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Original poster

Pharyngitis

55 replies

HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 16:58

My throat is very very painful. No pain relief touching it. Can't get throat spray far enough back, just numbs the back of my mouth. Tried warm drinks, paracetamol, ibuprofen, Difflam. Saw OOH GP who said it was borderline whether viral or bacterial and prescribed antibiotics but said to wait 24 hrs to see if it improves or take them if symptoms get worse. I'm a SAHM of a nearly two year old, and am not looking forward to tomorrow when DH is back at work. It hurts to talk and my head is also painful.

It hasn't got worse since this morning, or not significantly, I don't think. I had no pus in throat when seen this morning, have no cough and no fever, though did have a mild one overnight and couldn't get warm to the point of shivering for two hours last night, then woke up boiling after using extra blankets. GP said neck glands are up. He said unlikely to be Strep A as no strawberry tongue or tummy pain.

My throat is very painful. I can swallow but it hurts.

Should I start the antibiotics? It really is very sore and I'm not looking forward to tonight but equally don't want to take them if they'll have no effect anyway as it's viral. Any thoughts as I'm getting a bit desperate for pain relief.

OP posts:
Orchidflower1 · 01/05/2023 17:02

Have you tested for covid? Both times I’ve had it, it started with an awful throat.

If it’s not covid then take the antibiotics - get well soon. 💐

Original poster
HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 17:03

I have tested, yes, and it's negative.

Thank you, I feel dreadful.

OP posts:
vickyq1983 · 01/05/2023 17:06

I could have absolutely written this. I've never felt so poorly with such a sore throat. I'm taking pain meds back to back and it's not even touching it. Last night was horrendous, I honestly slept better when I was labouring with my son. I've not got antibiotics but I think I'll have to see the doc tomorrow if it's no better. I've honestly not felt this ill for years. No advice but solidarity

Original poster
HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 17:08

Oh no @vickyq1983 . I wouldn't wish this on anyone, so sorry you have it too! My neck hurts down the back as well, do you have the same? I think I'm just going to take the penicillin.

OP posts:
Newhobbybaker · 01/05/2023 17:10

I'd probably take it to see if it helps.
That being said, when I had pharyngitis, my GP gave me a steroid rather than an antibiotic.

vickyq1983 · 01/05/2023 17:11

Yes my neck aches. Kind of like when you sleep on it awkwardly. I would take the penicillin if I were you. I would if I had some.

Original poster
HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 17:16

Started them, thanks everyone

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Original poster
HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 18:21

Can anyone help with pain relief. I'm struggling to see how I can do 48 hrs more of this before antibiotics kick in, if I'm even lucky enough for it to be two days not three...

OP posts:
Greentree1 · 01/05/2023 18:29

Saline gargle? Don't make it too strong, look up recipe.

Original poster
HoboHippo · 01/05/2023 18:39

Thanks @Greentree1 but I can't gargle. Am emetophobic, though managed it fairly well these days, and think I'd panic and swallow the saline.

OP posts:
Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 09:24

@vickyq1983 how are you doing today? I feel worse if anything. Desperate for some pain relief, it's just relentless.

OP posts:
vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 09:27

Hi, thanks for asking. Same as you I think I'm worse. I've got a doctors appointment at 10.20 so will update you with what's been said. Ive taken Nuromol which is the strongest pain meds my husband could find and it's taken the edge off more than anything else. I feel sick this morning as well. It's literally hell. I can't ever remember feeling this ill before from a cold / virus.

vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 09:36

Have you got some help with your toddler? I'm a SAHP as well but luckily my eldest has school and I told my mum she was going to have to have my youngest for the day!

Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 11:35

I feel sick too and the throat and head pain are awful. Thanks for asking about my little one, my mum has cancelled all her plans and come here too. I hope your doc appt goes well. I just hope whatever this is is bacterial so the AB will work.

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vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 16:51

How are you feeling? Do you think anti biotics are helping at all? I'm getting worse and I honestly don't know how much worse I can cope with getting. I don't get why the pain meds arnt touching it! Doctor swabbed for strep and has given me antibiotics which I've started.

Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 18:12

Absolutely terrible. The headache today is as bad as the throat. I forced a yoghurt down as hadn't eaten all day and couldn't face any more medication on an empty tummy. I've got loads of catarrh in my throat which has made me gag and I'm the same as you, that normal painkillers aren't touching the sides. So sorry you're still suffering as well, it's very unpleasant. Hard to say it AB are doing anything - everything I read says it will take 2-3 days to feel better and I don't even know if it is viral or bacterial.

OP posts:
Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 18:13

If doc gave you antibiotics he must think yours is bacterial, so that is at least something. Did he say you had any white spots on the throat?

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vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 18:35

He wasn't sure if it was bacterial or viral. No spots on my tonsils but I do have strawberry tongue but that doesn't necessarily mean bacterial strep 🙄. I feel the same about food, about to have a squished up jacket potato because I think I need it. Do you think there is any chance of turning a corner tomo? Honestly don't know if I can cope with another day of this, I know it will pass but honestly it's dreadful. Sorry no help here but solidarity. X

vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 18:36

Quick question, when did you start feeling ill?

Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 18:42

Saturday morning. Overnight I'd felt a mild soreness on one side of throat but didn't think anything of it. Saturday when I got up, throat was definitely sore and I didn't feel right at all. It's just got progressively worse since then. Do you have the thick phlegm/catarrh in throat? Strawberry tongue is a pretty big indicator for strep. Do you mind me asking roughly where in UK you are?

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vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 18:47

I'm in Kent. So I felt first sign of sore throat on Friday night. Saturday I was definitely under the weather but it was manageable. Sunday is when it kicked off big time and I've been in bed since Sunday lunch time. Yeah a bit of phlegm in the back of my throat but not loads. Just hoping to feel a little better at least tomo.

Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 18:59

I have not been able to get out of bed today other than to go the loo. It might be wishful thinking but I think the throat might have eased a bit, although it definitely still hurts. Headache is still absolutely awful still. I totally hear you about not being sure if you can cope with another day of it. Obviously we will cope with it but it has totally stopped me in my tracks. I am WAY more ill than with Covid, it's not even comparable. I was also ill with a bad cold virus that took three weeks to go and I'd been better a few days when I came down with this. Not sure what is going on but I cannot wait to feel better!

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Original poster
HoboHippo · 02/05/2023 19:01

Doc was the same for me - he used a scoring tool and I was borderline for bacterial or viral. So annoying. It's good you got swabbed, as at least you'll know either way.

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vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 19:02

Yes exactly the same! I had a cold for 2 weeks prior, felt better for 2 days and then this. It obviously gets you when your immune system is low. I've not got out of bed all day either except for the docs which absolutely wiped me out.

vickyq1983 · 02/05/2023 19:03

I've had covid 3 times and would have it again any day of the week over this!