Has anyone had hand, foot and mouth? Can't swallow!

[Mybobowler]

Just looking for some reassurance or some advice on whether I need to go back to my GP.

I have what I'm fairly sure is hand, foot and mouth. Caught from my baby, but diagnosed on Tuesday as a throat infection by GP and given antibiotics (aren't working, which I guess would make sense for HFM). Lots of itchy spots on my hands, around my mouth, tongue and the back of my throat. Even have spots inside my nose! I'm in absolute agony - my throat is so raw and swollen, it feels like swallowing gravel. Paracetamol and ibuprofen only take the edge off, but I can't eat anything and I can barely drink. Just swallowing my saliva feels like a huge effort. I've got a benzocaine mouth spray, but it makes no difference at all.

This is easily the nastiest illness I've ever had, it's horrendous. Does anyone know how long it's likely to last? It started on Monday evening but it just seems to be getting worse and worse. I'm trying to keep drinking but I'm worried about getting dehydrated, particularly as I'm breastfeeding. Is there anything a GP could give me to help? So miserable.

[moita]

I've caught this from my toddlers. They were both poorly but nothing like me! Feels like flu and I've got spots popping up.

If it is HFM its viral so nothing can be given. I recommend ice lollies, yoghurt and ice cream. Talcum powder helped my daughter when they were on her feet.

I've been poorly for around 3 days and starting to feel a bit better but spending most of the day on the couch while the kids eat snacks and watch TV.

Haven't been this poorly in a long time.

[Mybobowler]

Ohh moita I feel your pain! I've had to send my daughter in for an unscheduled nursery day today, as I'm still too poorly to take care of her - feeling a bit guilty! I've got terrible sores around my mouth, almost looks like impetigo were it not for all the other HFM symptoms. This is so grim! I bought some calamine lotion for my hands, so hopefully that'll help. Otherwise, I'll stick with the ice cream diet and hope this starts to improve in the day couple of days. Hope you're better soon!

[moita]

You too. It's awful isn't it?! And the NHS website says it's a mild illness

[foxatthewindow]

I had HFM a couple of years ago, caught from my toddler. It was truly miserable, excruciating. I did find that difflam spray was about the only thing that did anything. The worst part for me was that after the initial illness went I had spots on my tongue for at least a month, which were very unpleasant. If you can’t swallow perhaps give your gp a call and see if they can suggest anything. I don’t really remember that, just a very sore tongue

[managedmis]

Yes, it's a shitty, shitty illness.

And if your nails start to drop off in a few weeks it's because of the HFM.

Utter rubbish (I've had it twice!!)

[Mybobowler]

My nails might fall off?! This illness is brutal!

[moita]

How're you op? I'm recovered thank god. My poor DD's feet are peeling but we are all better Hope you're too!

[Mybobowler]

Thanks moita, still feeling a bit fragile but definitely getting better - it's still difficult to swallow but I'm eating again! Glad you and your DD are on the end - will await the peely stage! What a nasty illness eh?!

[moita]

Yes really really horrible.