard to walk or to sit. I do not have any large swelling (if any) and not huge red hump.

Two years ago, I had an infection and it swelled the same day to the size of a cantalope.

Is it possible that 1.5" 23 gauge needle could cause significant muscle damage? Also, she says that the location of the injection is not the same as where I report all the pain.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Steel

[pmgamer18]

Originally Posted by Private Steel

How do you tell if you have an infection from a shot?

My wife gave me an injection on Saturday afternoon. It was painful and afterwards I had a difficult time walking. She accidentally placed the shot lower and closer to the center of my rear.

It is now Monday night and its still hard to walk or to sit. I do not have any large swelling (if any) and not huge red hump.

Two years ago, I had an infection and it swelled the same day to the size of a cantalope.

Is it possible that 1.5" 23 gauge needle could cause significant muscle damage? Also, she says that the location of the injection is not the same as where I report all the pain.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Steel

It sounds like she hit a nerve. A nurse did this to me and it hurt for a week.

[asih.net]

Buttock intramuscular injection risks injury to the sciatic nerve, which may lead to lower limb palsy, most often presenting as paralytic drop foot. This condition rarely results from direct traumatic lesion of the sciatic nerve, but usually from the caustic effect of the injected drug.

It is unusual to have an infection so quickly although it is not unheard of. I would be more concerned with an inadvertent stick of the sciatic nerve. This can have pain experienced away from the injection site - further and closer in layman terms. If this is an infection the typical markers of fever, sweats, chills, along with the area around the injection getting red, hot, and possibly expressing purulent material. This would take place over a number of days rather than a day or two later. Assuming you used sterile technique the chance of an infection is small.

If you are in doubt have it checked out.

Mike

[asih.net]

Some additional notes.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and the most important nerve of the lower extremities. As it traverses the gluteal region, it is susceptible to injury by a misdirected intramuscular injection. After its formation within the lumbosacral plexus in the psoas muscle the sciatic nerve passes through the greater sciatic notch to enter the gluteal region, running along its lower and inner quadrant on its way into the thigh. With the hip in neutral position, the nerve crosses approximately midway between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity. It has always been taught that any intramuscular injection into the gluteal musculature should be given in the upper and outer quadrant. However, this applies only with the patient lying in the prone or lateral position. When the patient is sitting, the normal anatomical landmarks become distorted and there is an increased chance of the needle impinging upon this vital structure. Because of this, intramuscular injections in the gluteal region should be given with the patient lying rather than sitting. The intense pain when the injection is being given and the acute onset of neurological symptoms and signs indicate that there is direct damage to the sciatic nerve.

Mike

[Private Steel]

Mike,

Thanks so much.

Where should I receive my injections? Normally, I bend at the waist 45 degress and my wife gives the injection in the upper right/left quadrant.

How many days before the sciatic nerve heals from minor damage?

Thanks so much.

Steel

[asih.net]

Instructions for injection are above. If you do not have foot drop by now in all likelihood you are going to be okay. One of the other reasons for injecting in the lateral or prone position is that the muscle is relaxed. It is difficult at best to relax the glut while standing. Injecting into a muscle that is contracting will cause more pain.
Keeep an eye on the area. If in doubt, get it checked out.

Mike