hello,
I have a calcified herniated disc at L5-S1, and am waiting to have surgery.... BUT. I had 2 epidural steroid injections this spring, which were terrible and I experienced an increase in pain, and will not be doing those again. I have 3 doctors telling me I need an anterior lumbar fusion and disc replacement, which I am accepting. However, 3 weeks ago, i developed cellulitis on my lower back, just about where that needle had gone in several months ago. I was given antibiotics and it went away, almost completely now, but there is still some discoloration. My question is, is there any way for an infection to stem from an injection many months ago? Cellulitis is rapid growing, I understand this, but I just don't know why out of the blue I would get such a thing? And it is terribly odd that it is on my SPINE. I should note, a Xray did not show any signs of bone infection. It just seems too coincidental to me. And worry some. Thank you for reading.

Hi Amyv27,

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RE: Cellutitis

It can be quite frightening to suddenly find a patch of cellulitis, as you have mentioned, it tends to spread very quickly.

It's very important to seek treatment right away, as the infection can get into the blood stream, potentially leading to sepsis.

I am glad you had found help quickly!

I have seen cellulitis in the same areas you have mentioned and was surprised to see cellulitis on a family member at this location.

I had attended all of the appointments with this family member, as the diagnosis, treatment and potential causes were discussed.

Events as simple as an insect bites, eczema (with broken skin), any scratch which introduces infection, can open the door to cellulitis.

Very low back cellulitis can also come from a fissure in the gluteal cleft, which some people experience in hot weather, with sweat, bacteria and/or yeast. Often, the gluteal cleft will become irritated and may crack. (The gluteal cleft is aka "buttcrack," for anyone wondering.)

It's very important for the exam to include fully checking for any signs of an co-existing pilonidal disease. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/192668-overview

Sometimes, a person experiencing cellulitis may also be experiencing an immune system issue, having difficulty fully defending the body/tissue from minor infections. However, this is not always the case. Any questions about this should go to your doctor, as only labs can show the status of your immune system.

Taking any immune-suppressing medications?

Discoloration is "normal" as the formerly reddened area slowly fades. However, should it continue feeling hot to touch and/or start turning red again, please contact your doctor immediately.

With my family member, I had marked the outer boundaries of the reddened skin with a marker or pen. This way, I could clearly see where the area was fading and/or shrinking back. I could see progress daily this way. It has taken months for the skin color to return to normal color; yet, the area has not become re-infected.

I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery. I am sure you will find information and support on other forums here, as well.

I hope to see you around the forums!

Warmly,
DejaVu

P.S. it's not very likely the injection done several month ago was responsible for the cellulitis occurring months later. However, did your doctor(s) give you their opinion(s) on this question?

Wish I had a lot of happy comments for you, but I don't. I had 2 scripts for Epidurals a few years ago and could never do them. I keep going along with this old back full of issues but for me back surgery would be a Last Resort. Obviously, I don't walk in your shoes and your pain, but I've had a messy back for over 50 yrs. I worked with chiro, osteopath MD and massage and acupuncture to get me thru it all. Stretching, mild exercise, PT. Back supports...but this is me, I just want to avoid surgery.

I did a hip replacement in 2010 and dealing with a mess of complications from this Anterior job. And in all the years since, I've been on so many replacement groups and heard good stories and heard a lot of not good ones. I'm so thankful I did not end up with any infection as with surgery we are open to infections. I think of one horror story from a lady who went thru 2 hip replacements and ended up with horrid infections....her story is so vivid and all she's gone thru. Got a little off your topic but it's all so connected.

My brother was about to have back surgery as his doctor told him he needed it....I woke him up with some sense to do more to strengthen the back and avoid surgery. He cancelled his appt. He golfed all his life and ended up with the golfers back mess.

I have a friend who is about 83 and she talks about her 2 back surgeries when she was in her 20's....I get the impression you are a younger person. She says she needed the surgery and today she walks with a very bended structure to her body.

There are PRP practioners who attempt PRP injections to try to save people from surgery. It can work. I am still thinking about doing PRP for my knee. I take a lot of joint supps and work to do all I can to avoid surgery again. **

I can't speak about the cellulitis. Part of me wants to delete my comments but most me talks about my life experience. I do wish you best if you do the surgery.

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