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A question for the guys (or ladies that may know) Humira and an infection in a bad place....

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/6/2012 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
So a few weeks ago I noticed that one of my testicles was a little sore.  The soreness kept getting worse, until it affected how I sit, move etc...  So I checked and felt a hard "lump" about 1/4 of the size of the testicle.  I made an appointment to see my Urologist for the next morning (his office considered it an "emergency" and pushed me in to be seen right away).

So after examining everything he said that I have a testicular infection and said I will need to take antibiotics for at least 30 days but up to 6 months to clear it up.  I asked him about the Humira and he said that it was probably what made the infection stay and get worse, but to continue taking it because the antibiotics should be enough to treat it.

So following my Gastroenterologists "Protocol" that she gave me when she started the Humira I called her office to report that I was being treated for the infection but that the Urologist said it was fine to stay on the Humira.  The nurse called me back the next morning and said the GI discontinued the Humira and ordered stool cultures (to check for C. Diff I guess) because I developed diarrhea after starting he antibiotic.  She also said I have to come in to be seen after I see the Urologist for the follow-up.

Has anyone ever had or heard of a problem like this before?  I am very much aware of the infection risk, but why did it happen there?

I completely understand the GI doing what she has done.  She needs to make sure the infection is eradicated before I receive another dose of the Humira.

Posted 9/6/2012 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
That seems an odd place for an infection to me, too. Good questions for the urologist.  See http://www.emedicinehealth.com/testicle_infection_epididymitis/article_em.htm for more info on this kind of infection and its causes.

Antibiotics can wreak havoc on your gut flora. Be sure to use probiotics while you're taking the meds.
Posted 9/6/2012 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Did your urologist order any blood or urine testing? The reason I ask it a couple years ago we had a fellow come here describing a similar problem. I located some documentation stating that Crohn's can cause extraintestinal manifestations in the testicular area.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22768472 Without testing there is no way to know if it is a bacterial infection needing antibiotics.

Posted 9/6/2012 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have not had any blood work done recently.  I am clear of any STD's that may cause the epididymitis and orchitis.  I guess after physically examining them he thought infection was the most logical cause and he decided to try antibiotics first.

I have also been eating 2 yogurts per day since I started on the antibiotics, which is my normal routine for antibiotic treatment.

Thanks for that article Ides.  I printed a copy to mail to my Urologist with a note to see what he thinks.  I have an appointment on the 27th with my PCP and the Urologist so I will bring it up to both.

I was diagnosed in 2005 with Crohn's and this is the first problem I have had with my testicles as a result.  It's kind of weird and bothersome. smhair

Posted 9/6/2012 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I will look for the other articles. I know of one in PDF so I will email it to you later. At one time I had a whole file of related articles. New computer and I still am not as organized as I once was.
Posted 9/7/2012 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks :)
Posted 9/7/2012 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
I noticed you take Androgel. Could that cause the testicular swelling? Has your doctor ruled that out?
Posted 9/7/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
AndroGel can cause (and has) testicular atrophy (they get smaller). The hard spot and pain is only in one testicle, not both and he said he does not think the AndroGel is to blame.
Posted 9/7/2012 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry Jason.  Humira is a nasty drug.  I have been on it for a little over a year now.  I have delveloped psoriasis because of it.  I have heard of people getting Lupus because of it also.  Humira lowers our immune system so we develope other things our bodies might normally fight off.

As for stopping the Humira because of the D, I don't know about that.  Antibiotics can naturally cause D because it kills our gut.  Even if you weren't on Humira and didn't have IBD, you still might react badlly to the antibiotics.  I think your GI is just be too cautious.

Take some probiotics and still to a bland low residue diet while you take the antibiotics.  Hopefully all will heal and you will be fine.  Feel better.

Posted 9/7/2012 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
I see the GI's point in stopping the Humira. IF it is something like C. Diff then I definately don't need to be on an immunospuressant.

In 2010 I also tested positive for VRE so that is a concern too; however, my last 2 cultures for VRE were negative.
Posted 9/13/2012 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
UPDATE

I was scheduled for an epidural injection in my cervical spine today.  Just as the nurse was about to start the IV the physician cancelled the procedure and said it wont be rescheduled until after the Urologist says the infections is clear.  I have no pain meds for the ruptured disc.  My only source of releif was the injection series.

So now the Humira is discontinued and my GI symptoms are getting worse AND I have no pain relief at all.  All of this on top of an infected testicle!

This sucks cry

Posted 9/13/2012 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Jason, can you do some physical therapy for the ruptured disc? I saw elsewhere that you are in Houston - I know a great physiatrist who may be able to help.
Posted 9/14/2012 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I am not in Houston anymore.  I live in Lubbock now.  I have been to Physical Therapy 3 times total.  I have like 8 bulging discs and one is ruptured and compressing the spinal cord.
Posted 9/14/2012 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Ugh, sorry to hear the issues you're having Jason. I hope you get better soon and feel better too.

I have issues with my back also, herniated discs, degenerative vertebrae and so on.
If you can or are up to it, here are a few examples of core exercises that I do to not only strengthen my core but it also helps to alleviate the pain.

Exercises to improve your core strength-
www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00047

You can also do some searches for other core exercises. I definitely recommend this site for exercises and it shows exercises for particular muscles.
It is definitely my favorite site for a muscle directory and showing proper techniques-
www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html
Posted 9/14/2012 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Jason, my husband has had a similar infection in the past. I can't remember the details as it's been s few years ago. But I do remember he did a course of antibiotics and that cleared it up, I hope the same goes for you.

Did your GI not think it was just the antibiotics that caused the D? I was just on cephtin(SP) for my chest and had D every day I was on it. But it's probably good that at least they are on top of it. I hope you get your injection soon, in the mean time do ice packs help at all. I get some relief from them for my lumbar spine.
Posted 9/15/2012 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
I've got this thing where fluid sometimes accumulates around my right testicle. It's happened a few times, most recently after surgery. It makes things generally tender and uncomfortable. Maybe you've got something similar, and it got infected? In any case, I hope your junk gets better! I get really scared whenever this fluid thing happens, I'd hate to have it get infected too.
Posted 9/15/2012 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have a Hydrocele.  It is just very bothersome and in a horrible place to have any problems. confused
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