posted
So, it all started with a little, tiny patch on the "inside" part of my left calf. It was a little bumpy and itchy. I wasn't too worried, however, because I've had similar patches on my upper arms and they always went away so...
As time went on, however, the patch grew and never went away. It was just a little spot, now it kind of dominates that part of my leg. Its mostly reddish, now, and a little enflamed. It almost reaches my knee. And it really itches.
Plus, lately, my left foot has easily become pained. Its like the pain you get when you've been on your feet all day, only it doesn't take nearly so long, and its worse. Since I am on my feet all day, it makes me very very sad. Its kind of centered around, well, the center of my foot. Almost as if I needed to pop it, you know?
In addition, the area around my kneeish has been hurting. I felt around the area and I have what feels like a knot on the side of my "knee-pit."
Anyone knows what this could be? I don't have health insurance (although I should get some soon, I hope), so I can't really go to a doctor. Any suggestions? Questions? Should I be nervous? Is it okay?
Posts: 450 | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
I am NOT medically trained, but that "knot on the side of my knee pit" sounds like a swollen poplateal lymph node, which indicates that there is some sort of infection along with the new symptom of inflammation and the old symptoms of redness, bumps, and itching.
And your description of the condition could be caused by so many things that a physician must examine you just to eliminate most of them before making a preliminary diagnosis. Some are very serious if left untreated. You really really really ought to bite the bullet and visit a medical clinic or private physician. Depending on where you live, there may be free clinics within commuting distance. And darn near all of the commercial clinics and private practices will examine you and set up a reasonable repayment schedule if you press them to do so.
As a last*resort, go to an emergency room. They must treat you there even if you can't pay.
All that said, "bumpy and itchy" and "had similar patches on my upper arms and they always went away" combined with your description of your foot pain suggests that you may have shingles, with a possibly serious secondary infection from scratching or broken skin causing the inflammation and lymph node swelling.
But I am NOT medically trained. PLEASE visit a physician.
* "As a last resort" because emergency rooms will bill you. Often at a FAR higher rate than private medical clinics and practices. And their bill will show up in credit reports (though it won't be nearly as damaging as unpaid non-medical bills). And be passed on to a collection agency if left unpaid. Despite their possible bullying tactics, a collection agency can't do much about unpaid medical bills unless&until you are earning significantly more than a poverty level income, or are living as if you do. And you have meaningful legal protections against collection agency harassment.
Community Health Centers, Inc. 12716 N.E. 36Th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73140-0589 Phone: 405-769-3301
Oklahoma Community Health Services Inc. 1025 Straka Terrace Oklahoma City, OK 73139-2544 Phone: 405-632-6688 X229
You need to call them. They each also have some outlying clinics, one may be closer to you. They can refer you as to where and when to go in.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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I went to the doctor (it was unfortunately before I saw your information, kq, but I thank you for it, anyway). She just said it was an infection. I'm supposed to put an antibiotic cream on it, plus take some antibiotic pills. I was also instructed to put Vaseline on it, plus this steroid cream to help heal it once the infection itself is gone.
And if it doesn't get better fairly soon I need to go back ASAP in case its something serious...
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Good luck.
