In agony- what can I take?

[Mishy1234]

My throat/ears are agony (so sore can't swallow). Thought it was tonsillitis, but according to GP yesterday it's a virus (although couldn't see my tonsils when he looked), so no antibiotics and advised to take paracetamol and ibuprofen.

This is what I've been doing but it doesn't seem to touch the pain at all. Getting really desperate as have been like this since sat and not getting sleep. Breastfeeding too, so guess that limits what I can take.

Throat lozenges are no use as too painful to swallow.

All suggestions welcome. Really desperate and close to tears (ok, there have already been some!).

[JustKeepSparkling]

Think you have to go back to the doctor's, really emphasise how painful it is, cry if need be, and that you've been like this for 4 days now.

Otherwise, are you alternating the para/neurofen? try to make sure you don't let your pain 'take over' as it's much harder to get back on top of it then.
i think you shd be taking one, then the other, every 2 hours (at least that's what i remember re DC meds when v poorly).

Also hot drinks might help? keep your fluids up anyway.

[nickytwotimes]

You poor thing.

I don't think codiene based stuff is recommended when bfing, as it transfers to baby and can make them a bit drowsy/colicky, but I suppose it depends onthe age of the baby?

Your GP could have given you a gargle. I used to get one when I had tonsilitis but can't remember name.

JKS makes a good point about keeping on top of the pain (though that sounds impossible atm!) and alternating meds is the way to go. Max 4 doses paracetamol and 3 doses Ibuprofen in 24 hrs.

[Mishy1234]

Thanks guys. I just can't believe how sore it is. I haven't been in this much pain since having DS2 (very different kind of pain of course).

I'm already alternating the paracetamol and ibuprofen, so hate to think how painful it would be if I wasn't taking anything. The gargle sounds good. Might see if I can get them to prescribe it over the phone. Then there's the snow to get through...

In any case, thanks so much for answering so early in the morning. It's much appreciated.

[maxybrown]

Mishy I have sore throat from hell too. Not been to docs yet though.

I have had honey in hot water this morning, though it is still on FIRE!! I have no tonsills but where they should be is almost luminous red and not sleeping due to the pain. I gargled with soluble paracetamol but to be honest nothing is touching it - so have my full sympathies x

[Mishy1234]

Been back to the dr have been prescribed Penicillin. He thinks it's strep throat, so should know soon as I think antibiotics work fairly quickly (I hope!).

Sorry you're feeling so rough maxybrown. What you're describing is almost exactly the same as my symptoms. I just can't believe how painful it is. I would get along to the docs asap and see if they can do anything. Hope you feel better soon.

[maxybrown]

Hmm, ok thanks for that - will look now and see if there is an app. Only thing is, docs is 2 bus journeys away and it's snowing like mad

Going to look at appts on line now though anyway, snwosing so hard not even sure if DH would be able to take me in car at min

Hope you improve, I feel even worse now, face is on fire

[nickytwotimes]

ouch.
strep throat is awful

abs should kick in in 48 hrs.

[maxybrown]

I feel soooooo shit have never felt this rough, just want to cry and no energy to do so

[nickytwotimes]

sore throats are the pits

[Keziahhopes]

Hi - I was given Difflam mouthwash when in hospital with tonsillitis (septic) and when I had tonsillitis again I bought a bottle, found it helped numb my throat for a while - welcome relief. Comes in a spray too.

I find sucking ice lollies a relief too. Hope it recovers soon.

[maxybrown]

oh god, ice lolly, I actually have some. will have one now. Thank you! Can't even think straight

It is very bad, my tongue is bright red ll along the sides and very very red slightly lumpy throat. Had tonsills out when I was 5 but still really suffer when I get a sore throat

[Elibean]

Gargle with soluble aspirin (make sure you spit it out, if you've had nurofen already). It really soothes locally, more effective than systemic pain relief IME.

You poor thing - I once had a nurse in hospital explain that throat pain is one of hte worst, because so many nerve endings in mucous membranes. She was right - I ended up unable to eat or drink and hospitalized because of ongoing throat pain once, so totally understand your tears. Hope better v soon, xx

[Elibean]

ps if still this bad tomorrow, go back to GP and ask if you can take Voltarol when BFing. It was more effective for my acute throat pain than codeine, by far. More effective than oromorph (morphine) even - I was given that in hospital for extensive throat/soft palate ulcers one time, but full dose Voltarol was better.

Hopefully you won't need to though - do try the aspirin gargle.

[maxybrown]

I gargled with paracetamol but not asprin - will it make a diff?

[Ivyesg35]

When I had a verrrrryyyyyy sore throat I bought an extremely effective throat spray called Benzydamine x