To not take the antibiotics I've been prescribed?

[lomplanter]

I have tonsillitis. Tonsils are swollen, red, covered in white patches. I haven't taken any antibiotics yet, but have used throat spray.

I went through a phase of regularly getting it, and was hospitalised once in 2021. But the last time I had it was around three years ago now.

I went to the pharmacist and under the new service he gave me some antibiotics and throat spray. He examined me etc.

I attended because earlier, I felt pretty unwell. Hot, aching, fatigued, nauseous, and just generally shit. Along with the throat pain (definitely bearable). I had definitely over exerted myself prior.

I feel much better better now, still not amazing but not horrendous. I can cope with the pain of swelling.

I really don't want to take them unnecessarily and fuck up my gut microbiome/health.

DP thinks I'm being ridiculous, and should just take them. I feel like I shouldn't? Maybe I should wait?

AIBU?

I get tonsillitis at least once a year. They won’t take them out as I’m an adult and apparently the surgery is more dangerous for adults and not worth it for a once/twice a year thing.
I never get antibiotics. I feel rubbish for a week and then it clears up. I’d be taking them too often if I go antibiotics for this.

I was prescribed antibiotics after a hospital stay last year. I asked them if they were breastfeeding friendly and the male nurse who prescribed them said he wasn't sure. So I had a Google and I couldn't see anything saying they were safe, so I didn't take them. I had a 42 degree temp for over a week and they weren't sure what was wrong with me either as refused to do any tests

Poor practice from the nurse (sex irrelevant), but you had many options other than just not bothering to take them. Ask him to ask the hospital pharmacy, ask a community pharmacist, contact your health visitor, ask your GP, contact the Breastfeeding Network...

I don’t think some people care, they just want you to know they’re very teeny tiny and that’s all that matters. 🙄

Either take them or don't, just make sure if you do take them take the full course in the dose prescribed as otherwise as pp said, you won't kill bacteria off, just make them resistant.

It's also a valid choice not to even start if you are already feeling better and haven't yet started the course.

Yes I'm aware but it was over a year ago so it's a bit late now 😂 I did ask on my breastfeeding group, but no one had heard of it either

@innerdesign has been trying to educate the MN public for a while on healthcare and medication, thank you for your service but am afraid whoever said it’s not Putin that will kill us, it’s the general public, was right.

Hope your working conditions have improved, innerdesign

Take the whole course of antibiotics. There is a reason why you're supposed to - it stops the bacteria from developing a resistance.

If your gut health is worrying you, take some probiotics, eat some yoghurt and greens. Your gut will be fine.

You know yourself. If you can do without them, I would.

You are being unreasonable. Antibiotics are no longer prescribed willy nilly, you have been given them because you need them. Pls ignore people who say to vary the dose, take them as given, otherwise it narrows what further antibiotics you can take effectively if these do not resolve your condition.

This is truly one of the maddest thing I’ve read on mumsnet and that’s up against incredibly stiff competition.

If you think this is such an intelligent move, please mention it to your doctor when they are next prescribing you antibiotics. Until then, please stop repeating it online, you might contribute to someone’s serious illness.

The stupidity and inaccuracy of this comment exceeds all my expectations on the antibiotic discussion.
I'm betting you have no medical qualifications whatsoever.

I might wait a couple of days. Recently I had months and months of issues of constantly getting utis, BV and thrush after some antibiotics. Like my vagina had just been thrown totally out of whack. I've only just managed to get to a good place. I'd not be eager for more antibiotics.

I’m a vet and that is absolutely not how antibiotic dosages are calculated

I think you're being ridiculous. You really don't want to end up with quinsy.

Absolutely batshit. If AB make you unwell you either need to eat with them or try a different one.

The Teeny Tiny Bat(shit) Signal has been lit.

Another product that can help protect the microbiome is Optibac - available from health food stores, I think including Holland and Barrett. There are various types but you will see that one is labelled for those on antibiotics.

NO

This is absolutely mad and dangerous advice in relation to antibiotics.

of course- don't take them if you feel you don't need them, trust your gut (haha).

Definitely don't take them and enjoy the sepsis.

Most often tonsillitis is viral, not bacterial- I'm with you- antibiotics are handed out far too readily for things that if you juts waited a couple of days, start to improve anyway. I wouldn't bother with them if you're feeling better. As a regular tonsillitis sufferer, I e had antibiotics once on the last 5 years and the rest of the time juts let the infection do its thing and get better. Taking less than the prescribed dose as someone has suggested, unless you are under 50kg and have been advised to do so is extremely silly- you'll lessen the efficacy and may as well have not bothered.