Strep throat, sooo miserable.

[euphrosyne_rose]

Hey girl! Glad you are feeling a little better! I've had issues with strep throat plenty in my life and there was a time when I was a freshman in high school that I developed something similar to what you are going through. I was actually studying for final exams that year and had like 3 exams left to take. I started with the scratchy, itchy throat and fever and by Monday morning, was so miserable and barely able to swallow that I had to miss school. The doctor informed us it was strep and that I had to stay out of school. Well, Mom had to call the school and thankfully, I was exempted from my last few exams b/c I already had A's in the classes. About a week later, I went back in for a follow up and STILL had strep, even though I had been given the same antibiotic regimen you were given. 2 weeks after THAT, I STILL had it. No pain anymore thankfully but I still had to sit of out things so I didn't infect anyone. It was such a miserable time. Finally after a whole MONTH of having strep and taking antibiotics, I beat it.

I am now 29 and just this past Christmas I had my tonsils taken out. I think it's possible that if you talk to your doctor about getting them taken out, most of that throat/allergy stuff you suffer with will stop. I went originally b/c I had a cyst on one of my tonsils and my doctor recommended I get them taken out. He said I would notice significantly less to almost no sore throat pain after I had them out and should also have less problems with my sinuses b/c once the tonsils are gone, the phlegm has no where to "hide" and cause infection. I went and had it done and so far, I've had no problems. Now, don't get me wrong, having that surgery was not the best time of my life. They say the older you are, the worse the aftermath of the surgery is. So, if you do end up doing it, just know that it takes between 1-3 weeks to recuperate from it. It took me almost 2 weeks. I was on liquid Lortab every 4 hrs for the pain and after the 2nd day or so, the Lortab was not lasting every 4 hrs so the doctor told me it was ok to take it every 3 hrs instead. After the 4th or 5th day I couldn't stomach the Lortab anymore b/c of the sickly sweet smell and taste. By that time I was ok with taking Tylenol gel caps and it helped alot. I also had alot of ear pain and had to get numbing ear drops. But don't let that scare you if you do end up getting your tonsils out b/c some people have no problems! I think it would definitely be something to think about b/c in the long run, most of those throat issues you have should be done. Hope that helps some!

 

[X4biddenxLustX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica0984 I think it is possible that the hot spicy foods possibly irritated and or burned your tonsils a little causing an entry way for bacteria to settle in. I am also really worried about having to take antibotics when they really aren't necessary. Well make that any medicine. I don't want to get super immune to drugs when one day I might REALLY need them. On a brighter note I am glad that you are feeling better!

My mom use to always blame my throat/tonsil problems on hot spicy foods and I use to always think she was crazy and didn't know what she was talking about. I guess it is possible though? It sucks though cause I LOVE spicy foods and I use to douse my school lunches on a daily basis with packets of hot sauce. I guess no more of that now

. I think it's the same way with my little brother too. He's actually came down with a fever just a few days ago...and has a sore throat....ugh. Better not be strep! Just can't take no more of it

.

I hate taking antibiotics for any reason. But it is necessary sometimes so yeah I'm SOL. Not only does it mess with my birth control (After I started taking the Cephalexin I ended up getting my period which wasn't due until I took my Nuvaring out two weeks later) but some of them make me super sick on top of being sick already from some icky infection. Plus knowing that I am possibly contributing to the emergence of some crazy super bug isn't comforting either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by euphrosyne_rose Hey girl! Glad you are feeling a little better! I've had issues with strep throat plenty in my life and there was a time when I was a freshman in high school that I developed something similar to what you are going through. I was actually studying for final exams that year and had like 3 exams left to take. I started with the scratchy, itchy throat and fever and by Monday morning, was so miserable and barely able to swallow that I had to miss school. The doctor informed us it was strep and that I had to stay out of school. Well, Mom had to call the school and thankfully, I was exempted from my last few exams b/c I already had A's in the classes. About a week later, I went back in for a follow up and STILL had strep, even though I had been given the same antibiotic regimen you were given. 2 weeks after THAT, I STILL had it. No pain anymore thankfully but I still had to sit of out things so I didn't infect anyone. It was such a miserable time. Finally after a whole MONTH of having strep and taking antibiotics, I beat it. I am now 29 and just this past Christmas I had my tonsils taken out. I think it's possible that if you talk to your doctor about getting them taken out, most of that throat/allergy stuff you suffer with will stop. I went originally b/c I had a cyst on one of my tonsils and my doctor recommended I get them taken out. He said I would notice significantly less to almost no sore throat pain after I had them out and should also have less problems with my sinuses b/c once the tonsils are gone, the phlegm has no where to "hide" and cause infection. I went and had it done and so far, I've had no problems. Now, don't get me wrong, having that surgery was not the best time of my life. They say the older you are, the worse the aftermath of the surgery is. So, if you do end up doing it, just know that it takes between 1-3 weeks to recuperate from it. It took me almost 2 weeks. I was on liquid Lortab every 4 hrs for the pain and after the 2nd day or so, the Lortab was not lasting every 4 hrs so the doctor told me it was ok to take it every 3 hrs instead. After the 4th or 5th day I couldn't stomach the Lortab anymore b/c of the sickly sweet smell and taste. By that time I was ok with taking Tylenol gel caps and it helped alot. I also had alot of ear pain and had to get numbing ear drops. But don't let that scare you if you do end up getting your tonsils out b/c some people have no problems! I think it would definitely be something to think about b/c in the long run, most of those throat issues you have should be done. Hope that helps some!

Thanks! I seriously hope my brother doesn't have strep. This has been the worst and longest bout of illness I've had in a long time. Not fun at all either. The worst part apart from the pain is knowing how contagious it is and how easy you can get treated for it and then catch it again right afterward. It affects EVERYONE around you, I had to like isolate myself during the first few days of treatment on antibiotics.

I'm glad that you were exempt from your finals! Ugh it would of sucked to have to take them while having a fever and in pain. I'm hoping to get a job soon and I really can't afford to take any time off nor do I think an employer will be happy about it even if it is strep (they don't want it spreading to others at work but still..it doesn't look good on your attendence especially when you just started working there).

I have considered about asking my doctor about having them removed before in the past. They've never mentioned any serious concern over my tonsils throughout the years though despite what I've gone through. I've heard that they aren't as willing to remove someone's tonsils as they were before. But if it is really really bad then they will consider it. Idk if I'm at that point yet, I've heard of people who got strep like 4 5 times consecutively! I usually have one infection that requires antibiotics every fall or winter each year.

To be honest, I'm very hesistant over it or any surgery period. I have an abnormal fear of waking up after the procedure in agonizing pain and not being able to do anything about it. I know that they prescribe meds to manage the pain when your home but still I'm afraid. Tylenol and Ibuprofen have become less and less effective for me as I've taken them A LOT for headaches, period cramps, and lower back pain. I really wish I could be off any kind of meds for good (I'm currently taking Allegra everyday cause my house's air ducts need cleaned out BADLY and my dad just won't get around to it).